Winning Articles

Winning Image articles are jam-packed with FREE information
and are written to enlighten and inspire YOU…

Here Diane gives you the skills that YOU can
implement right away and without spending money!

HOW SHOULD YOU LOOK IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES?

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The best you possibly can! Looking great will lift your mood giving you a more positive outlook on your life. There’s no denying that we’re living in scary and uncertain times. Since there are no guarantees in life today, it’s even more imperative that we live each moment to its fullest. And how do we get the most out of each and every day when the news seems to be so grim? By doing the things we enjoy most with the people we care about; and by taking care of yourself so that your body and your mind remain strong. The more emotional strength you can muster, the better you’ll be at handling challenges as they come your way. Developing a strong and pleasing image for you is the first step towards increasing your inner strength and outer appeal.

Your image isn’t just a facade as some might suggest. Rather, it’s an outer expression of your inner-most thoughts, values and feelings; and if that expression is an accurate one, you’ll have the courage and the confidence to face each day. You’ll feel balanced, energized and more generous towards others.

The right image draws others to you and that becomes a feedback loop – when people perceive you as appealing and approachable and you, in turn, will feel more positive towards others. Your “winning image” will help you to create and maintain rapport with others. Looking and feeling good is just another tool that you can draw upon much like any other skill or asset that you have acquired.

A positive and attractive image (that’s the right look for you) will add to the quality of your life. There’s nothing superficial or inconsequential about looking and feeling good- and enjoying life despite the troubling times we live in. The benefits of a Winning Image will also help you to live in the moment more peacefully.

If you’re uncertain about your image, now is the time to do something about it. There’s no better time than the present to create the life you’ve always imagined for yourself. After all, today is all that we’re promised. Why put off looking and feeling your best for another day when you can have what you’ve always wanted today?

CLOSET GUILT
By Janet Wood, Fashion Fit Formula

Have you ever added up the cost of the clothing that hangs unworn in the back of your closet? The amount of money is scary isn’t it? Yet, I bet you never went into a store and said “Give me something ugly to buy?” No, of course you didn’t. Yet if you are like the typical woman you only wear approximately 20 to 30% of your wardrobe.

It’s time to evaluate your clothing and end Closet Guilt! All you need a full length mirror. Take one outfit at a time. Is the color flattering? If the answer is no, evaluate it. Can you wear it with a scarf that would bring a more flattering color near your face? If the answer is no again – get rid of it. You can fix a lot of things but color isn’t one of them.

If it is one size too tight, take it out of your everyday closet and store it until you have lost weight. On the other hand if the item is too large, then examine it closely. Is it made of good fabric? Do you like the style and color? Does it go with other things in your closet? If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then consider if the alterations to fix it would cost less than half the price of a new garment? If the answer is no (except for a sentimental attachment), get rid of it!

The most frustrating problems are the outfits that have a great color and fabric but you just don’t “feel” right when you wear them. Most likely the proportion is wrong for your body. Compare the unworn clothing to your favorites. What is the same and what is different?

In art class they teach that the perfectly proportioned figure is eight head lengths long. Of course each designer has his or her own standard. For one, the perfect model might be 5 foot 6 inches for another 5 foot 8 inches and so forth. No wonder clothing sizes between designers vary.

In an art class I tried to paint a life size portrait of myself for my mother. I had a friend measure my head, stretched out the canvas and measured out 8 head lengths. The only problem was that the body in the sketch was 5 foot 7 inches but I was only 5 foot 2 inches!

Immediately, I realized that those missing 5 inches were the reason that clothes didn’t look as good on me as they did on the models in magazines. Since figures and clothing have similar math components I set about trying to develop a mathematical formula which would put clothing in perfect proportion for my figure. It took about a year and a half but finally I had it. I knew the exact mathematical hem lines for skirts, dresses, shorts, capris, jacket lengths for me! When I tried the formula on my friend’s measurements it worked for them as well, without fail.

Although I didn’t know it at the time, the results of the formula are independent of weight gain and loss. Thirty-five years later, although I am heavier, my vertical measurements are the same. After I retired from a successful corporate career, I joined in partnership with Kathy McFadden to form Pivotal Impressions and help every woman look her best through linear proportion. We have named the mathematical solution the Fashion Fit Formula. Call Diane Schwartz, owner of Winning Image at 561-733-0982 to find out more about the Fashion Fit Formula. End Closet Guilt forever!

