My Image Factor

I suspect at any given time, most of us have been or are on a diet.  last year it was estimated there were 72 million dieters in America.  I’ve struggled with weight for a long time.  Our company even provides services in that industry.  Recent studies have concluded that dieting does not lead to long term weight loss and may even lead to weigh gain (American Psychologist 62.3 (2007):220-33

However it’s not impossible for success.  You can develop lifestyle changes that support reduce body fat,  reduce lifestyle diseases and even have clothing fit better.  Talk to anyone and they will say it requires constant vigilance and changes.   Exercise is important. However it’s not the key for most successes in getting the scale down.  That requires the food.  Bottom line is take in less calories than you burn off on a consistent basis. So what about the diet?

There are myriad of diet options out there.  The industry generates about $60 billion a year from do-it-yourself plans, commercial programs, drugs & medical programs, online etc. For over 24 years, we’ve provide healthy tools and coaching  and  find that a modified high protein diet coupled with changes in food choices, behaviors etc has been successful.  It’s one of the reasons we left the “tradition commercial” dieting business to start HealthyTools.  For our clients learning how and what to eat and other  issues discovered through coaching has led to their reaching a point of health weight success and maintenance.  However, the medical community and industry don’t always agree.  Case in point are the highly popular high protein diets such as the “Atkins Plan”  introduced in 1972.  Many had concerns over the healthiness of eat more protein.  Here is a study affirming some benefit for those trying to lose weight.

ScienceDaily (2011-08-29) — New research suggests a higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate energy-restricted diet has a major positive impact on body composition, trimming belly fat and increasing lean muscle, particularly when the proteins come from dairy products.

August newspapers are  filled with coupons, specials and ads for items one might need to go “back to school”.   According to the National Retail Federation, that amounts on average of $600 per student for supplies and clothing.  Money spent on kids clothing in 2009 exceeded $7 Billion in August alone.  Why am I bring this up you ask?   Well I could say this is where children develop a sense of dressing appropriately for the future.  After all it is one of the top three issues employers deal with.   Since the fitness craze of the 80s, there is a growing emphasis to show off more of the body. More slim fitting sweaters & tops,  workout clothes as fashion statements, low cut everything.    Talk to most people and they will agree they like to look at bodies if they are young,  toned, tanned and fit.  Overweight, “muffin tops” …well that’s a different story.  Go into any specially store targeting young women and you will see a myriad of  “sexy suits”, low waist-ed slacks, tight fitted blouses and jackets. For children, what parents wants their 7 year old  to look 27 or 17 for that matter.   Parents complain that there aren’t any “kid clothes” available.  Mothers are looking for modest, well made clothes that will get through the school year and kids want outfits that make them look older and sexier.  A recent study of the top 15 websites for online shopping found that over a third of clothing marketed to young girls sizes 6 to 14 “revealed or emphasized a sexualized part of the body, has characteristics associated with sexiness and/or sexually suggestive writing”.

Is 10 too young for the cover?

But I wonder, why is there an ever increasing push to sexualize our children clothing,  especially the girls?   Do we need ads with 10 year old on the cover of Vogue Magazine looking like a grownup?   What about  the Skechers “naughty and nice” ad that featured Christina Aguilera dressed as a schoolgirl in pigtails, with her shirt unbuttoned, licking a lollipop?    Does a 4 year old really need a padded push-up bikini?    You may say I’m old school and not open minded.   However this is an increasing issue that needs some attention not only in know how to dressing for work, but society at large.   We now have people crying for McDonald s to stop marketing to children with putting a toy in their “Happy Meals”.  Why is this less harmful?

• Are mothers just playing “dress-up-dolly”  with their daughters?
• Is this only thing females have to offer society is their bodies?
• Has this push helped reduce assaults on children?

Girls being exposed to a world they are not mentally equipped or mature to deal with is done solely to serve the needs of the adults around her.

Just food for thought today.

