Boost Your Profile & Your Profits

Are You Worried About Being Judged Based Upon Your Looks ?

, if you haven’t experienced it, you’ve definitely done it.

No matter whether you’re a business professional or an employee – or both – you, I and them have unfairly judged someone based on the way they look at some stage in our lives, consciously or unconsciously. 

Whoever it was, one thing is clear. None of us appreciate it - but it is a fact of life.

Nobody likes having to tippy-toe around the statistics that if you’re not dressed appropriately and professionally for your industry – you will be judged and this judgement ‘may’ result in; loss of a promotion, not being taken seriously, prospects purchasing from your competitors, being publicly criticized, losing media opportunities and even struggling to meet a partner through to being excluded from particular business and social circles. 

The sad thing is that most of us aren’t even aware that this is occurring in our own sphere.

It is a shame. The unfortunate truth is that it is ingrained in our primordial instincts. We assess others on the way they look to ensure our own safety (fight or flight), for procreation and to acknowledge how much they do or do not take them and ourselves seriously. The fact of the matter is that we’re up against basic biological instincts that will most likely never change (especially not in our lifetime). It has been hardwired into our brains – recent studies with babies have proven this.

So, this raises a few prickly questions:

1. How do you feel confident in your own skin if you are unhappy with your body shape or size?
2. How do you make the effort without feeling it is an effort?
3. How can you look in the mirror each morning and ‘know’ that you look fantastic when you feel the exterior indicates otherwise?

Positive Routines

All experienced stylists know that when making over a client, when you change the outside the inside can’t help but be influenced. I’ve experienced clients in tears (men and women) after their makeovers because the way they felt on the inside finally matched how they looked on the outside. There is power in congruency and there is power when you take things into your own hands. These makeovers have resulted in; media exposure, new lust for life, new clients and job promotions.

Ensuring you are happy with the way that you look and that you are projecting the correct perception for your industry, no matter what your objective is, is essential.

It is about establishing positive routines that support you in feeling great about yourself. If your routine includes;

• Eating fatty foods that make you feel lethargic and encourages skin issues, i.e. pimples, eczema etc. then of course you will feel tested by your physical appearance;
  
• Wearing clothes that do not fit and accentuate your widest body parts, then yes - it won’t help you in how you feel about your silhouette;
• Drowning yourself in layers to hide your body, yes - it will add weight emotionally and physically and influence your emotions and the way you interact with others.

Looking in the mirror each day doesn’t have to be painful. I’ve personally experienced that pain and it isn’t nice. In fact it’s gut wrenching. I see it with my clients, they withhold themselves emotionally from taking the next leap in their business or private lives because they don’t feel confident about how they look to be able to take the next step in their career.

Thankfully feeling great about the way you look doesn’t have to be a mind field. It is important to understand exactly what does and does not suit you. Once you understand this, you’ll have it with you for the rest of your life. There are basic lessons in which children should be taught in schools to empower them to accept who they are, body and mind.

To feel great in our clothes of choice, we need to understand the following;

1. The best haircuts for your face shape
2. The best shoe wear that elongates your legs and gives you presence
3. The best pants/jeans that fit you in all of the correct places
4. The best colours that match your skin tonne
5. The best way to put outfits together – jewellery, ties, scarfs, pants, jackets, handbags etc.
6. The best way to dress for ‘your’ particular body shape that not only suits you but makes you glow with pride and sex appeal
7. The best bra to wear to have your ‘girls’ looking the best they’ve ever looked

And most importantly the best way to pull it all together so you look and feel fantastic about yourself - inside and out when you walk out of your front door in the morning.

The Mini-Makeover

If you want to feel more professional and look fantastic, take the following steps to begin your mini-makeover;

Step 1: Go through your wardrobe and throw out all clothes that are; out of date, do not fit you, are faded and daggy. Donate what you can to your favourite charity.

Step 2: Asses your beauty regime, this includes you too guys! Check for unruly chin, ear or facial hairs. Get your eyebrows plucked regularly and ensure proper care of your skin. After all, it is what most people look at first.

Step 3: Create a shopping list of new clothes that need purchasing. Don’t just list things that you’ve thrown out and that need replacing but go for staple items that you can dress up and down, i.e. jackets, blazers, jeans, pants, belts, shoes. Once you have your basics, you can then find pieces with more interesting elements to add to and expand your collection making dressing in the morning effortless.

Step 4: Get a new haircut and or change hairdressers. If you’ve been with your hairdresser for many years they may have gotten lax with going above and beyond. Expect the best. Try somewhere new, ask for their recommendations and also be clear on your expectations.

Go through this process with confidence and be unapologetic about trying new outfits and styles.

You may be surprised, your new outfit may help you look lighter (if it’s your objective), more put together but more importantly help you feel on top of the world to go after what you truly deserve.


Looking for help in finding exactly what type of clothes and styles suit you?

That’s what personal styling is all about. If the idea intrigues you, email ben@benangel.com.au today and find out how I can assist you in all facets of feeling and looking great.

Do it today though to find out more and lock in your price - due to demand my prices will be going up on June 1st.


Ben’s book “Sleeping Your Way to The Top in Business” is available for purchase by clicking here. For media, consulting and speaking enquiries contact Ben directly at ben@benangel.com.au   

Posted by Ben Angel on 28th May, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks
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