THERE’S MORE TO A WINNING IMAGE THAN MEETS THE EYE

How you communicate tells the world who you are and gives others insight into your history. The words you use, your rate of speech, how you move, eat and react to circumstances speaks volumes about your education, economic status, professional success and your upbringing. Therefore, it’s essential that you pay attention to everything you do and be conscious of your decisions and resulting behavior. Often people get stuck in behaviors that no longer serve them well and for whatever reason, feel defensive and resistant to learning more positive and effective ways of communicating. This applies to individuals as well as to businesses.

It’s essential that in order to continue growing and developing in your personal and professional life that you remain open to learning new and better ways of communicating to the world. Keep in mind, nobody’s perfect or knows everything! The image principles that I teach are not part of the typical educational system so give yourself a break! Learning about image, body language and dining etiquette is very inspiring and empowering and should not pose a threat to anyone’s ego. Granted no one likes to be told that they are doing something wrong but that’s not the point of image and etiquette coaching. It’s not a matter of right and wrong; rather it’s about learning more appealing and appropriate ways of communicating and interacting with others. Its purpose is to help you build rapport with others.

Eliminating blocks to communication and making others feel comfortable and appreciated in your presence will help you build rapport with others. In business, the simple gesture of returning phone calls promptly, knowing how to make proper introductions, dining with grace and class, using proper grammar when speaking and being open to the ideas of others will greatly enhance your image in the eyes others.

Conversely, if you avoid business calls, ignore people and render them “socially invisible” by not making proper introductions, dine without respect to the proper social graces, use poor language and close others down from expressing themselves, you’ll damage your relationships and how others view you. If you’re in business, you could unknowingly be offending others and this will definitely impact your bottom line. Socially, it will affect the success of your relationships if you annoy others due to your irritating behavior.

Professional image and etiquette coaching can teach you how to interact with confidence and grace. Knowing how to act in a myriad of situations will give you a distinct advantage in the marketplace that will translate into increased referrals and repeat business. In your personal relationships, it will translate to better communication and fewer inter-personal conflicts.

Smart business people know that image and etiquette training is essential for the success of a business especially in today’s troubled market. What’s going to set you apart from the competition? For good or bad, it could be your image. What is your image saying about you?

MORE SKIN, LESS RESPECT

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Don’t let your million-dollar business be sabotaged by a less than professional appearance. Your professional image is you most powerful marketing tool if used to your advantage. It can communicate quality, responsibility, and success. Yet some women unknowingly undermine their professionalism by wearing revealing clothing such as plunging necklines and short hemlines. This is not to imply that you have to cover up your femininity, but there are limits to just how much you should expose. Showing more skin will render you vulnerable and touchable – and consequently, less effective. Revealing too much distracts your audience from the business at hand, and you’ll run the risk of leaving a less than positive lasting impression. On the other hand, the less you show the more credible you’ll be, and subsequently, the more control you’ll have over the communication process. If your goal is to be a well-dressed professional woman, manage your image, just as you would your career, and use the following guidelines: dress appropriately for the occasion, be clear about your message, and avoid clingy and revealing clothing. By choosing to switch the attention from yourself and onto the needs of others, you will be perceived as service-oriented, trustworthy, and efficient. Now repeat after me, “Less skin, more respect!”

HOW TO USE YOUR APPEARANCE
TO BUILD RAPPORT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE

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Business men and women, is your appearance tripping you up? Does your professional image compete with your company’s message? Does the way you look speak louder than your words?

If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, your appearance is having a negative impact upon your business’ reputation and ultimate success. If your clients and prospects are distracted and find your appearance to be more compelling and memorable than your words, then your image clearly demands your full attention. With planning and attention to detail, you can design your appearance to support your message, build rapport with your audience, and create a positive reputation that follows you everywhere. Avoid these pitfalls and you will increase your confidence and thereby, increase your sales.

1. Understand your audience and their expectations regarding your appearance. An example might be wearing a summer suit while presenting to an audience up north during winter. This might cause some to question, “What was he/she thinking, and didn’t they do their homework?” You can risk losing your audience this way. Know your audience and how they dress; then dress with your message and their expectations in mind.

2. Avoid wearing bright colors when presenting to a small audience where you have eye contact with all of the participants. A color that speaks louder than you might distract your audience. For a small audience in a small room, wear neutral colors. Save your bright colors for large groups, so your audience can spot you at a distance.

3. Avoid dressing like a fashion plate. Following fashion trends might serve you well socially, but in business people might assume that you’re unreliable and not serious about your work. Unless you’re in a creative industry or your audience consists of artsy or techno types, stick to more conventional business attire; looking trendy before a conservative audience can undermine your authority.

