Illustra Image Consulting Blog

Leaders: Discover the “You-Incorporated” Brand

“What makes you unique makes you successful.”  

(William Arruda – Reach Branding Guru)

Every leader today needs to discover and get to know their personal brand, even if they work in a corporate environment. That’s because your personal brand or “You-Inc.” is your personified business reputation. You had it prior to taking your job in corporate. You enhanced it while in corporate. Now you want to strengthen it so you can take it with you if you ever leave your current position for something more lucrative and exciting. Sure, whatever company you work for will want you to be a reflection of their brand – and by all means we work to incorporate that important element into your executive presence. But you also have your own valuable brand – and if it is strong it will actually add credibility to the overall corporate brand! 

I love to work with my clients to explore their personal brand potential. It’s fun to see the many facets of their personalities and to hear the delight in their voices when they read something amazing that someone wrote about them in a testimonial or in the media. But many people say they work or specialize in personal branding despite the fact that they don’t really have any legitimate personal branding certifications. Unfortunately there are many self-anointed personal branding specialists out there advertising their services – and the trend is growing as more people find themselves out of work and trying to reinvent themselves in a down economy by launching a consulting business on the Internet. 

But the brands they create are generic and one-dimensional and don’t distinguish their clients from the herd or prepare them for the limelight or for real executive leadership challenges.

That’s one reason why I incorporate the 360° Reach Branding Assessment Tool into my executive presence and personal branding consultations. This is a great tool to help leaders identify their strengths, talents, attributes, gifts, passion, vision, and mission in life. What can be a more valuable discovery than to uncover and identify the unique contributions that you have to offer to the world?

Here are a few of the ways I work with my top platinum clients to leverage their personal brands for more career success: 

1. Delve into the 360° Reach Branding Assessment Tool to help discover your brand reputation in the marketplace. 
2. Draw up a marketing plan to ensure that your online virtual presence communicates your brand. 
3. Design an authentic personal image package that silently communicates your core messages to build instant rapport.  
4. Develop greater visibility and confidence within important business settings, when talking to the media, or on radio and TV.
5. Display a unique charisma to bring you greater success. 
6. Discover secret tools that will transform you from invisible to influential. 

Branding today isn’t just the latest buzzword – it’s a critical tool and strategy that every leader and high achiever must invest in to ensure their career success. Don’t wait until after the economy has turned around to discover your personal brand. By then those who have already been using theirs to market themselves and leverage their opportunities will already be in the positions you were hoping to land.

Do you want to use this blog article?

You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it:

Sarah Hathorn is a professional image consultant, certified personal brand strategist, speaker, and author. 

Her company, Illustra Image Consulting, works with high-achieving future leaders and large businesses by enhancing their corporate and personal brand image to take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Blog, Ezine & Website: www.illustraimageconsulting.com

Copyright © 2010, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS

Prepare Your Team to Step into the Leadership Spotlight

I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal titled Leadership Training Gains Urgency Amid Stronger Economy. The write-up discussed how companies fear a shortage of qualified managers to step forward and lead projects when the time comes to shift gears into growth mode. 

I found this article especially enlightening because I offer corporate image development programs specifically tailored to “leaders and high achievers.” During the recent downturn we saw many organizations begin to panic and reduce professional leadership training for their trailblazers and top leaders. But those are the same people that these organizations want at the helm of the ship, and it does not make much sense to put them under even more pressure and stress by withdrawing valuable resources in the middle of a stormy sea.

When organizations go through the succession-planning process and identify the professional growth that key people need in order to reach their maximum performance potential, executive presence is definitely at the top of the list. So if you work in the HR department of a large organization, go through that list of high-potential leaders and high-achieving candidates. Then ask yourself these questions about each of them:

1. Do they dress in a manner that represents an unprofessional personal brand and/or reflects negatively on the corporate brand? 
2. Does their overall appearance set the example and provide the right role model for everyone else in the organization? 
3. Is their behavior ever questionable? Do employees highly respect how they treat other individuals in the organization? Or do they sometimes publically reprimand others or show inappropriate disgust or disapproval through their facial expressions?  
4. In meetings or during one-on-one consultations do they signal a lack of trustworthiness through body language? Do they have difficulty building and nurturing long-term business relationships? 
5. Does their overall image convey that they understand business etiquette and protocol in today’s multi-cultural world? Or do they make embarrassing remarks or blunders that cost your organization new business?
6. Do they understand how to convey a polished image while collaborating with teams from the four generational workforces? Or are they a bit biased or old fashioned when it comes to tapping into the attributes of a diverse multi-generational workforce in order to build high performance teams?
7. When they speak do they talk with sincerity from the heart and build interest through engaging gestures? Do they interact with their audience or are they too hurried to take the time to gauge the mood of others, listen to their valuable feedback, and make a memorable connection that continues to resonate?

All of those questions relate to critical facets of professional presence and the silent put powerful messages that top leaders are communicating within their organizations each and every day.  If you can’t answer all of them with resounding confidence in your leaders then they are hindering the growth of your company and will cost it even more once the economy rebounds.

Many Fortune 500 companies and other organizations where I provide leadership programs don’t even realize that professional consultants like myself can create customized programs and executive image coaching programs. But we can ensure that your leaders learn what no one else will teach them – how to project influential executive presence for success in today’s complex and fiercely competitive business world.

Just recently I worked with two top leaders in Fortune 100 companies. Each one was amazed how much they learned about executive presence that was nowhere to be found within their MBA curriculum, corporate training agenda, or upbringing. 

You want your leaders to step into the spotlight with confidence, grace, and ease – so start preparing them now and their polished executive presence will ensure that they are “celebrities of credibility” within the industry! 

We provide a variety of corporate seminars, customized executive image coaching programs, and individual consultations focused on the Leadership Presence ABC’s (appearance, behavior/etiquette, communication skills). To learn how to leverage those to your advantage please contact us at sarah@illustraimageconsulting.com or call Sarah at 678-528-1239. 

Do you want to use this blog article?

You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it:

Sarah Hathorn is a professional image consultant, certified personal brand strategist, speaker, and author. 

Her company, Illustra Image Consulting, works with high-achieving future leaders and large businesses by enhancing their corporate and personal brand image to take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Blog, Ezine & Website: www.illustraimageconsulting.com

Copyright © 2010, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS

Kick Your Khakis Up a Notch

 Many of my corporate clients allow khakis on casual Fridays, and in some ultra-casual firms like those in the IT industry they allow them every day of the week. Most people think of khakis as one step up from denim, and they do occupy a fashion no man’s land somewhere between jeans and dress pants. They fill a great role in the dress code for certain kinds of business workplaces, for weekend wear, or when dressing for a casual retreat. As we begin to transition our wardrobes for fall, khakis are a great way to easily pull together a classically stylish yet comfortably casual autumn look. But the trick is to wear them in a way that keeps you looking modern and innovative – not just two degrees away from jeans.

Here are a few ways to polish up your look with khakis so you don’t look like the carpool mom who simply threw them on with a casual T-shirt for the sake of convenience. In business, your khakis need to say that although your industry may be a bit on the casual side your own personal way of dressing is immaculate and modern – just like your individual business ideas!

1) Shop for Modern Cuts: If you own khakis that are several years old it’s time for a change. Today retailers are making new cuts for khakis, especially for women. Look for the trouser style from Banana Republic, the slim-cut style from Talbots, or the tuxedo style – which is an updated version of the old chino pant from the Gap. All of these are work-appropriate or weekend-sassy styles. If you are wearing khakis for work, wear a long pant that conveys professionalism – unless your dress code specifically calls for Capris.TIPS FOR MEN:  Try on new styles of flat-front, wrinkle-resistant, and slightly pleated to find which one best suits your particular body type. 

2) Pair for Flair: If you love wearing khakis, try to pair them with some stylish tops and you’ll be looking sassy in no time at all. For these upcoming transitional days of autumn you might want to wear them with a dressy knit blouse layered with a great fall cardigan. A colored trench-coat style or a safari modern jacket with khakis can also give you a more approachable style, versus the conventional buttoned-up and suited look. TIPS FOR MEN:  For fall you can always wear khakis with a quality sport shirt or even layer with a V-neck sweater in an autumn color like olive green for added credibility.