I happen to have a conversation with a young woman looking to advance her career up the management chain.  She was a recent graduate working at a large company.   It was a hot muggy day so prevalent in the northeast during the summer.    Naturally the subject came around to shorts and dress codes.   This is an area where in my opinion, a majority of companies have failed to communicate a unified message to their most valuable assets, the employees.  The young woman did not think that “walking shorts” (shorts at the knee or an inch above) should be considered inappropriate since they are usually longer than some skirts women wear.  We won’t even discuss capri pants today.  There could a whole other blog about those.

Dress codes can be a huge headache for some companies depending on the industry and who makes the decisions about work appropriate.  My experience is most dress codes are written by a third party removed from the company culture in a cubical somewhere, or by committee with an agenda of its own.     Codes usually are filled with “Don’ts” and “Not allowed”.  Rarely do dress codes provide true guidance for those that are affected by them, the employees .  If it’s hard to enforce dress codes that is usually part of the reason.    We find dress codes are not updated on a consistent bases.  Not only do they not keep up with the company’s evolving culture and philosophy but emerging trends.  Unfortunately women tend to also be the major offenders.  Women get caught between what’s in magazines,  on the store racks and being pushed by the latest designers.   There are real differences between trends and fads.  Often a lack  of knowledge about effective wardrobe building for work is at the root.  This is why it’s a good investment to hire a professional image consultant.

What if you are not young with great legs?

Take for an example,  this article in the Wall Street Journal entitled Short and Sweet, Shelve your skirt suits and pant suits. The summer’s most versatile combo goes from the office to party without a hitch. As my young woman proceeded to echo the value of wearing shorts to work, I mentioned that this might not be acceptable in all industries.  Working in landscaping, horticulture, summer camps, guides etc. Shorts at not only worn, but consider part of the uniform. Similarly like we associate a person in a long white jacket to be in the health/science field.  Remember when President Obama was promoting the health care bill at a press conference with doctors standing in the background?  When invited to the White House the doctors wore business suits but were quickly supplied with white jackets for the photo op.   Remember we get over 55% of our information through visual communications.  You assumed the occupations of the people standing behind the president.

Now, back to those shorts.  Ladies, this is for you.  What exactly is the message here?    “Look at me, I’m hot, cute and up on the latest fads”?  Or is your impression   “I’m a professional and will be a great  resource for your business”?  Men admit it if you’re reading this,  that outfit is great eye candy.  Would you also want women wearing said outfit that are more “mature” and without greatest legs? I doubt it.  It may sound sexist, but it’s reality.  Women, especially the younger and single really need to give serious thought to how this will help their career. Of course, it’s great for after work. I wish I was younger, slimmer and able to look attractive in them.  Unfortunately at my age with having had five children,  I’d just look silly.

I’d like you to  give consideration to the application of a work policy allowing shorts at the office. We have build in years of certain beliefs of certain expectations.  Suppose you had to be in court.  Would you feel confident if your attorney wore shorts?  I know a couple of software programmers that like to sit in their cubicles writing code all day long and they wear loose, baggy, basketball type shorts and tore jeans.  They argue no one sees them.   Another blog about that later too.

Lastly in this day of  discrimination litigation, what about men?    Suppose some guy in the next cubicle is one of those software programmers described above, what do you think?  Remember  if shorts were uniformly allowed, is there  double standard if some guy with hairy, bad  legs come into your office with those baggy shorts (and a majority like to wear them), would you consider them professional?   How far do you want codes to be written anyway.    If you haven’t seem them just take a look at the ad campaign for Men’s Warehouse.  According to Kelton Research in 2010; 87%  of women believe a man looks better in a suit,  85% of women say a well dresses man is sexier that those who have lots of money, and 55% of Americans believe a man’s level of success is defined by his clothes.

So ladies this is for you to ponder, what do you  want your work wardrobe to say about you?

Would you "trust" this guy?

