Why should I bother with professional image?

Whether you like it or not, people form an opinion about you at work and treat you a certain way based on that perception.

Some of the benefits of a personal image branding include increase career mobility, increase recognition and visibility within your organization and increase trust in your ability to handle important projects.

First of all, you need to position yourself. Positioning yourself means you need to assess your unique personal and professional assets and define how your assets can help the organization, whether it is by bringing more income or saving money.

Your unique assets are what set you apart from the competition.

Your professional image is equivalent to your reputation. People know what to expect when they come in contact with you. It is also a reflection of your core values.

The key here is consistency.

You must be consistent in your look, your tone of voice, your professionalism and your quality of work. Let's examine each one of them.

First, be consistent in your look. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Invest in a good quality suit that you can break up and mix and match. It's easier for your manager to give you a promotion when you already dress, speak and work like the level above.

Secondly, be consistent in your tone of voice. Speak clear and loud enough so that everyone can hear you. Articulate your words. Practice articulation in front of a mirror

Third, be consistent in your professionalism. Always carry yourself well and don't do anything that you don't want to see in the headlines! Trust that people talk. Stay away from office gossip.

Lastly, be consistent in the quality of your work. Do your best at every job assigned to you whether big ones or small ones. It is only after you demonstrate that you can be trusted with small projects that you will be given big ones.

Consistency can only be achieved if you remain true to yourself. It is stressful and tiring to fake being someone you are not, and, most likely, people will see through it.

One word about first impression

First impressions are lasting impressions. People make up an opinion about you in the first 30 seconds of an encounter. Good or bad, it will impact your future working relationship. Therefore, portray your very best image the first time you meet someone.

How would you describe your personal image? Pick one word to describe it. You can be totally honest; no one else will hear it but you. :)

Did you pick the word sharp, sophisticated or confident? Is it what you want it to be? If not, ask yourself why? What can you do to bring the two of them in line?

Most of the time, the perception that people have of us has a direct correlation with our actions. Actions speak louder than words! Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk!

In closing, use your personal image to advance your career. Be conscious of it and work it to your best advantage.

Visit my blog http://fulfilling-career.com/MyBlog for more career tips and advice.