3) Coordinating Shoes: The great thing that distinguishes khakis is that the fabric and cut is more casual, so you want to mirror that same look in your shoe selection. For work or weekend wear, opt for a wonderful wedge in tones of brown or metallic. Today there are also many fun flats in colorful prints, patents, and textures, and those can likewise help add some style to your outfit. But take my advice: always double check your corporate dress code to make sure you wear a proper shoe style! TIPS FOR MEN: When you dare to wear khakis, leave the formal dress shoes in the closet and slip into a new modern driving moccasin that looks dressy-casual and complements your look.   

4) Your Clothing Work Horse:  Khakis are a real wardrobe work horse. Even if you work in a conservative firm they can help you look polished on days when you are cleaning out the office or while at an off-site retreat. So be sure to have a few pairs in stylish cuts and different weights to get you through in a pinch all year-round. TIPS FOR MEN: You probably wear khakis more often than your female colleagues do because they are your go-to casual pants. But be cautious not to buy those old 100% cotton khakis that wrinkle easily. Otherwise by 1:00 PM it will appear that you slept through the lunch hour in your car!   

5) Today’s New Neutrals for Wardrobe Versatility: Along with all the new modern cuts, trims, and styles we are also seeing many vendors offering different tones of color in the khaki pant. Look for more modern tones like camel (fall’s new trend color), stone, putty, tan, and olive. TIPS FOR MEN: Okay guys, you can have some fashion flair too! Look for tones that look good on you, but especially shop for more modern colors so you don’t look like you pulled your pants off the hanger in your father’s closet. 

This fall, as the weather begins to change, I hope you will take an inventory of the khakis in your closet and see if you need to add some new modern cuts and colors to your professional or personal wardrobe. Then when you wear khakis for business casual you’ll be wearing them with unique style and power! 

Do you want to use this blog article?

You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it:

Sarah Hathorn is a professional image consultant, certified personal brand strategist, speaker, and author. 

Her company, Illustra Image Consulting, works with high-achieving future leaders and large businesses by enhancing their corporate and personal brand image to take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Blog, Ezine & Website: www.illustraimageconsulting.com

Copyright © 2010, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS

Dealing the Cards: Don’t play your business etiquette hand like a game of chance

I always find it intriguing how some people at a social function or formal networking event just don’t get the concept of how to react to a business card. That little 2 X 3 inch card offers them a valuable snapshot of a person’s achievements, accomplishments, education, industry, and expertise. But I still see people who will simply snatch the card and tuck it away in their wallet, pocket, or purse without even glancing at it.

Anyone guilty of that kind of indifferent behavior has just offended the person by showing a lack of respect for the card that represents who they are, what they do, and what they have accomplished in life. They have worked hard to get to where they are – so for goodness sake acknowledge it and strike up a conversation about it. You have a wonderful chance to demonstrate grace and show interest, because the card in your hand is a piece of their personal and professional history printed up in a tidy little package. By studying that card you can find out valuable information about their position, rank, and career role. So here are a few tips on how to properly accept a business card to build strong rapport and ensure better business ventures.

1) Stop to Appreciate the Card

As soon as someone hands you their card read it, looking at both sides. People are usually proud of their cards and of their careers, so ask about their industry and position or comment on the logo, colors, or graphic design of the card. People love to be recognized for their achievements, their brand, and the elements that define their professional image.

2) Handle it like a Million Dollar Check

It’s important to be respectful of another person’s business card. Handle it like a check for $1,000,000 – because it may be worth that much in future business. You wouldn’t just wad up a million dollar check and throw it in the bottom of your handbag or a pants pocket where it might get destroyed in the washing machine. Carefully and thoughtfully put it in a safe place like your business card case.

3) Don’t Forget to Reciprocate

Now hand them your card to show reciprocation. If you don’t have any cards on you – or if the ones you carry are tattered and creased – then that is a direct reflection on you, your company, and your personal image and brand. You want them to treasure your card and your business relationship so ensure that every card you hand out creates a strong positive impression.