Recently I received an invitation  for a business event at Pentagon City, VA.  It contained the  term “recommended attire: dressy casual”.   What does that mean?  You hear terms like formal dress, business formal, business casual, casual, casual Fridays, etc. It’s all a bit confusing  these days.  A few years ago, I was being interview for a speaking engagement for a national company having their statewide conference for top account managers and executives.  Upon arriving at their offices for my interview,  a sign was posted on the entry door that read, “Please excuse our appearance, it’s casual Friday”.  Really?  With economic uncertainty, everyone should be putting their “best foot forward”, not apologizing.   Unfortunately over the last 20 years, few people clearly understand “dress appropriate” and even less care or even have  “work designated wardrobe” at all.  Bottom line, it’s casting you money.    One sales professional once told me on the subject “what you see is what you get”.  Okay.  It’s important to be genuine and sincere, however does that mean  if shoes are really tattered, your pant legs drag on the ground and are frayed, clothes are wrinkled with an overall appearance of sloppy, unorganized that would magically assume that you will pay more attention to my business and give it the necessary care and attending I am looking for? What assurances would I base that on?  Your words?   While it may not seem fair that people develop an immediate impression about you simply by the clothes you wear, it often happens and could cause you to lose out on a great sale, a promotion etc.  Just look at a website, a personality, a book jacket that you are attracted to or really dislike.  Sometimes you really can not explain any reason for it, but you developed an unconscious opinion about the person, to pick up the book or go into a restaurant all on what your saw. If you think you might want an assessment about how you are perceived in your world, check out the website:  The Resources Place

In today’s economy I find it odd that when someone is willing to part with their money for a product or service that more businesses are not quick to respond with great customer service.  This seems particularly true more for those providing a service rather than a “widget”.   In my world, I found clients can fire you at anytime and go elsewhere for similar services.  Sure your competition may not be as good, but  is it worth finding out?  I know it’s old fashion but in this world of global competition and the Internet, business (or more appropriately  the sales rep.,  account managers or whatever your title) should be prompt on delivery of service or at the least keep the client up-to-date on the status of the impending service.    Just because your competitor company XYZ doesn’t do that, do you want to be classed the same?  This is the little areas I call differentiating yourself from your competition.    Companies expend huge resources for new customer acquisition; print, television ads, banner ads, networking groups, business functions, direct sales staff, taking potential clients out to lunch, a round of golf etc.  The higher the price point, the higher the investment.  This all adds up whether in direct dollars invested or time. It only take a small issue to lose a customer!

Ask any business owner how they get their best customers and clients and they’ll usually say “from referrals”.   If your business falls into the category, then listen up…..How much do you invest into yourself, your staff to ensure that you provide the best service and follow up out there?

According to Greenfield Online and Datamonitor/Ovum analysts, measuring the cost of poor customer service in the U.S., found that enterprises in the U.S. lose an estimated $83 billion each year.  In the U.S., 71% of consumers have ended a relationship due to a poor customer service experience, and the average U.S. customer surveyed had 11 interactions each year and ended 1.2 relationships. The average value of lost relationships in the U.S. is $289 per year.

Here is a classic example of what I mean…a while back we engaged a company to provide a service which was in the amount a several thousand dollars.  The quote for the work to be completed and length of time was agreed upon.  The scheduled was set.  The day for the work to start, arrived and I took the morning to be on location. 3 hours later no one had arrived nor was there any call.  Hum….

Upon calling their office I was told they had a scheduling conflict and would not be at this job.  Someone would contact me to reschedule.  Two days later the call came.  No mention of the missed date, only that they would be there in 2 days.  At that point, if I hadn’t signed a contract I would have told them to not bother.  They did arrive as stated the second time and the work was performed in the time frame.   The question is, will I be able to referred them to someone else?   Would you?

All that would have made this a good referral would have been someone in their office to pick up the phone, call and leave a message there was a conflict and they would be starting on another day.  To me this is common courtesy in business.

Would you be interested in 10 ways to lose customers?

