The Bottom Line of Style: How Your Professional Image Affects Your Profit by Dianne M. Daniels Solopreneurs and Business Owners have to maximize and leverage the opportunities all around them, and if your professional image doesn’t project the professionalism, knowledge, creativity and skill you possess, it could cost you time, clients and ultimately, dollars! Business owners, you are the public face of your business. The first impression a potential client has of your business will be the first impression they have of YOU. If your Image doesn’t portray you as the consummate professional you are, if you aren’t relatable, polished and have a competent, experienced and knowledgeable Image, that client may not say anything to you directly, but you won’t get their business. Image isn’t about playing a role that’s not who you really are, it’s about showing your professionalism while expressing your personality. The last thing you want to do is show up like a drone, in the same outfit that everyone else is wearing, but at the same time, you don’t want to appear so different that a client can’t relate to you. People want to work with people they feel they can relate to and understand. A big part of that is your Image. If you, as a business owner want to make sure that your Image positively impacts your bottom line, a qualified Image professional would assess your current Image and help you polish any areas that you are challenged by. Getting an objective look at your Image from a trained and certified professional will also give you a new perspective on what you are doing right! The best way to begin working with an Image Professional is through an assessment of where you currently are with respect to your Image, what you are challenged by, and what you feel are your personal Image successes. If you need help with a specific special event, for instance a presentation before a group of corporate decision makers, you can get concrete advice on what to wear to make the best impression. You can also work with an Image Professional over a period of time, a coaching relationship, to refine your image and become more comfortable moving into a new market area - moving from a business that is targeted to Solopreneurs and small businesses into a corporate market, for instance. Times of transition, where an individual is moving from corporate life into entrepreneurship, or from a stay-at-home parent back into the career market, are also appropriate times to seek help from a qualified Image Professional. Get advice from a trained professional and be ready to make changes. Image can be a touchy subject for individuals, especially for an independent and intelligent group like business owners. Be open to professional advice on how to refine and define your professional Image. You may not feel initially that it is important, but realize that your potential and current clients do! ============================================================ Dianne M. Daniels is a certified Image Coach / Consultant and Professional Speaker, Founder of Image & Color Services, and Publisher / Editor of the weekly ezine, "The Image & Color Digest". You may visit her web site at www.imageandcolor.com. To get a Free Image Profile and instant score, visit http://www.imageandcolor.com/assessment.htm ============================================================