Illustra Image Consulting Blog

INSIDE NETWORKING

I wanted to share with you an article from my great friend and colleague Chi Chi Okezie on networking. I have listed Chi Chi's contact information at the bottom of this article. I love sharing on my blog tips and secrets from other experts. I know you enjoy this article. 

Networking is becoming increasingly popular among professionals, companies and industries.  It is redefining the scope of business and empowering individuals to unprecedented success.

How can you capitalize on your networking skills and be more effective?  Here are four techniques which you can apply instantly.

 1.  Be Strategic

Set short and long term networking goals.  Evaluate your methods and consistently track your results.  Be accountable for your success.

 2.  Embody Your Brand

Focus and develop your strongest abilities and traits.  Be specifically known for one or two things which make you unique and notable in your field.

 3.  Follow Up

Make sure to properly follow up with your networking contacts.  Your message should be personalized, professional and meaningful.

 4. Be a Fireball

Network with passion enthusiasm and fun.  Be open minded, flexible and prepared for chance opportunities.

 Chi Chi Okezie is owner / producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC.  She is author of “SIMPLEnetworking”, travel guide on 50 tips for better networking.  For more tips, articles and resources on business networking, visit the official website: http://www.snseminars.com

Dressing Age-Appropriate

The other week I attended a professional business-networking event when I saw a woman who was dressed inappropriately for her age. I am guessing she was around 50-55 years of age but dressing like a young 30 year- old. I was saddened to see this businesswoman not accepting and celebrating her age by dressing in a stylish ensemble that would exude her personal brand and confidence. Although she was trying to appear years younger she didn’t have that firm figure-eight body and  flawless skin tone she had once cherished. It was evident in the messages she was sending that she was living in the past.   All of us all must accept that we evolve over time. Our bodies change and we may prefer a different personal style as our lifestyles ebb and flow as we age. Trust that this transformation process  is an important part of your evolving into a mature, stylish woman.

When this woman pranced into the room, people began to stare at her as though they were thinking the same thought that I had. Wearing a jacket that was tight and tugging over her upper torso, a print blouse that was revealing too much cleavage, and sporting a mini-skirt and stiletto heels it was evident that she was not dressing professionally for her age. While she did have shapely legs, you could tell that the years had taken their toll on her leg skin tone because you could see all the flaws on her legs like varicose veins, age spots and the sagging knee skin.

Now that you can visualize this image in your mind, you see how women can get stuck in a time warp. These women remember a time when they were young, happy and don’t want to move beyond that significant timeline. But we all must change and mature. If only she has worn an elegant suit that fit and flattered her figure with a great mid-knee pencil skirt, hosiery to firm her figure and tone her legs, 3” pumps and some great statement jewelry she would have looked modern and fabulous even at fifty. No matter what your age, you can always find great items that resemble your style and highlight your features.

This week’s tip is to be aware that the more skin you show the less credible and respected you will be in the workplace. Remember that people are always making superficial judgments about you based on your visual appearance.  Your presence speaks louder than words. Let your appearance communicate that you are polished, modern, credible and trustworthy by dressing appropriately for your age and celebrate your ageless style.