While it can seem as though some people have 'it' and others don't, there are easy steps you can take to sharpen your image and raise your profile in a positive way. The goal of this particular newsletter is to celebrate the winners of an image update contest. Working in the financial industry is often associated with grey suits, black shoes, and hair that's pulled back. A contest was held for the Indiana chapter of Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) members and included four winners. The winners of the HFMA image update contest discovered more than just how colors and textures can affect their appearance, they also discovered how it can affect their mood. Consider what the winners Angela Chanley, Daniel Waninger, Michelle Burnett and Thomas Williams had to say about their image update. These are real people who experienced real results they can easily maintain and enjoy for years to come. After all, looking your best whenever possible is an excellent way to connect your actions today with your goals for tomorrow. FREE! Read the full HFMA article
Angela Chanley: Color
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"I learned to incorporate brighter colors into my wardrobe. [Sola/ImageCube] was helpful in showing me more options than basic "business black".
-Angela Chanley
Taking time to evaluate your use of color is a simple step you can take without even buying any new clothing. Start by looking at what you own - if you see a closet full of dark colors then it's time to take action. To keep it simple start with a color that complements your skin tone. The goal is to avoid 'washing you out' by creating harmonious balance between your face and the garment you are wearing. For example, Angela benefits from the cooler colors in her scarf to bring visual interest near her face. The cool blue of her dress provides a positive contrast while the white jacket provides subtle texture and structure without competing (or distracting from) other elements of her look.
-Angela Chanley
Taking time to evaluate your use of color is a simple step you can take without even buying any new clothing. Start by looking at what you own - if you see a closet full of dark colors then it's time to take action. To keep it simple start with a color that complements your skin tone. The goal is to avoid 'washing you out' by creating harmonious balance between your face and the garment you are wearing. For example, Angela benefits from the cooler colors in her scarf to bring visual interest near her face. The cool blue of her dress provides a positive contrast while the white jacket provides subtle texture and structure without competing (or distracting from) other elements of her look.
Daniel Waninger: Occasion
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"I learned that I need a pair of loafers, and no more tennis shoes on dates unless I'm playing tennis!"
-Daniel Waninger
Getting dressed is about being ready for the occasion, so just like Daniel it's time to start wearing tennis shoes... when you're actually playing tennis (or exercising). While there are many times and places where an athletic look is ideal keep it in perspective. While business casual may include sneakers, opt for a pair of comfortable shoes that offer a bit more style. From shoes to jackets what you wear needs to be appropriate for the occasion. Just like you wouldn't wear a suit to go to bed, you shouldn't be wearing your pajamas to work. By asking yourself, "Does this occasion call for a certain level of respect or consideration?", you'll avoid being inappropriate or disrespectful. The best part is you'll be relaxed and more easily able to meet and connect with others. In the long run this is how you connect your attire with your personal and professional brand message.
-Daniel Waninger
Getting dressed is about being ready for the occasion, so just like Daniel it's time to start wearing tennis shoes... when you're actually playing tennis (or exercising). While there are many times and places where an athletic look is ideal keep it in perspective. While business casual may include sneakers, opt for a pair of comfortable shoes that offer a bit more style. From shoes to jackets what you wear needs to be appropriate for the occasion. Just like you wouldn't wear a suit to go to bed, you shouldn't be wearing your pajamas to work. By asking yourself, "Does this occasion call for a certain level of respect or consideration?", you'll avoid being inappropriate or disrespectful. The best part is you'll be relaxed and more easily able to meet and connect with others. In the long run this is how you connect your attire with your personal and professional brand message.
Michelle Burnett: Tailoring
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"The experience was more than I thought it would be primarily due to what I learned about professional image during my sit down chat with Sola. I learned the message that certain cuts, designs, and patterns convey to others and how to use this knowledge to market myself in the business world through how I dress. I learned that what you wear can be just as important in business as how you perform on the job."
-Michelle Burnett
It's often the case that something we own doesn't fit us the same way as it used to. Whether we've started working out or filled out, tailoring is the key to a great fit. If you have a new garment or an old favorite consider how taking it to a tailor might allow it to fit and flatter your figure as it should. Why does this matter? Visual tension translates into emotional tension which affects how we communicate. Imagine wearing a jacket that moves freely and is comfortable to sit in, and never looks out of place. Compare how that would feel versus wearing a garment that is too tight and won't button properly or is too loose and causes your posture to appear weak. No matter what you buy, tailoring is the key to making sure it fits you well and makes you feel great too.
-Michelle Burnett
It's often the case that something we own doesn't fit us the same way as it used to. Whether we've started working out or filled out, tailoring is the key to a great fit. If you have a new garment or an old favorite consider how taking it to a tailor might allow it to fit and flatter your figure as it should. Why does this matter? Visual tension translates into emotional tension which affects how we communicate. Imagine wearing a jacket that moves freely and is comfortable to sit in, and never looks out of place. Compare how that would feel versus wearing a garment that is too tight and won't button properly or is too loose and causes your posture to appear weak. No matter what you buy, tailoring is the key to making sure it fits you well and makes you feel great too.
Thomas Williams: Grooming
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"I learned that men should seriously consider treatments more traditionally thought of as, "for the ladies", like manicures and hair color - these benefit the guys too!"
- Thomas Williams
Whether you're new to the idea of highly focused personal grooming Thomas Williamsor have phased it out to save money, put it back on your radar. From a clean neckline to a clean nails grooming is a wise investment. For men it can seem as though it's for the ladies as Thomas pointed out. In reality, it's for everyone and it's a powerful way to connect where you are now in your career with where you want to be in the years ahead. What makes grooming such a powerful image tool is that it tells the world you take care of yourself in a deliberate manner. Having the best haircut is of little impact if the details aren't in place. Making the most of even a modest investment can have long-lasting effects. After all, some of the best decisions start with a hand-shake, making sure yours are neat and clean is a great way to stand out.
- Thomas Williams
Whether you're new to the idea of highly focused personal grooming Thomas Williamsor have phased it out to save money, put it back on your radar. From a clean neckline to a clean nails grooming is a wise investment. For men it can seem as though it's for the ladies as Thomas pointed out. In reality, it's for everyone and it's a powerful way to connect where you are now in your career with where you want to be in the years ahead. What makes grooming such a powerful image tool is that it tells the world you take care of yourself in a deliberate manner. Having the best haircut is of little impact if the details aren't in place. Making the most of even a modest investment can have long-lasting effects. After all, some of the best decisions start with a hand-shake, making sure yours are neat and clean is a great way to stand out.
Making the most of your appearance isn't about throwing out all your clothes or going through some reality-TV-based crash course. It's about evaluating simple things you can do to look and feel better each day. Over time you'll be expressing your sharpest image at all times.
Sola Adelowo
Clarity. Confidence. Growth.
FREE! Read the full HFMA article
Sola Adelowo
Clarity. Confidence. Growth.
FREE! Read the full HFMA article
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