The importance of image

We have so much information around, that we are increasingly disconnected from ourselves and the image we want to project. Sometimes we detract from the image when we want to achieve a new position, when going to convince a client or when starting or moving up in the career. Nevertheless, the image is the first step to improve your own perception of yourself.

Now we can do almost everything virtually, the only thing that can never be remote is the connection we make with other people: Employers, companions, partner, sons, family, etc. We are always relating to others and in each person we leave a mark, a perception, an image that will influence the type of connection we want to make.

If we equate this to the commercial field, we would be a product which we are constantly selling. We are selling all the time: our skills as a professional, our skills to be a leader, the possibility of being a wife or being a good mother among others. What is the purpose of exposing our skills, achievements and photos on social networks?? The best answer to this question is that we are always selling ourselves.

Keep reading What is more important personality or body shape when dressing?

We are our own product: Physical body, Strengths, weaknesses, pleasures, personality, skills, life story. etc., all in one package that is unique. Pretend you are a brand, how would you like to be perceived: Maybe as a strong woman, relaxed, artistic, creative, disciplined or trustworthy. These are attributes that can be reinforced through your personal image., clothing items, colors, forms and non-verbal language, which help you enhance your attributes. Personal image serves you in different ways:

Project a winning cover

In Colombia, almost all advice goes in saying. Some are completely true such as "He who gets up early, God helps him". Others confuse me "Never judge a book by its cover" So why do publishers put so much effort into this detail? Most of us think that what we see on the outside gives us a great indication of what we cannot see. (our interior). The question is what do people see in our cover? Even better, What is the image we see in the mirror every time we look in it? Is that image the right one to achieve our goals and strengthen our interpersonal relationships?? The answer to these questions is important because we also believe the mirror.

Dress to be the boss

Recent studies present evidence that wearing power garments such as a blazer or suit improves negotiating skills, because a person feels more empowered with this type of wardrobe. Michael L.. Slepian of Columbia University, explains that dressing formally increases productivity, because when an individual feels powerful he thinks big. Dress a little more formal than is usually worn at the office, makes a better impact, but not so much that it makes others feel uncomfortable.

Personal grooming increases income

More than clothing, personal grooming influences a person's income. Los sociólogos Jaclyn Wong y Andrew Penner, They did an investigation to determine how physical attractiveness influences the income of a person. Instead of taking beauty as a critical point in its investigation, They focused on grooming. For which makeup took a fundamental role in terms of the female gender. What should be highlighted from the result in the study, is that when it comes to earning more income, personal image is more important than beauty. For men grooming is not as relevant in revenue terms, or at least not as much as physical attractiveness.

Keep reading Does the makeup salary increases?

establish credibility

Would you believe a doctor, when he wears jeans and a polo shirt in his office? you have to dress consistently, this means, dress for the moment, the place and what one wants to project. When there is no harmony between what you say and how you dress, people will choose to pay more attention to what they see, this will be the truth. It is important to take into account when dressing, that nothing destroys credibility faster than a lack of personal care and cleanliness. For example, if you are going to have your nails painted or you are going to dye your hair, do it. But if you don't have time to keep the polish and stain well applied, Better do not do it. This also applies to clothing, keep clothes clean, ironed, buttons and sewn hems.

Send a message of authenticity

Do you know who you are, what you like and how you expect to be treated? If you do not know, it is very difficult to build an image that really works for you, be credible and help you project yourself. Build a wardrobe starting with basic and classic garments. Then add details that go according to your personality with trends that you like and enhance your attributes.. can be a wallet, accessories or a piece of clothing.

Keep reading Show yourself as you are

if you are looking for, what is the message you want to send with your image, make a list of 3 goals in different areas of life. Then write what traits are necessary to reach those goals.. For example, if you want a well paid professional job, you need to project an image that indicates competence, leadership and trust. One of the most powerful tools in your wardrobe is a tailor.. A jacket is always a sign of authority and if it is combined with a skirt or pants it gives an air of professionalism.. In a formal work environment, the dark colors, firm fabrics and straight or angular lines carry a message of power. This must be accompanied by good body handling and confidence.

*I did this writing for the personal finance page and I want to share it with you dear readers.