4. Avoid looking stale or dated. How you look is an indication of how you think. Looking dull or stuck in another decade encourages others to assume that you are unaware of yourself, the environment and the times. Just as it’s important to keep up with developments in business, it’s equally important to keep your wardrobe current and looking contemporary.

5. Avoid wearing cheap, worn or tired clothes. People will assume that your work is not quality if your clothes look bad. Wear the best quality clothing you can afford. People will then assume that you’re discerning and that your work is of an equally high standard.

6. Avoid revealing too much skin. It’s incorrect for women to assume that warm climates exempt them from the universal guidelines of appropriate business dress. Wearing revealing clothes distracts and confuses your audience from the business at hand; and renders you vulnerable and touchable especially in the eyes of men. While this might work for you socially, for more power, credibility and authority show less skin.

7. Avoid wearing focal points that demand attention. “Look at me! No… over here, look at me!” Focal points such as colored buttons, white stockings, unpolished shoes, wrinkled collars, cheap ties, stains, over bleached hair, incorrect makeup, bright nail polish, outdated hair cuts, nose and ear hairs, etc. – will keep your audience busy and fascinated by your lack of attention to detail. Make sure that you don’t give your audience too many things to look at and examine. Keep your appearance simple, neat and attractive.

8. Avoid wearing accessories that move or make noise when you move. Anything that moves on your person will attract others away from your message. Avoid noisy keys, coins and bracelets, dangling earrings, too many rings, hair accessories, tattoos and body piercing.

9. Avoid wearing colors that make you look tired or dull. People are attracted to people who look healthy, energetic, attractive and confident. Your business attire should flatter the natural landscape found in your skin, hair and eyes, and be a natural extension of you. Know what colors enhance you, and if you don’t know, have an expert custom color analysis done. When you look well, people will naturally assume that you’re doing well.

10. Avoid looking cold and unapproachable. Smile and you’ll break down barriers between you and your prospects. Most likely, they’ll smile back because smiling is so contagious. Additionally, a smile will take years off your appearance. And when your prospects see that you’re enjoying yourself, they’ll be more receptive to listening, learning and buying.

Keep in mind that your appearance tells the world who you are. In fact, 55% of people’s perceptions of you are based on their visual impressions; and only 7% is based on what you say! 83% of all the decisions you make are based on your visual observations. Through proper wardrobe selection tell the world that you’re a professional with expertise, a defined image and a clear message. Your appearance (that is, how you look and how you act) is your most powerful marketing tool – use it to your advantage!

BARBIE DOLL? NO. THE REAL YOU. YES!

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You don’t have to look like a Barbie (or Ken) doll for people to want to do business with you. Being perfect is not the point of developing an effective business image. Perfection is not interesting and it puts people off – it’s unattainable, unrealistic, and inapproachable. People won’t want to do business with you if they see you as anything but real. The authentic you is the image you want to project.

Developing a positive image is essential because people want to do business with people they like, trust and feel comfortable with. If you project an image fitting that description, people will naturally be drawn to you. An authentic image removes barriers in business relationships; an ineffective image creates them. The idea is to tailor your image to the best of whom and what you are.

However, there are some common elements of a successful image that you as a businessperson want to convey. These elements include being responsible, efficient and trustworthy. You also want to impress people with the fact that your work is of a consistently high quality.

To achieve a successful business image, you don’t have to surf the Internet, study in the library, or rummage through old boxes in your garage. You already have the raw materials – it’s you!

Now you need to know how to refine what you already have. With Winning Image you’ll learn how to:

Discover who you are
Assess your goals and pinpoint your image challenges
Evaluate your body type and determine your style type
Choose flattering colors
Audit your closet and shop with a plan
Groom your skin, hair and nails
Keep your image current

To get you in an image frame of mind, here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll be doing in this website. Think about this: Ask yourself, “Who is the person I would like to project?” Some points to consider: the nature of your work, who your audience is, and the message you’d like to convey. We’ll cover these areas and more, over time.

WOMEN, YOU CAN CREATE THE IDEAL FIGURE PROPORATION FOR YOU

Last week I attended the Women’s Congress Conference at the Miami Convention Center. I was there to see Janet Wood, CEO and Kathy McFadden, President of the Fashion Fit Formula speak about the benefits of their product. “It’s Not What You Wear…But How You Wear It!” I’ve been a representative for the Fashion Fit Formula for several years now ever since they sponsored the Association of Image Consultants International conference in Atlanta. That’s where I heard them speak for the very first time.

