“I have an image to keep, ya!”
Often you have heard that told by people in the movies or even by your Bollywood obsessed friend who likes the cool characters in their perfect dresses, hair, and a style of speaking that is charming.
But what is this “image” they are all talking about?
An image is a general impression that a person or an organization presents to the public. These little things about you- your persona- that you present might be overlooked, but it is the key to your personal and professional success. An image manager will give you advice on making yourself look better, position better in the eyes of the public. After all, who likes a publicly disliked person?
When you want to improve your image, you have to get down to the basics… the ABCs of image management. An image consists of a continuous improvement of the ABCs.
- Appearance,
- Behavior, and
- Communication.
The integration of these elements- how we look, how we act, and how we interact- in perfect ratios will constitute the whole of an image that you should maintain and keep making better.
Though you may think that these are little things that do not mean a lot in the real world, let us tell you a secret. It is the little things that matter. When your appearance is good, the way you speak is polite, and your behavior is charming, people will remember you as a good person who knows how to conduct themselves. When this image is set in their minds, you can rest assured that new opportunities will be coming your way. It gives you an edge over your peers at work, for business, or even while dating.
Appearance
Research shows that it takes only 7 seconds for us to form an impression on someone. Appearance would first come in the picture as the way we look talks about us even before we utter a word. This is why the ‘A’ part of image management matters a lot. It deals with what you are wearing and how you look. Wearing clothes that fit you well, are made of good quality material, and are full of colors and patterns that suit you is one way to enhance your appearance. The other way is to have clothes custom-made for you according to your style and preference. The clothing won’t matter if you show up at an event with unkempt hair and a bad smell. This is the part where grooming comes into play. Be tidy with yourself and keep your surroundings neat.
Behavior
The way you act and interact with your surroundings also make your image. All your behavior depends on how your character is. Are you dependable and trustworthy? or are you unempathetic and dishonest?
A great character is nourished with good manners, proper etiquette, and self-discipline. Use the “magic words” you have learnt since childhood. Always treat others with respect. Be conscientious and responsible for your actions. Discipline yourself to make well-informed decisions and stir away from unnecessary trouble. Etiquette may require some research and knowledge about basic things such as what to wear during an evening party or which utensils to use during dinner. Be appropriate in your approach to people and events.
All of these qualities make you absolutely charmingly pleasant to have around, and Shah Rukh Khan would be proud.
Communication
An important rule to keep in mind when you communicate with people is the 70-20-10 rule. Essentially, communication is
70% Body language,
20% Tone of voice,
10% The actual words you use.
Humans have been communicating since before a standard way of communication was set. Body language has always been a part of communication when you think about it. Now, with a standard language set for interaction, the tone and actual words you use come into play. Crossing your arms when talking to someone indicates their disagreement with what the other person is saying. The emphasis on some words in a sentence may change the meaning of it. Communication holds more power in building a good image than you think.
When you tie all these elements together, what you will have is an image guide. You will understand where you need to improve yourself and what you need to develop. Ensure that people remember you for the right reasons- professionally and personally- when you are conscious about the ABCs of image management.
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