4) Beware of Asian Business Card Protocol 

If you do work in Asia, remember this tidbit – because it could save you from losing a lucrative contract, offending a business partner, or appearing uncouth. In Asian culture it is considered disrespectful to accept a business card and place it in your back pocket where you will then sit on it. If you use your imagination you’ll understand the subtle connotation of that kind of gesture and why Asians consider it rude. So don’t just stuff the card in your wallet and then put it into your back pocket. Know the customs of the countries where you do business and you’ll succeed where others often falter and fail.

Do you want to use this blog article?

You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it:

Sarah Hathorn is a professional image consultant, certified personal brand strategist, speaker, and author. 

Her company, Illustra Image Consulting, works with high-achieving future leaders and large businesses by enhancing their corporate and personal brand image to take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Blog, Ezine & Website: www.illustraimageconsulting.com

Copyright © 2010, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS

What’s Your Signature Style? Vanity Fair’s Best-Dressed List Style Icons Revealed

This week when Vanity Fair came out with the International Best-Dressed List for 2010, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I’ve always loved to see how different women express who they are through their dress for business and social occasions, especially when they fully understand their signature style. 

As I perused the online article, I kept thinking back to a time when I was voted the “best-dressed” female in my senior class.  No, it wasn’t as prestigious as the Vanity Fair list – but I still accepted the recognition from my peers as a great honor. Even as a senior in high school I was using my sense of fashion and dress to communicate messages about my goals and aspirations. I expected to go far, and each and every morning I would spend time making sure that I looked my very best. I always felt comfortable with my personal style and although it has evolved over the years from dramatic to more elegant-classy, I still value the experience of feeling comfortable in my own skin regardless of what the occasion calls for in terms of dress and wardrobe. 

Believe it or not, my favorite style icons were my mom and dad. My mother always dressed very elegantly, even though she was a stay-at-home mom. Although my father was the one who was in the public eye, my mother always exhibited great style whenever she accompanied him for some business occasion. Every day my father dressed in the traditional business uniform of a suit and tie – but he always wore high-quality suits, French cuff shirts, and dress shoes with a high shine. 

As I read the article I loved hearing about how these female top leaders described their style icons. I believe that all women have a signature style inside of them that is totally unique. So although we all may identify with some style icons that we admire, real style depends upon always being true to yourself. 

In this article three First Ladies were selected for the first time – with one from the USA, one from the UK and one from France. Since their husbands are political leaders their public images are on display everyday!  Every woman selected this year – whether she is the wife of a politician, a designer, an actress, or the owner of a company – has an important brand to uphold and represent through her visual presence. But each of them also seems to be completely at ease in her individual and authentic personally-branded style. They are comfortable and confident about who they are, as all of us should be. These are trendsetting women of all ages and ethnicities, with high-powered careers. Because they are real leaders they create fashion trends instead of merely following them.

Let’s look at some of the ways they described the style icons they admire.  Maybe you will find a style icon that works for you and really resonates with what you want to express through your own authentic visual packaging. 

Personal Style Words Expressed by Best-Dressed Woman Leaders:

Because every woman has a unique style it is only natural that you will see a wide variety of different style icons. As I reviewed this list of famous style icons I saw that flavors of all different styles were represented. Some are elegant and sophisticated while others like Lady Gaga are dramatic and shocking! Some dress playfully and others are downright sexy. This is a fun list to contemplate as you try to find a signature style and explore which icon you would most like to mirror. But remember that although you may take tips from others or be influenced by a fashion icon, the goal is to keep it all within the creative boundaries of your own one-of-a-kind style.

Now let’s review the style role models with whom they feel synchronicity when creating a “look” that can be powerful and commanding, yet feminine.     

Favorite Style Icons of Women Leaders:  

• Cate Blanchett
• Catherine Deneuve
• Jacqueline Kennedy
• Cleopatra
• Gypsy Rose (Lady Gaga – of course!)
• Balenciaga
• Carolina Herrera
• Dior
• Katherine Hepburn
• Vivienne Westwood
• Marie Antionette
• Audrey Hepburn
• Julie Christie
• Bridgette Bardot
• Coco Chanel
• Diane Sawyer
• Jane Burkin

One icon also listed her great-great Aunt Ruthie, while another listed her Swedish grandmother, who had fantastic taste and an amazing style for her time. 

