What is your Image saying about you?

Many of us associate Image with Hollywood actors and actresses, or political figures who are constantly in the public eye. To us, image is their reputation, which is created by the way they look, act, and speak as both a public figure, and as an individual. We look at the way they dress, how well groomed they are, if they are well spoken, and if their actions match the person we perceive them to be.

Image, however, is not exclusive to the stars or political figures, or others who continually grace the newspapers, television, or internet. We each have our own Image, or identity. Image is how we promote ourselves to others and how others perceive us. Remember, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Within three seconds of siting you, a person has already judged your social status, your intelligence, your trustworthiness, your personal hygene, and your self confidence. Whether their perception is right or wrong, the way you've dressed, groomed yourself and behaved, has created that impression. A positive impression can be powerful, helping you land a position you've been vying for, or in receiving a long awaited promotion, or even the attention of someone you've been wanting to meet. While a negative impression can be hard to shake. Think back to various people you've met over the years. Who, upon first meeting, impressed you, and who repulsed or made you feel uneasy by their presence? Some may have even made you giggle, or question their "creative" way of dressing. What was it about them that gave you that impression? Most likely, that first meeting is how you best remember them. Have you also met people whose outer appearance has conflicted with their verbal self? They dress poorly, but speak very intelligently, or vice-versa.

A company packages and markets their product, so that it will be given the utmost attention. For example, if one is given the choice between a plain white box and one that is colorful and tied up with a beautiful bow, most likely it is the nicer box that entices us and gains our attention. Your Image is your packaging. What does it say about you? How well do you market yourself? Image is not about how much money one has, or how thin or physically beautiful they are. Image is how you put yourself together. Someone with very little money to spend, but who is well put together, can look like a million bucks. Likewise, people who are very well off, but who have no sense of style, may dress very poorly. Before you walk out the door, consider what you want people to see. Do you go around the house wearing sweatpants and an old t-shirt and then suddenly decide that you need to make a trip to the grocery store or post office? You think, " I'll only be a few minutes, whose going to see me anyway?" Unfortunately, since it is a public place, this is typically where we bump into people we haven't seen in awhile, or someone important that we'd hoped to impress.

Before you walk out the door, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, " if someone were to see me this way, what would they think?" You don't have to put on a three piece suit or fancy dress, you can dress fairly simply and still look good. Pull on a decent pair of jeans (clean with no visible holes or stains) or slacks (wrinkle free), and either a pullover or button front shirt (clean, wrinkle free, with no holes or stains). Next, look at your hair. Can you run a brush or comb through it and have it look great, or does it need to be wetted down and blown dry? Dirty hair is dirty hair. Don't think that pulling it back, or up, or hiding it under a hat will do the trick. If you're in the midst of painting, gardening, or simply cleaning the house, set a timer or alarm clock to allow yourself enough time to wash your hair or shower. Wash your face. Not only will you remove any oily residue, but you'll bring some color to your face as well. Ladies, if you're in a real hurry, you may need to cut back on your makeup application, (Moisturize non-oily areas, use concealer to hide blemishes or dark circles, blend well, brush on a powder to set the concealer and to even out the skin tone, brush a bit of blush on the apples of your cheeks and a lighter brushing on the forehead, chin and nose. Make sure that it looks natural, otherwise blend more. Lastly, add some mascara and either lip gloss or lipstick.) Once you're cleaned up, dressed and hair is in place, you're nearly there. What's left? Accessorize! No, you don't have to add lots of extras. Ladies, a simple pair of earrings will do, and men, add a watch to the wrist. This gives a finished look. Lastly, consider what you'll wear on your feet. This is the most overlooked area. Don't negate all that you've done to create a polished look by quickly throwing on a pair of flat sandals. The footwear should be an extension of the outfit. Ladies, a pair of low heels will dress up the outfit (even jeans) and make you appear taller and thinner. Men, a casual pair of shoes that are clean and in good condition will fit the bill. Remember that all shoes and heels should be clean and in good shape, and for those that need it, polished as well. Consider color so that it goes with the outfit. Handbags should be the right season, size, and coloring. If you're wearing a dainty, light summer dress, don't carry a large, dark colored bag. Likewise, if you're in a dark outfit, don't carry a light colored, hand crocheted summer weight bag.

Make sure that your Image is saying what you want it to say about you!