Last year a poll of 2,491 women suggested women spend almost one year of their lives deciding what to wear.  That means the average woman will spend 287 days rifling through their wardrobe! That correlates into an extra 16 minutes morning deciding what to wear.

The study also found, on average, women will try on at least two outfits each morning before coming to a final decision, and that one in two women spend 15 minutes the night before work working out what to wear.

I’m not a professional organizer, but have some tips to make the time more productive.  To benefit from these tips, one first needs to understand  purchasing “outfits” is not always the best option. Retailers are good providing ideas with manufactures coordinating pieces in a certain color pallet.  Unfortunately many people will stay within that selection reducing their ability to maximize the new purchase. I for one, often find one piece will fit well but the style of the coordinating items don’t.  If it doesn’t read well on your body, how often will you wear it?   If you read the closet post, part one, you learned about pairing down the wardrobe for your body, now lets get it back into the closet.  Make a master list of what you have and then a second column of what’s needed.  This will start your shopping list.  Organize your clothing into  categories rather than outfits. Hang all jackets together, all slacks together, shirts together etc. From there, start separating into colors.  If you look into my closet (yes, I only have one,  and I share it with my husband) you will sees all blacks are together, all whites, blues etc.  My jackets reflect a color spectrum.  Black and whites together, then blues, plums to reds.  There is one yellow and one taupe jacket. (remember those odd pieces)   This makes it easier to put items together.

If you are starting a workable wardrobe, consider  one basic suit and a second complementary color in either a suit of separates or jacket and pieces that go with the basic suit.  Black and taupe for example.   This is what is called “capsule” building.  That way when you purchase a new item, it should coordinate with those pieces.  My rule of thumb of selecting a new piece, it has to go with at least three other items in my wardrobe. If something goes into the closet, something needs to go out.  After all, why are you purchasing a new piece? Once you embrace the idea of investment dressing, this makes sense.  Granted there are always those few odd pieces, bought for a special occasion or a weak moment.  But if you purchase a new piece, shouldn’t you be able to use it for more than one outfit?  This goes for accessories too.

This is one of the reasons people engage the services of a professional certified image consultant to get started on the right path.  In a previous post, I mentioned about having a color analysis. I remember back in the 80s people where running around in stores with little booklets of fabric swatches and saying  “I can buy this, it doesn’t match!”   If you have one of those, don’t throw it out, but remember it’s not about matching as much as it’s a tool so new purchases blend with those colors in your pallet.  You’ll have better options of mixing up your wardrobe pieces and create your own unique style, not something from the clothes catalog that looks good on the model!

Color analysis was a big deal back in the mid 80s.  That’s when I first was introduced me to the subject.  Friends of mine where running around with little pieces of fabric when they shopped and would often ask, are you a winter?  At first I didn’t have a clue…

Anyway the subject of color analysis has been taught as early s the 1920s.   It is based on not only skin tone, but your natural hair color,  the patterns in your eyes, the tone of dark circles, even your freckles and tooth enamel. Wearing clothes and cosmetics that match your color palette will actually smooth out and brighten your natural skin tone and even make dark circles, expression lines and wrinkles much less noticeable on your face.  Many often group color and refer to them by “seasons,” Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.  Additionally there is a category called Neutral.   It could have just as easily been type A, type B. etc. Seasons is what we use. It can get quite detailed and if you are going to have a professional color analysis, make sure you engage  certified professional image consultant.  Not just some on wanting to sell make up or a sales clerk in the store as they have a specific agenda which is parting you from your money.

For our purposes here, when you wear colors that are complementary with your natural skin tones, the color is absorbed and results in you looking radiant.  However, with the opposite tones, the is reflected and you will have people asking if you have been sick or tired. The result will deaden your appearance.   A simple rule, you if you look fabulous in browns, tans and gold jewelry, you most like have warm peach to golden skin tones. If black, pure white and silver are youtr best, you probably have cool pink or blue  undertones. Remember this is a simplistic test.  A certified professional will also take into consideration such things as color value and intensity and lastly your age.   Once gray hair develops, your preferred pallet may change as well as consideration of coloring your hair.