And it was at that conference that I had them take my Fashion Fit Formula measurements so that I could receive a chart and portfolio that was customized specifically for me. It works this way: they take 10 vertical measurements from the top of you head down to your ankle and enter these numbers into a computer which calculates your best balance points, as I like to call them. For instance, the results will give you the exact lengths for your hemlines, neckline, shorts, waistline, jackets and much, much more! It has nothing to do with how much you weigh and it doesn’t change if you lose or gain weight. It’s something that you’ll use for the rest of your life! The FFF takes the guess work out of shopping for skirts, shorts, bathing suits, suits, dresses, formal wear and even your pajamas. It will also make having your clothing altered easier and faster. Just refer to the chart for mistake-proof alterations!

And you can believe me when I say that it has changed my life! I had all my clothing that was flattering to me in terms of color and style altered to my exact points as indicated by my Fashion Fit Formula chart. Since very few of us have the ideal or perfect body proportion, what it does is create the “illusion of the ideal” for you. You’ll never look and feel better when you are dressed in clothing that is properly proportioned just for you. An added bonus is the increased confidence you’ll have in your appearance, guaranteed!

I shop for clothing, jewel and even handbags based using my FFF calculations – it has made shopping easier and I make fewer wardrobe mistakes as a result. Yes, it does require you to be more discriminating about your wardrobe selections but it will pay off in the end. You’ll have a wardrobe that flatters you that will last for many, many years to come. When you wear clothing that is right for you, it will survive the trends and fads of the day and still look current and stylish no matter what fashion dictates. Call me and I will tell you more @ 561-733-0982.

ARE YOU AN IMAGE CASUALTY?

Picture this familiar scene: The Florida chapter of a professional association recently gathered for their day long meeting at a posh South Florida hotel. It was a rainy Saturday and the first meeting for the new chapter president. As usual, a speaker with a fine reputation was on the program agenda. These meetings are held monthly so there was much anticipation regarding the quality of the presenters. It was a full house, and the chapter members and guests were seated around the room classroom style eager for the meeting to begin. The official announcements and chapter business were conducted first, prior to the speaker’s introduction. Immediately following the reading of her impressive introduction, the audience applauded enthusiastically as the speaker walked to the front of the room.

And then…it happened…a speaker’s worst nightmare! As she stood in front of the room with all eyes upon her, and before she spoke a single word, this much anticipated speaker lost her credibility. Her professional appearance fell far short of this audience’s expectations. Though her credentials looked good on paper, her appearance didn’t support her. When she elaborated on her expertise as a consultant who works only with top level executives, it was very difficult for the audience to imagine. Her unprofessional appearance was so out of sync with her message that it spoke louder than her words. The audience wanted her to do well, but it was enticing, and far more interesting, to focus on her out-dated, unflattering, whimsical appearance rather than on the content of her presentation. Without meaning to, the speaker had created a serious and uncomfortable distraction for her audience, one that she wasn’t able to overcome.

To this day, this speaker is most remembered by her audience for how unprofessional and unbelievable she looked. It’s unfortunate that her expertise and professional reputation were undermined in this way. Had she paid more attention to the visual aspect of herself and to the message her appearance conveyed, the audience might have been able to focus on her words, rather than on her unflattering appearance.

My hope is that this story erases any doubt in your mind that your bottom line is directly impacted by your professional image. People decide if they want to know you, let alone do business with you, based solely on how you look. You know this to be true because you make these kinds of decisions every day. Largely, your reactions are instantaneous and unconscious but they are powerful nonetheless. Ultimately, the product you’re selling is yourself and if you choose to look unprofessional, you’re sabotaging your business and alienating future prospects.

As a businessperson, it’s especially important that your appearance reflect quality and the level of expertise and success exemplified in your work. A professional image that flatters you and supports your message will give you a distinct advantage in the marketplace, placing you above the competition. Shouldn’t this one of your goals?

How can you develop your best professional image? First you need to look at yourself in a full-length mirror, put your ego aside and answer these questions:

Do you struggle each morning deciding what to wear?
Does the way you look undermine your confidence and cause confusion for you?
Are you basing your wardrobe choices solely on comfort?
Does your wardrobe become you or is your clothing wearing you?
Women, are you revealing too much skin or body shape?
Does your hair and makeup compliment you or are they a distraction for others?
If you wear a uniform, do you look polished and well-groomed?
Do your wardrobe colors flatter you and convey credibility?
Is your image consistent, and does it denote quality and your level of expertise?
When was the last time you updated your appearance?

