1. Personal Branding
The Right Image for Your Personal Brand Ref: 0060
By Jon-Michail
Do you add value to your company? Does your visual image
confirm that you are an expert in your field? Remember, you are
the face of the company, talented and professional, and your personal
brand image should do you and your organisation credit.
Take a moment to really look at yourself. First of all, your physiology or
deportment – an old-fashioned word for an important attribute. Do you
stand straight and confidently? Shoulders back and head up? Your
stature and body language are an important part of how you are
perceived by others, no matter what your height or size.
Is your professional wardrobe smart, well-fitting, comfortable and
appropriate for the tasks you do each day? Does it speak quality?
Take the time to think each evening before you go to bed about what
you are going to wear in the morning and how you will wear it. Choose
your jewellery carefully and leave the nightclub bling at home. Choose
shoes that are professional and not an impediment to your
movements.
Your hairstyle and hair care are as important as your makeup (if you
are a woman). Remember, you might be the first representative of
your company to be seen by a potential client. Your grooming and
general demeanor creates an indelible first impression – along with
that bright, welcoming smile.
Additionally, your speech should be that of a professional. Project
yourself positively with the right tone, speed and articulation so that
your speech is clearly understood. To be a credible representative for
your organisation, the way you speak and represent yourself is all-
important.
Those are the things that make up your image. But how about the other aspects that your manager and other team
members see? You should have no illusions about yourself if you are to be a role model and an inspiration to
others in the organisation. We all have aspects of ourselves that need to be improved and if we focus and work on
those, we increase our value to the organisation.
One of the most important attributes you can have in business is respect, both for yourself and for others.
Others will respect you if you have respect for them – it’s as simple as that. Behave professionally, and others will
raise their standards to match yours. If you are in the midst of turmoil, don’t match the stress reactions of others.
Let yours be the voice of reason and the calming influence. Again, respect will go a long way to improve and
perhaps mend a difficult situation.
Always make every effort your best one. Increase your industry knowledge and expand your connections and
understanding of your field. Your efforts to educate yourself will stand you in good stead now and in your future
career moves. The more you know, the more you can help your employer, and ease their workload. These
attributes will emphasise your ability to lead and with leadership comes promotion and a salary to match.
Always do what you say you are going to do, live your promise. You will increase your colleagues’ reliance on
your judgement and productive abilities and underscore your sound business ethics. In short, do your professional
image proud. Plan and work for your future and increase your chances of making it a bright and successful one.
Lastly and most importantly BE AUTHENTIC – You may not win every sale, however you can be certain that in the
long run most people come back to someone or something they trust.
For further information on this handout and the consulting
and coaching programs available please contact: Page 1 of 1
Image Group International
Asia Pacific Head Office
T: (+61 3) 9824 0420
E: info@imagegroup.com.au
www.imagegroup.com.au
©2012