If we asked you about your clothes closets, most people would say they are unhappy with it and they need to get better organized. Really?  Is it possible you have too much in your closet?  Be honest, do you wear everything in your closet?  Of course not.  There is always the one article of clothing you purchased for some special occasion. I have a formal, floor length dress worn once to a wedding that I will have very little opportunity to wear again.  I bet  too there are clothes that we’re waiting to wear when we lose 15 or 20 pounds. Better yet, how many have kept clothing that now is referred to as “vintage”?  Even if my body would fit correctly into that item, I doubt that I would feel the same about it today s I did when it was purchased.  We get attached to clothing, a special memory, event, gift etc. Putting those few “rare” items aside; if you would like to save yourself some grief and save money, here are a tips to help manage your closet.

First, take a day and take everything out of the closet.  One piece at a time, try everything on.  Separate your clothing into what are the best colors for you and what looks lousy. You might need to get a color analysis for this. (check the blog on color for tips).  Next with the pile that is complementary, separate that into what fits perfect and what doesn’t fit correctly place  into another.  With the pile that doesn’t fit, decide if it can be altered.  Check things like  shoulders, pant, skirt and sleeve lengths. If something can’t be let out  you might as well start a pile to give away.  Really good quality pieces you can check out selling  at an online auction or local consignment shop. Otherwise there are non-profits like Dress for Success and Goodwill.  If you are unsure if an item can be altered, check with your local tailor.  Often your local dry cleaner can provide some names.  Now from what is left, determine if you will really ever wear it again.  Do the same with the pile of clothing that fits well.  Will you really make use of that item?   Now you can start putting these items back in the closet.  As you do, create a chart of what you have and allow space for possible additions to make a piece of clothing work.

This is part of what a certified professional image consultant can do to help you create a truly workable wardrobe.  To learn more check out www.TheResourcePlace.com

The Art of Dressing.

Over the years our society has evolved from the stuffy discipline of a working wardrobe, especially for women.  For many, this was a welcome change. More relaxed, more flexibility, more options and definitely more individualistic. With all this freedom of choices comes a mixed bag as to what now is really appropriate.  Over the last decade, what makes up a work appropriate wardrobe has become a genuine issue.  Employers site a variety of issues.  Does the new casualness spill spill over into overall behavior? how is the company perceived?  Could sloppiness be reflected in the work ethic?  Will this ultimately lead to a loss of business?  Since this revolution of dressing down, the rules are more blurred, and some have taken liberal interpretations to spandex tops, micro-hugging skirts, t-shirts, low riding & “distressed” jeans, etc.  in the work place.   Just what is the individual selling to their boss, their clients, to their career.  While “self expression” can be very attractive in some industries, as a whole your professional presence in the workplace can have a significant impact on your paycheck,  advancement and ultimately your career. Remember Andre Agassi and his famous tagline in a 1990 commercial for Canon…”Image is Everything” .  How’s yours working for you?  If you think you may want some help, visit our website

As mentioned in a later post, Andre Agassi’s famous quote as spokesperson for a Canon commercial, “Image is Everything”  is more important  today than back in 1990 when the commercial was popular. We live in a highly visual world.  Studies document that at least 60% of us are what is referred to as visual learners.  That means we like to see how to do something over hearing how to do it.  Put into that mix today the vast awry of  entertainment,  news outlets, cell phones, video and webcasts.   Many of our ideas and opinions are affirmed by what we see by the conscience and sub-conscience mind.   Just take a look at the new on slot of political campaign pieces that will arrive in our mail, over the television and website.

So what is your image telling people?  The moment you meet someone new you will take about 4 to 10 seconds to arrive and some opinion about them.   That process will cove how smart you think they are, their level of education, success, trustworthiness, etc. This is called “Threshold Effect”.  Check back to garner some pearls to help you with your personal and professional presence.