By Rebecca Cleary
Rebecca Cleary Consulting
902-304-0113
Rebecca@rebeccacleary.com
2010 Graduate
The Importance of Image
We’ve all heard the expression: you only get one chance to make a first impression. Have you ever really thought about it? Studies prove that it takes just seconds to form an opinion about an individual. This initial opinion or opinions play a major role in determining the course of the relationship – whether business, personal or intimate. According to Wharton University studies, we utilize our five senses to take information from the world, however, our eyes account for 82% and our ears are just 11% with other senses accounting for 7%. The retention of verbal is 11% and non-verbal/visual is 51%.
According to psychologists, the brain takes first impression images utilizing signals we interpret based on our past experiences or pre-conceived social norms. Psychology today, stated in an article published in 2004 and written by Clarlin Flora, that snap judgments are a holistic phenomenon in which clues (mellifluous voice, Rolex watch, soggy handshake, hunched shoulders) hit us all at once and form an impression larger than their sum.
But, don’t take my word for it. Search into your own memory bank. Imagine a time when you were in a position of meeting an individual for the first time. Perhaps you were conducting an interview. Maybe there was a time a sales person was trying to sell you something or maybe you are simply meeting a hairstylist for the first time before they style your hair?
Now try to remember what you noticed about that individual. Did you hire them? Did you buy their product? Did you feel they were representing their industry, skills and talents well? Did they appear credible, trustworthy and knowledgeable about their field?
The bottom line is: we live in a world where we are bombarded by messages on a daily, minute-by-minute basis and whether intentional or unintentional, our appearance communicates messages to the world. That means, the minute we see someone, we assign meaning to his or her clothes, expressions and body language.
What messages are you sending? Are those messages consistent with the message you want to project? Do you feel your image properly displays your capabilities, your financial worth, your position or your desired position?
If you would like your messages to be favorable, your appearance has to be consistent with what matters to you. Having a strong and consistent professional presence; and image appropriate for your brand, industry, values, clients and over-all vision will reinforce what it is you want people to believe about you or your business.
When an individual’s image is of a consistently high standard, it projects a sharper message of quality, responsibility and success. This is because, if you are consistent with your dress and overall visual image, the assumption is that your work follows the same pattern. On the other hand, when you are inconsistent in this manner of communication, you are in fact sending mixed messages, causing recipients to be confused. This can be a major limitation and can cause the trust level to be weakened. So as you can see, it’s important to understand how controlling ones image is an essential part of controlling the message you send to the world.
Many people think that image is superficial and comes from an external set of rules. The fact is the most effective and authentic image comes from inside you. It is derived from your strengths, values, goals, personality, and over-all vision of your future. It’s not about changing who you are as a person, but bringing the best you forward and creating an authentic personal brand.