This article is a fun read and it explores in greater detail their personal desires, fashion favorites purchases of 2010, and more. You can read more of it here:  Vanity Fair 2010 Best Dressed List

Every woman has it in her to explore and unearth her own signature style. What style is inside of you – just bursting to express itself and assist you in creating a professional presence that’s unique, memorable, and truly authentic?

I’d love it if you would read the Vanity Fair excerpt and then leave your comments here about the personal styles of these women leaders, their style icons, and anything else that comes to mind.  

The 10 Commandments of Professional Presence for Top Leaders

Every leader in every organization knows that he or she sets the stage and directs the show for their employees to perform. But to put your best foot forward when you step into the spotlight to play your leading role you need to be perceived in a positive, confident, inspiring fashion. Make that happen by always adhering to my 10 Commandments for Professional Image. 

10. Thou Art Thy Personal Brand. So express yourself and communicate with presence!

Your professional image is how you silently communicate your personal brand. Image speaks louder than words, and others are looking at you with a critical eye. So respond with a strong, positive, influential presence that will resonate throughout the ranks of the entire organization. 

9. Thou Shalt Dress with Impeccable Visual Impact

You are the captain of the ship, so wear the uniform with pride and style. Everyone on board is constantly analyzing your dress code – in the same way that they take their fashion cues from celebrities on the red carpet. So make sure your appearance is outstanding and conveys the kind of professional image that others look up to and want to emulate in their own wardrobe choices. 

8. Know Thy Online Image 

Be sure that those in the organization who send out tweets or post profiles on LinkedIn or Facebook reinforce a consistent message congruent with your personal and company brand. Otherwise hitting that send button could instantly undermine months of brand strategizing and image management.

7. Give Unto Others 

Whether it means connecting two colleagues who may have a mutual interest in getting to know one another or offering to take a new hire to lunch – be giving of your time and expertise. This really goes a long way in exuding your professional image and brand. 

6. Honor Thy Team’s Family

People love to hear their names spoken and know that you are personally interested in them and their families. I realize this is challenging and I experienced the difficulty when I ran a department store with 500 employees who worked different shifts. But when I really made the effort to know everyone’s name – even the part timers – and I stayed a few extra minutes every evening to touch base with each person, call them by name, and ask about their families their eyes would light up with energy. They’d tell me about their spouse or kids and this made them feel like a real part of the team or organizational family. As a result I knew them better and the relationship shifted to enhance rapport and communication and help us achieve our mutually beneficial goals. 

5. Never Bear False Witness to Your Role

Be consistent as a leading role-model day-in and day-out. I sometimes ask an employee what the boss wears on Casual Friday and they say “Oh they dress in jeans and a wrinkled polo.” So although you may want to dress casually on that day to show your team spirit and camaraderie keep in mind that you are still the boss and the example others look up to and follow. Keep your presence polished and stay slightly dressier than your team so that you always look the part.

4. Do Unto Others as You Ask Them to Do Unto You

As you lead by example they will follow your example. So never ask team members to follow rules that you don’t abide by as their leader. Follow the same dress code, for example, that you prescribe for your employees. If you believe that team meetings are disorganized then you have to lead effective meetings like a pro. If you think people aren’t listening to you then you have to ensure than you are a respectful listener who entertains everyone’s unique point of view before making critical decisions. 

3. Share Thy Truth 

People enjoy hearing stories. If you open up a bit and share personal stories about your own struggles or lessons you have learned about leadership – even poking some self-deprecating fun at yourself – employees will love you. They want to know that you have a human dimension and getting to know you helps them connect and resonate with you as a person, not just as an authority figure. You don’t have to spill your guts, and that would not be appropriate – but do try to show a little of your softer side to those on your team. 

2. Conduct Thyself Properly

Your overall image needs to be polished and respectful in terms of dress, speech, and behavior. Be sure your code of conduct is appropriate during every professional interaction and on every social occasion. Your communications skills, whether verbal or non-verbal, must represent your personal brand and professional image in a positive light. No employee wants to play “follow the leader” unless the leader is exemplary and exhibits the qualities that they, too, want to acquire and imbibe for their own image, brand, and professional presence. 

