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What does an image consultant do?

Create a clear mental picture of your ideal business.

Affirm Lesson 1 was Visualization, in which you create your ideal business in your thoughts.  Lesson 2 is Affirm, in which you describe your ideal business in words.  The written word has more power than the spoken word.  Make your vision as detailed as possible!  Put the target date at the top of the page – I usually choose a date that’s two years […]

When you are clear on your intention, then even the smallest action can manifest a huge result.

If you work in an office, don’t go too cheap, trendy, or body-conscious.

30’s:   The Builder / Creator   To dress for your age in your 30’s, consider all of your functions.  In your 30’s you may be experiencing any of the following: Establishing your career Starting a family Building a home Developing credentials and credibility Setting goals Balancing home and work Your life may have taken a […]

You get better with age. So should your clothes.

You’ve already proven yourself, so your style is authentic, easy, and credible.

Now, more than ever before, you have the liberty to dress for your soul. Wear the clothing that calls to you.

The Hummingbird flits from group to group flapping her wings – I mean arms. The Hummingbird usually has a bright smile and a beaming happy face. Her entire body seems to gesture as she uses her eyebrows and hands in uplifting motions and sweeps. Her voice is typically high and lilting. She is a positive, sparkling and light-hearted presence at any gathering.

Have you ever declined an opportunity to speak because of anxiety? Or experienced a less-than-stellar presentation because of nerves? Regardless of your level of comfort, you can transform immediately into a confident, powerful, engaging and effective presenter.

Be okay with being the center of attention. You have the right to speak, because you exist.

You will likely get a rush of energy going through your system prior to the presentation. If you label this rush as fear, and try to stop it, this energy may be released through shaking, perspiring, flushing, and butterflies.

There are a variety of methods for audience interaction: role plays, demonstrations, exercises, games, etc.

It used to be that “eco fashion” meant rustic, itchy fabrics and earthy, drab colours. But today’s Green fashion is high quality, luxurious, soft fabrics in cutting edge, designer styles – and usually with superior characteristics and a lower cost than traditional fabrics.

As we are now aware that thought is vibration, and that vibration affects matter, even the thoughts and feelings that go into the creation of the fabric and the garment can have an effect (usually non-consciously) on our own frequencies.

Nicole Bridger, a Canadian fashion designer, puts an affirmation label in each garment. The first recipient of the Design Forward Award from FTA (Fashion Takes Action), not only sustainable fabrics, but positive relationships and high ethics have contributed to her success. According to Nicole, “we strongly believe that the energy that we put out into the world is important for our own spirit and for others”. www.nicolebridger.com

The good news is that there is hope. Our knowledge of brain chemistry has evolved significantly over the past few years, and we now understand the causes of diet failure. Even more exciting – we now know how to use brain chemistry as the foundation of a successful weight management program.

• Let guests know what time to arrive, and at what time the meal will be served.
• Ask if there are food allergies or restrictions, but do not discuss the menu with guests.
• If your event is formal, invitations are in writing, and your guests will arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the appointed hour.
• Ensure that all guests are introduced.

• When you receive the invitation, respond as soon as possible.
• Let your host know if you have food restrictions, but do not indicate likes and dislikes unless you are asked.
• Your host will let you know what time to arrive; if there is some confusion, it is best to ask. In North America, arrive at the time specified, or within 15 minutes, but not earlier.

A sharp-looking suit or jacket is the easiest and most effective way to portray power and authority. The most formal suit is dark, cold and neutral – which means navy blue or charcoal.

The suit should be made of fine wool; I usually look for wool that’s rated at least ‘Super 100’. (The number indicates the number of fibres per inch.) Invest in the best quality suit you can afford and that is practical for your business.

The most formal suit is solid in color, but a pinstripe pattern is also acceptable. The more obvious the pattern, the less professional the image.

A sharp-looking suit or jacket is the easiest and most effective way to portray power and authority. The most formal suit is dark, cold and neutral – which means navy blue, charcoal, or black.

The suit should be made of fine wool; I usually look for wool that’s rated at least ‘Super 100’. (The number indicates the number of fibres per inch.) Invest in the best quality suit you can afford and that is practical for your business.

The most formal suit is solid in color, but a pinstripe pattern is also acceptable. The more obvious the pattern, the less professional the image.

To help define your services or mission, list as many items as you can under the following headings.
a. I really love to:
b. I excel at, or demonstrate a skill when I:
c. The qualities I appreciate most that I have are:
d. What’s important to me is:

I have found the #1 reason for “accidental failure” is attempting a niche market that’s incongruent with the consultant’s qualities. To define your natural niche, complete the chart below for yourself:

The primary purpose of a business is to help you attain your personal objectives. When this becomes the focus, rather than generating an arbitrary income, your goals become magnetic. Create a chart like the one here, listing your personal objectives in each category. Include the annual cost for each.