If answering these questions objectively poses a challenge for you, you could ask a friend or colleague for their honest opinion, read image books, attend image seminars or consult with an image professional. What worked in the past probably doesn’t apply today and this is especially true as we age. Developing your best image is a process and as you grow professionally, so should your image. You appearance is your visual resume. Don’t let it be your weakest link!

WINNING STRATEGIES FOR THE RIGHT IMPRESSION

You’re not alone if you watch the makeover programs on television and wonder to yourself, “How can I use this information in planning my own business casual wardrobe?”

I think that for most people it would be very difficult. In fact, many of these fashion and makeover segments are created by stylists who may or may not have any image training in their backgrounds. Many of these segments are produced to entertain and to promote retailers, media outlets and clothing designers. Certainly, I wouldn’t advise my clients to use the information provided in those programs as a guide for the appropriate business dress.

Another observation is that many of these programs are based on the latest fashion trends which may or may not apply to you depending upon your occupation and the workplace status quo. If you work in a conservative environment or have conservatively dressed clients, a high-fashion look might be viewed as less credible – and you run the risk of not being taken seriously by your peers, prospects and clients. The more high-fashion you dress, the more of a distraction you’ll create for others; and you’ll likely be considered to be a “light-weight.” The exception of course, is if you work in a high-fashion, innovative or trend-setting industry such as magazine publishing, interior design, fashion, advertising and high technology industries.

I suggest that you keep your wardrobe current and don’t dress radically in any one direction lest you run the risk of alienating others who are more conservative than you. It’s your call and your career. My best advice to you is in these 3 steps:

1. Know who your audience is and how they dress.

2. Decide what you would like to convey to others in terms of your message.

3. Then design your image to support your message and to reflect the quality of your work.

WHAT’S THE PROPER ETIQUETTE FOR GREETING OTHERS?

It’s not, “How are you?” If one more stranger (a person that I’m not acquainted with personally) asks me how I am, I’m going to scream! Maybe you can relate. Whenever I go shopping, every store that I enter, I am aksed the same question, “How are you?” Depending upon where I go, I can be asked how I am about 10 – 20 times each day! These people include sales staff, grocery clerks and just about anyone I encounter when I am out and about. What’s the problem with asking that question? They don’t know me and they are not interested in the answer. Beside, asking me how I am is a personal question and quite frankly, it’s none of their business!

Since our communication needs to be authentic, genuine and appropriate to be effective, asking someone a personal question when you’re not formally acquainted or interested in the answer is insincere and somewhat intrusive. I suggest that you refrain from asking that question unless you’re seriously interested in the answer! “How are you?” has become a greeting that’s more common than hello, good afternoon, good morning, it’s raining like cats and dogs outside, how may I help you, did you find everything you need and what’s your name? What ever happened to “Hello, my name is ____ and how can I help you?”

Please stay out of my personal business until I invite you in – at least until we’re more familiar with each other. Our communication has become too casual and inauthentic . “Hey you guys” is another common greeting that’s more irksome than chalk grading on a blackboard! What ever happened to proper English and the social graces? You can never go wrong by starting your communications on a more formal footing. Save your informal communication for a later time when you are invited by the other person to do so.

COLOR YOU PROFESSIONAL WITH THE WINNING IMAGE SYSTEM

Color impacts our communication with others. If used effectively, it can be a powerful tool in your business arsenal. Here are some tips for choosing your wardrobe colors:

Invest most of your wardrobe money in your neutral shades (they’re less memorable and easier to build your wardrobe around) and in clothing that you plan to wear the most.

Accent your wardrobe with the bright, fun colors that complement your coloring – they’re friendly and approachable, and invite creativity and teamwork.

Wear your darker, more neutral shades for more authority and credibility.

Pastel colors invite intimacy and a need for protection – save your baby blues and powder pinks for social occasions, please.

If you prefer to wear a color that’s too bright for your coloring, wear it in a matt fabric.

Use one color dressing or dressing in the same color family to promote a longer, leaner line.

Match your accessories to your outfit for a long and uncluttered look.

Wearing too much black absorbs energy and light. Black is not considered a universal business color and should be worn selectively especially if you are over the age of 40.

Avoid wearing ivory or white suits for business – they’re too dressy. The implication is that you cannot get to the business at hand because you might get dirty. Save your white and ivory suits for more formal occasions.

Wearing white hosiery or a color that’s lighter or brighter than your hemline will distract others from your message. Burn your white stockings, lest you be tempted to wear them again!

Give your business the Winning Image Edge.
Call to schedule your custom-designed program today!
Diane@WinningImageSeminars.com
561-733-0982