1. Be True to Thyself

Be yourself. Leaders who try to lead like someone else lack confidence and it shows. Exert your leadership from the inside-out to become credible and influential in your industry. 

I’m interested to know your feedback on these 10 Commandments. Do you think they are critical for today’s leaders? Feel free to post your comments and point of view – I’d love to hear them.

Do you want to use this blog article?

You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it:

Sarah Hathorn is a professional image consultant, certified personal brand strategist, speaker, and author. 

Her company, Illustra Image Consulting, works with high-achieving future leaders and large businesses by enhancing their corporate and personal brand image to take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Blog, Ezine & Website: www.illustraimageconsulting.com

Copyright © 2010, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS

Become a Personally Branded Celebrity Expert in Your Industry

 I’m sitting here writing this blog post thinking about all the celebrities who have strong personal brands like Madonna, Oprah, and Bill Gates. It’s amazing to me how they have used their personal brands to springboard their business marketing strategies and sales in an authentic way that outclasses their competition. Personal branding is about leveraging the art of impression management to influence the perceptions of others and how they think of your image within a professional or personal environment.

Here are a few secrets to help you become a famous celebrity within your own industry:

1)  Know Your Brand

Unfortunately most people today still think that branding is all about large corporations that use brands to market products and services. It’s always revealing when a new prospect calls me to talk about my services and I ask them the very simple question, “Tell me about your personal brand and how you communicate it out in the world?” Most people can’t clearly articulate their personal brand message, so how do they expect to create an overall image that silently communicates it? You’ve got to do some work to really understand your brand. Then you can begin to make yourself relevant, distinct, and memorable in the hearts and minds of others.

2) Reinvent Your Personal Brand

All great celebrities with enduring brands like Madonna’s reinvent themselves. She is the queen of a chameleon-like ability to reinvent herself while remaining true to her personal brand. Throughout the years she has gone from virgin to material girl and then to mom, actress, and author. She understands the need to continually update and repackage herself in a new and improved way. The same is true for every professional who wants to be “selectively famous” in their industry. You should always start by charting your reinvention campaign with inside secrets. By this I mean intuition talk to uncover and explore your deepest secret goals, dreams, or career aspirations. When you are true to your personal brand you are authentic and unlike anyone else – which makes you unique in your own area of expertise. So often I speak with prospects who are confused about their personal brand style. Everyone has an individual style formula and it takes some innovative strategies to reinvent the overall packaging in order to stay current with the new trends and rules of conduct in this era of globalization. Today it’s all about being on the cutting edge. So consider reinventing yourself to give your career or business a new makeover!

3) Increase Your Visibility in the World

Today with the numerous online virtual tools like LinkedIn,Twitter, and Facebook it’s crucial for every professional to step up their online presence. In this new media age organizations search through Google to locate industry experts who can speak at their summits, conferences, trade shows, and other events. Employers, “headhunters,” HR professionals, and business people are also on the bandwagon digging online for information about people prior to hiring them or buying their products or services. So what is your online visibility? Everything is going virtual – so now is the time to start marketing your personal brand through new media technology as well as in person. Don’t forget that online visibility gives you greater exposure – but nothing replaces your visibility like a powerful live and in person brand and image to build long-term relationships.

4) Create a Professionally Branded Online Presence

Today everyone is searching over the Internet to find you for one reason or another. Be sure that the first impression you make is a wonderful one – not an accident or worse yet, and embarrassment left over from a spring break while you were a freshman. As a professional your head shot, bio, summary of work experience, and the overall look and feel of your online presence sets the tone for your personal brand. If you want to communicate that you are the expert in your field, don’t just share photos of your personal life on social sites. If you do a speaking engagement or attend an industry convention, show it in pictures. People love to see you in action! Make sure photos, text, font, and even colors that you display online all communicate and reinforce your personal brand. If you have a website this is a must.  It’s always fun to Google a new client who tells me they want an online image and brand presence. Too often what I find is not the message they wanted to broadcast – and usually it’s more of a patchwork than a cohesive brand – but it does inspire them to rework their online image.

