Image is the Forefront of Your Personal Brand
“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it."
-Edith Head
Image by Unsplash
When you think about a personal brand and who should have one, most people believe entrepreneurs, experts, public figures, and the like. You would be right. Professionals in those categories absolutely need a personal brand because they are their business. But what if I said any and everyone who has a career needs to maintain a personal brand?
Before I explain why, what exactly is a personal brand? As defined by Personalbrand.com, "a personal brand is a widely-recognized and largely-uniform perception or impression of an individual based on their experience, expertise, competencies, actions and/or achievements within a community, industry, or the marketplace at large."
Simply put, it's the reputation, perception, and impression that comes to mind when people think of you.
Why is it important? It helps tell your story and your message of who you are to the world. It communicates your values, beliefs, and purpose.
Whether we realize it or not, our personal brands have already been established. Every interaction, impression, how we communicate, down to how we look has informed others of who you are and what you're about. However, most people are not aware of this because they feel personal brands do not apply to them, thus, allowing others to make-up perceptions about you that may be untrue. The good news is you have absolute control over your personal brand narrative. It will require you to have a deep awareness of your message, but once you do, you're one step closer to establishing the reputation and perception you deserve.
So how does image play into all of this? Your image is the first thing others see. It solidifies your messaging and overall brand. It provides a physical confirmation that you are “legit," trustworthy, and mean business. For example, if you meet a Certified Public Accountant but he/she is dressed sloppily and uninspiring, looks disheveled, unorganized, would you think this person is a CPA? Take it one step further, would you want to do business with that person? Probably not, because their image contradicts what they do. The message embedded in a prospective client's mind is lack of care, not detailed oriented, unorganized, lack of creativity, pretty much the opposite qualities of a good CPA. No matter how skilled and qualified you are, if you are unable to establish trust by looking the part, you won’t be believable.
You have 7 seconds or less to make a lasting impression. Your image aids in setting that impression because we are all judged based on how we look and come across. When your image aligns with your personal brand, it reflects your self-worth, credibility, and ultimately, establishes trust. The right image will build up your confidence and connections that can lead to endless opportunities to unlock the life of your dreams. We are all walking billboards for our personal brands, and if you want to accelerate your personal and professional lives, it should be taken seriously.
Case in point, in my former career as an HR professional, a skilled and highly qualified general counsel was being considered for a high-level executive position. While she had established her business acumen, she ultimately did not receive the position because she did not dress the part of someone who would be the No.3 leader of the company. According to the decision-makers, she wouldn’t “present” well at meetings or in front of other dignitaries despite her qualifications.
What you wear matters! Now, this doesn’t mean everyone needs to be walking around in suits or top designer brands. Quite the opposite. Your personal brand gives you room to express who you are, style-wise. You should dress in a way that reflects your authenticity and help you stand out in the crowd.
When it comes to professional wardrobe choices, it’s always best to follow the culture of your employer or client. However, if you have flexibility or are an entrepreneur, I recommend dressing in Smart Business Casual. It’s an elevated casual look that’s all about having well-fitted garments in fine quality fabrics. It sets a good representation for your company and is a great choice when interfacing with clients. For women, this could entail tailored pants or a pencil skirt with a silk blouse or fine-knit top. For men, this can be tailored pants, a button-down shirt, with a cardigan, vest or blazer.
Depending on the environment, jeans may be appropriate. It’s best to opt for plain and dark jeans as they will look more professional (and chic!). To add a bit of visual interest, incorporate subtle prints/patterns, textures, accessories, or complimentary colors.
The key is to add some uniqueness without being too trendy. You should avoid anything ill-fitted, too casual looking, patterns/colors/accessories that are overly bright or trendy. In addition, women should avoid anything “provocative.” Smart Business Casual is about being polished and having style.
Are you ready to gain control of your personal brand? Schedule a free consultation with me by either visiting my website www.latricemonique.net or getting in touch with me via email at hello@latricemonique.net.
By Latrice Cole // Certified Image Consultant
Latrice cole
Latrice Cole is a certified image consultant and fashion stylist for women and men who want to align their look with their brand. Using her ten years of experience working as a senior human resources professional and her passion for fashion, she turns getting dressed into a business strategy.
Latrice curates wardrobes for everyone from musicians and corporate professionals to real estate agents and six-figure entrepreneurs to boost their confidence, feel more comfortable and appear more trustworthy. Her approach saves clients money, time and stress. When she’s not styling clients, you can find her peeking into shops on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to track the latest trends.
Photo Courtesy of Latrice Cole /// Photo by Stacy Be Photography