As well as servicing our clients, we are also entrepreneurs and business managers.  If you haven’t read Michael E. Gerber’s E-Myth yet, I high recommend it; it will help you embrace entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur, how would you rate your abilities for the following on the scale of:  Not So-Hot, So-So, Pretty Good. Turn any […]

Thank you to Simona Stepancic, RHN, ROHP, for this article on healing food colours. Foods that we eat daily affect our body, emotions, mind and spirit.  What we eat and how we eat reflects a state of harmony within ourselves, the environment and the planet.  Food is more than fat, protein and carbohydrates. Foods possess energies […]

Thank you to Simona Stepancic, RHN, ROHP, for this article on healing with red food. Food carries a vibration, and the colour of the food corresponds to an energy center or chakra in the body.  A chakra is a link between energy and the physical body. The red colour chakra is located at the base of the […]

Thank you to Simona Stepancic, RHN, ROHP, for this article on healing with orange food. Food carries a vibration, and the colour of the food corresponds to an energy center or chakra in the body.  A chakra is a link between energy and the physical body. The orange colour chakra is located in the pelvic (sacrum) area […]

Thank you to Simona Stepancic, RHN, ROHP, for this article on healing with yellow food. Food carries a vibration, and the colour of the food corresponds to an energy center or chakra in the body.  A chakra is a link between energy and the physical body. The yellow colour chakra is the solar plexus chakra located between […]

Thank you to Simona Stepancic, RHN, ROHP, for this article on healing with green food. Food carries a vibration, and the colour of the food corresponds to an energy center or chakra in the body.  A chakra is a link between energy and the physical body. The green colour chakra is the heart chakra, located at the […]

Thank you to Simona Stepancic, RHN, ROHP, for this article on healing with blue food. Food carries a vibration, and the colour of the food corresponds to an energy center or chakra in the body.  A chakra is a link between energy and the physical body. The blue colour chakra is the throat chakra located in the […]

Thank you to Simona Stepancic, RHN, ROHP, for this article on healing with indigo food. Food carries a vibration, and the colour of the food corresponds to an energy center or chakra in the body.  A chakra is a link between energy and the physical body. The indigo colour chakra is the brow chakra, also called the […]

Thank you to Simona Stepancic, RHN, ROHP, for this article on healing with violet food. Food carries a vibration, and the colour of the food corresponds to an energy center or chakra in the body.  A chakra is a link between energy and the physical body. The violet colour chakra is the crown charka located at the […]

I am often approached by both corporations and the people working within them on how to handle incivilities in the workplace.  This is a list I compiled on what many people experience.  In the next blog I list options on what to do to improve workplace civility. Check to see if you are familiar with […]

Often people are not aware of their behaviour and communication, and the impact it has on those around them.  Here are five options for workplace civility.   1.      Ignore the workplace incivility if: It’s only a problem because you perceive it that way. It’s not your business and it’s not hurting client relationships   2.      […]

While people are busy with holiday preparations, your clients being able to purchase a Gift Certificate from you can help keep up your revenue.   Here are three steps to develop a professional Gift Certificate.   1.     Design. Include your: Logo Website Contact information Location of service To:  / From: Service being gifted   2.     […]

This is the time of year when we show appreciation for each other, and celebrate our relationships with holiday cheer.  By doing so, they become even stronger.  Positive relationships lead to referrals and repeats! Consider how you might acknowledge your current clients and alliances:   1.      Offer a Gift Certificate for a specific service.  This […]

Prevent travel trauma!  With increased restrictions on travel for carry-on and checked luggage, proper packing has become more important than ever.  Whether travelling is in your near or distant future, you’ll want to save these check lists and travel tips   Before You Travel If travelling to a foreign area, learn something about the customs, […]

Here are some travel tips for packing and travelling.   To Prepare Luggage: Avoid putting your home address on the bag; only put your name, destination, and flight number. On the inside of the suitcase attach your business card, in case the luggage goes astray. To Pack Luggage: Place heavier items near the bottom, and […]

PRINCIPLES 1 – 6   Karate principles can be applied to life affirmations. In 2000 I started taking Karate at the Richmond Hill Karate Club.  And I have to tell you – Karate does just as much, if not more, for self-awareness and personal growth than it does for self-defense.   How I do Karate is […]

PRINCIPLES 7 – 19   Karate principles can be applied as life affirmations.   7.  Show respect and consideration to everyone.  In Karate we bow as one way of showing respect.  In Bunkai (application) or Kumite (sparring) we practice as partners or in teams.  I honour the people that allow me to work with them. […]

PRINCIPLES 20 – 36 Here are karate principles 20 – 36 for life affirmations. 20.  Focus.  Each technique must have kime or focus.  There is a direct correlation between focus and success. 21.  Persevere.  Take continuous action to improve.  The road to success is one step at a time. 22.  Apply knowledge.  Knowing how to […]