5) Build a Strong Professional Community

These days it is critical that you build a strong professional network of people who love you and rely on your expertise. These champions will help you leverage your brand by telling people how wonderful it is to work with you or your organization and how much you know about your field. Freely share some of your insider secrets with your network to give them a taste of your value. Always give back to those who are in your network and help to promote them to others. People love to help people who also reciprocate by helping them. When you build a strong community and people understand your brand they can become your personal proactive ambassadors to make you selectively famous within your industry. I think “Who can I promote and help champion today?” Many times I will do this with my colleagues and trusted advisors by having them be a guest blogger for me or by connecting two professionals together who may have a great deal in common. Always give more than you get to your community.

I’d love to hear any stories of how you have created your own celebrity-expert status by building a strong personal brand. Feel free to make a post that tells us about any branding tools you used to help become “brandly” famous.

Do you want to use this blog article?

You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it:

Sarah Hathorn is a professional image consultant, certified personal brand strategist, speaker, and author. 

Her company, Illustra Image Consulting, works with high-achieving future leaders and large businesses by enhancing their corporate and personal brand image to take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Blog, Ezine & Website: www.illustraimageconsulting.com

Copyright © 2010, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS

Summer 411: How to Keep Cool without Putting Your Image on Ice

Watch the video!

Tips on keeping your personal brand looking fabulous in less time, with less effort, and with greater comfort during the humid summer months.

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)

Have you ever wondered how to dress to look cool and comfortable during those hot summer months? When the temperature rises many professionals succumb to summer and lose all the credibility in their personal brand management. 

Over the years as an executive in the fashion and image business I have collected some simple, effective tips for keeping the silently outgoing image and brand messages positive – while you remain crisp but comfortable instead of worried and wilted.

In this one-time call, you’ll discover: 

• 5 clever ways to cool-down your temperature and warm up your professional charisma and executive presence by managing your attire like an image expert.
  
• How to pare down your clothing layers without eroding your credibility.
  
• Shocking image blunders women make when they fail to consult with their best friend – the full length mirror – before leaving for work.
  
• Simple tips for dressing down in a more casual business environment while still looking exceptionally polished, elegant, and professional.
  
• The summertime grooming ABCs that spell success instead of embarrassment. 

This call is your image hotline so join me as I share my expertise and wisdom on this relevant topic. 

Register Now!

Image Consulting: 5 Wardrobe Myths Limiting Your Dress Image Impact

Are you confused by some of the old school wardrobe myths?  Maybe when you were a “tween” your mom tried to educate you with dressing advice such as “never wear white after Labor Day.” I hate to be the one to break the news – but your mom was wrong.

For professional leaders today it’s all about change, personal style, and innovation that may run contrary to the retro rules of yesteryear. To keep your personal brand message fresh and magnetic – and to express your bold, confident, decisive leadership – add a modern feel to your business dress and presence by understanding the difference between fashion truth and myth.

#1 Myth: Never Wear White after Labor Day

Truth: You don’t want to wear bright white in the middle of November – that’s true. But there are various shades of white like eggshell, cream, and ivory that look beautiful even when worn during the colder months. You can also add just a dash of the various tones of white to give a lift to those dark, drab colors that we tire of come December. Women can look for an off-white sweater or cream-colored light wool pants in more versatile year-round fabrics. Men can look for softer shades of white in an exquisite dress shirt – like a tone on tone, a colored tie with ivory medallions, or a silk eggshell pocket square.

#2 Myth: Brown and Black Don’t Mix

Truth: Breaking this old fashion rule shows you are modern and stylish. Personally I love to mix and match brown and black. Nothing looks more interesting than a black sheath dress worn with a brown pump and a handbag in some great texture like crocodile or lizard. If you are worried about tying the two colors together then use a beautiful silk scarf or a printed shoe that has shades of black, brown, and khaki. Men can try a black sport coat with an ecru shirt, British tan pants, and either black or brown shoes. But opt for a multi-colored tie in shades of black, brown, tan, and green to tie it all together with a powerful intentional look.

