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Last week, Jill presented to Deloitte’s, Women’s Network Group at the Wintergarden in the Renaissance Center.  Her presentation, “Enhancing Your Professional Presence to WIN More Business”, was followed by a fashion show from Talbot’s, and then Allison Vaughn, CEO and founder of Jacket for Jobs, presented what their organization does — helps disadvantaged women and men dress for their interview.  They collected suits and business attire from the 150+ women in attendance.  Talk about another “woman who has re-invented herself” – Alison is another role model. 

When two people of fairly equal qualifications are being considered for a job or promotion, the one who is consistently well-groomed and dressed professionally will win every time. First impressions are truly lasting ones. And, they are made within the first 30 seconds!Research shows that nonverbal massages about a person’s appearance and mannerisms actively transmit while they are verbally communicating. Consider this about the relative impact of elements of your initial communication:   

• 7% = The words you use
• 38% = Your tone (pitch, volume, tempo, etc.)
• 55% = Your physical appearance (clothing, grooming, posture, etc.)

If your appearance isn’t professional, what you say may not even be heard!

You need to be concerned with not only your first impression, but also with your on-going impression. If you consistently dress as if you were already successful, you will attract success to you. A distracting or unprofessional image places your “success potential” in jeopardy. Distractions are roadblocks to effective communicating.

An attractive, professional image engenders greater confidence and higher self-esteem, which translate into better performance on the job. Anyone can achieve an attractive professional image. It is all about your polished way of dressing, the way you carry yourself, and your projection of confidence!

Pay attention to your wardrobe. Here are some universal ideas that work every time, whether it’s for an interview or making a presentation when all “eyes” are on you:

• Wear a classic suit or simple dress with a jacket
• Avoid trendy fashions (reserve them for after hours)
• Lighten up your colors for springtime but keep them monochromatic (It’s nice to break away from the traditional black, navy, and gray)
• Avoid constricting clothing or garments that are too revealing (Leave the provocative or sexy outfits for Saturday nights)
• Wear minimal (or none at all) cologne or perfume - many are allergic
• Wear minimal jewelry (and none that make “noise”)
• Sandals are not considered professional
• Don’t “bulk up” - carry a briefcase or portfolio and leave the handbag behind

Be polished, stand tall, and smile. The confidence that you deliver opens doors and opportunities far beyond your imagination!

~ Jill

Founder of Smart Women’s Coaching, Katana Abbott, and her two partners, Cynthia Zimber and Jill Jordan have been presenting to women at local companies and organizations – promoting their Smart Women Coaching organization that helps women re-invent themselves in order to live with purpose, passion and prosperity.  These 3 coaches believe that women oftentimes get “stuck” in their lives and could use support and inspiration to “re-invent” themselves.

Recently Katana, Cynthia and Jill spoke to the Detroit chapter of The Fashion Group International at Edison’s, downtown Birmingham.  The presentation, “Is That All There Is?” was in a Q & A format lead by Carolyn Joseph, co-owner of the upscale, resale shop in Royal Oak, “Bellocchio”.  Each presented her personal story on reinventing herself and then answered questions on the type of support they offer as a Wealth Coach, a Perfect Life Coach, and a Personal Branding Coach.  Attendees shared what they enjoyed about the interactive evening – the overriding theme was, “The Smart Women Coaches presented genuine, real life stories from their experience and offered encouragement and motivation to embrace new personal and/or professional perspectives”.

Last week, Jill presented to Deloitte’s, Women’s Network Group at the Wintergarden in the Renaissance Center.  Her presentation, “Enhancing Your Professional Presence to WIN More Business”, was followed by a fashion show from Talbot’s, and then Allison Vaughn, CEO and founder of Jacket for Jobs, presented what their organization does — helps disadvantaged women and men dress for their interview.  They collected suits and business attire from the 150+ women in attendance.  Talk about another “woman who has re-invented herself” – Alison is another role model.