  Auditing your wardrobe and taking inventory is the first action to a more efficient, effective, and workable wardrobe. To start your inventory, set up five ‘stations’ – these are areas to place clothing into categories.  You can place a sign at each station to indicate the category.  You will probably need the following stations: […]

Use wardrobe modules to create maximum efficiency, and have something for every occasion. After your closet inventory and purge, it’s time to organize your clothing into modules.  To facilitate this, create wardrobe module charts like the following.  Notice that the ratio of 3rd layer to bottoms to tops is 1 – 2 – 3.  This […]

1. Create Efficient Space   Whether your closet is walk-in or reach-in, make use of every inch:  from floor to ceiling and from wall to wall. For an organized closet, ensure you have sufficient hanging rods, shelves, hooks, etc. If your closet was not built-in, you can use hanging canvas shelves, hanging pockets, portable clear […]

This financial strategy for what to spend on your wardrobe is appropriate for Canada and United States economies. The suggested annual wardrobe investment for all clothing items (including inner wear, outerwear, and accessories) is 5 – 10% of the gross annual salary, or 5 – 10% of the desired gross annual salary. If your lifestyle […]

How to Get From Here to There When my business coach, Steve Sobel, asked me to do this industry research, I had no idea how huge it could be.  The ‘aha’ for me was that when you get ‘there’, it becomes another ‘here’.  The only difference between someone just starting in this industry, and someone […]

The help I have received from MasterMind groups has been invaluable. A Mastermind group is a vehicle for you to check your ideas and get ideas for business growth in a synergistic environment. The group is ideally comprised of five to seven people who are open-minded, positive, and possibility-thinkers.  Their experience and type of industry […]

The Vibrational Scale of Consciousness is a model for personal growth.  The Vibrational Scale has 3 major levels and 7 minor levels.  Low frequencies correspond to energetic constrictions, which manifests in anger, limitations, and fear.  High frequencies correspond to peace, possibilities, and love. The 3 major levels or fields of the Vibrational Scale of Consciousness […]

Have you ever been stumped in your blog writing?  A successful blog will drive people to your website, and establish your credibility for both your readers and Google. Here are the top three solutions to mastering blog writing. 1.  Identify the content you want to discuss, and research key word phrases.  A software such as […]

Recently I came across  Stylebook, an app to organize clothing and keep track of  wardrobe items.  Depending on how much time you are willing to invest, this handy app can give you lots of information about the wardrobe you have now and the pieces you add in the future. To get the most out of […]

Executive Presence System Licensee Program by Diane Craig Diane Craig recently announced a new global expansion program for Image Consultants seeking certification as Executive Presence Licensees. As founder and president of Toronto-based Corporate Class Inc.,Diane’s time-tested program provides qualified Image Consultants with a powerful opportunity to break into the lucrative corporate world. See profits within […]

THE COCKTAIL PARTY Send invitations three weeks in advance for a cocktail party.  The typical hours are 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm or 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  When cocktails precede a dinner party, the cocktail party is 45 minutes to 1 hour in length. Serve a wide range of drinks both with and without […]

What’s Your wedding white? Of all the days of your life, you want to look your best on your wedding day. And yet it may also follow the most hectic week of your life. A guaranteed way to ensure you look radiant rather than run-down – wear your right colours – especially your wedding white! […]

Here is a 3-step self-concept change formula that you can use to improve anything. Doing even just one step can be transformational.   1. Visualize Thoughts are frequencies, which means they create. Have a clear mental picture of the self-concept you want. How would you act, think, and feel? The non-conscious mind cannot tell the […]

  One of my most important business lessons – use mentors who are experts in the areas in which I want to move forward. I have had – and continue to have – many mentors for a variety of functions.   Veronica   Veronica was the first. When I started playing with image consulting in […]

  Image can facilitate having a wealth of whatever you desire – money, relationships, success. First, we need to establish that everything is energy frequencies, including your image, which is comprised of: Physical characteristics; your body is a physical manifestation of your entire energy system. As you change as a person, your body changes. Body […]

How to find your signature shape? It’s all in the face! When you match the shapes you wear to your body, you create harmony in aesthetics and energy. Let’s define your facial signature shape.   What are the Facial Signature Shapes Facial shapes can be soft and curved, straight and angular, or a combination. Since […]

Eyewear Styling Material Recommendations by Wendy Buchanan, Perceptions Eyewear. <p> Would you like to be an Eyewear Stylist?  Advising on eyewear selection is more than just analyzing face shapes.  Eyewear styling is also about scale and visual weight to create harmony and truly “AccessorEYEZ” your client with a style that flatters their face and complements […]

Submitted by Alexa Graham … People come in different shapes and sizes, which is why having an understanding of your own is the key to dressing well and feeling confident enough to take on the world. If you’ve already gone through our guide on ‘How to Find Your Signature Shape‘, you’d know how essential it is […]