#3 Myth: Always Match Shoe Tone to Skirt or Pant Color

Truth: It is true that if you want to appear taller matching the shoe tone is a great idea because it visually elongates your legs. But my clients often get bored with that match-match look. Add color and texture to your shoe wardrobe for just a pop of color. Any professional woman can do so in these new times and break up the boredom without breaking any fashion rules.

#4 Myth: More Make-Up Reduces the Appearance of Aging

Truth: I recommend to all my clients that wearing make-up is a must in the corporate environment. But wearing too much make-up or not blending as you apply it will allow make-up to cake up in the wrinkles around the face and eyes. Instead of looking younger you’ll look matronly. As we age we need to wear less make-up, not more, with a very light application that adds some vibrancy to our face. You might wear a mineral foundation or powder, blush, and lipstick to give you that added detail needed to highlight your communication center in business. Men will get their impact from a clean-shaven face – or a beard that’s trimmed daily. Also be sure to wear some type of moisturizer that keeps your face looking naturally vibrant and not caked and dry.

#5 Myth: Only Celebrities Use Image Coaches to Create a Brand Presence

Truth: While it may come as news to you, every successful professional has an image coach. To achieve a more powerful presence in terms of dress, behavior, and communication skills image coaching is actually one of the best investments that you can make in your professional career. Yes, you need the skills and knowledge to do the job – but a professional image is your overall brand packaging that helps to leverage success by opening more doors of opportunity.

Yes it’s a new day and we can break free from outmoded fashion rules to create a personal brand that authentically communicates our style with genuine impact. Abandon some of these old myths and step out by experimenting with your brand. But remember your colors, lines, and silhouettes. They need to communicate one consistent story and message from head to toe. I’ve seen the magic unfold when people I’ve worked with created a personal brand image from the inside-out and I’m always here to help you. Give me a call. We’ll re-launch your personal brand image by collaborating either in person or virtually.

If any of you reading this blog have dressed in these new myth-shattering ways please feel free to post a comment and share your experience. 

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Sarah Hathorn is a professional image consultant, certified personal brand strategist, speaker, and author. 

Her company, Illustra Image Consulting, works with high-achieving future leaders and large businesses by enhancing their corporate and personal brand image to take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Blog, Ezine & Website: www.illustraimageconsulting.com

Copyright © 2010, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS

How important is your weight to your image?

Sometimes, it seems like we are obsessed with our image. And why shouldn’t we be? It’s an important part of our lives, business and personal. It’s the first impression that we make on someone. It’s how we feel about ourselves. But sometimes, the image we want to project does not add up to the image we feel inside. We tend to get caught up in the pressures of society that display a certain type of woman – thin and perfect – and we start putting emphasis on our weight and our clothing size. 

So, how important is your weight to your image? 

Does it matter what clothing size you wear? 

When I work with a client, there are three areas that we work on: 

1. Workouts – planning a good strength training and cardio program. 
2. Nutrition – following guidelines and making small changes. 
3. Emotional health – overcoming obstacles, past failures, setting goals

The first two areas are a given. You learn how to workout. You learn how to eat right. Pretty standard stuff. But when we get to the third area, this is normally a very hard stage for most women. It’s reality time. Finding out why we have failed in the past, learning to love and respect our bodies, and releasing our body to make change that we may be afraid to do. Not only is our image important as far as how we dress and how we present ourselves, but it is also important in how we talk to ourselves and how we train our bodies. It is so important to listen to your instinct, your “inside voice” to complete your image. True beauty does come from inside and when you are happy with your image, it radiates to your outside image as well. 

Sandi Porter


http://www.startwiththeinside.com


sandi@startwiththeinside.com


or join Facebook fan page for healthy tips and recipes: 


http://www.facebook.com/startwiththeinside

This week’s guest blog post if is from my colleague Sandi Porter. I’ve known Sandi for years and she is a inspirational fitness guru.. She is so very  knowledgeable about eating right, working out and handling all the pressures women face today. As you can see from her photo,  she personally has taken the a transformational journey that has changed her life. Now her mission is to help other women to create great possibilities in their lives by starting with on the inside to create great possibilities in their lives.