I love this quote “Get up, dress up, show up and never give up.”
You have just seconds to make a positive impression. Your image communicates a message about you—both positively and negatively.
Books are judged by their covers, and people are judged by the way they present themselves. Administrative professionals are a direct extension of their executive, manager, and employer. The impact of your image is important to your career success.
When people look good, they tend to feel good. When people feel good, they increase their confidence towards success. Are you taking the time to dress up each day?
What exactly does image include? It includes more than most of us think. Here are some areas to consider when wanting to make a good first and lasting impression:
- Physical Appearance
- Wardrobe and Accessories
- Grooming
- Verbal Communication
- Nonverbal Communication (Body Language)
- Business Etiquette and Manners
There are many resources available to assist individuals and working professionals improve their image. Some retail stores offer trained wardrobe consultants—a favorite of mine is Macy’s By Appointment Personal Shopping Service. There are also experienced professional wardrobe and image consultants that can be hired for a fee. Many books have been published on the topic of professional image, a host of websites offer tips, and numerous articles have been written and shared on social media sites. My favorite author on image is Clinton Kelly. He has written many books on image and has added colorful images to his publications.
The way we look, speak, and act has a direct impact on our career success. Invest the time and resources to polish your image. Your overall image does count!
What areas can you improve upon? What changes (even minor) can you make?
To be successful we have to want to be willing to embrace ourselves and discover who we are and who we want to become. We have to want to be willing to make changes so we can grow as professionals. Take the time to polish your image. Do not lose sight of your greatest asset—you!
Stacy, thank you! This quote is so pertinent to my life. I am the assistant to the CIO at a university. My executive and I always dress professionally, however our staff of approximately 120 people come to work in their jeans, sweatshirts and tennis shoes. They are programmers, analysts, and such. I have to admit I have had days where I wonder why I bother dressing up when they don’t. This quote is exactly the pep talk I need on those days. It’s getting printed and hung in my house and shared with my kids and grand kids too.
Patty, thanks for the comment. I’m glad you like the quote. Appreciate your desire to make a positive impression. I love that you are going to share it with your kids and grandchildren.