Image is Everything

Most people hear the word image and they think shallow but the actuality of building your image, getting a makeover and/ or creating your personal brand is that it is all about packaging who you truly are. The word authentic should ring in your ears. You have to capitalize on the characteristics that make you unique. Rather than seeing yourself as different see yourself as a work of art.

Some of the biggest names in the image and beauty business weighed in as I started working on this  topic. If you watch the show L.A. Hair on WeTV starring my fabbie Kim Kimble who has created looks for some of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry then you know that her take on image is very holistic. From songstresses Mary Mary to Brandi and Monica creating gorgeous looks for celeb tresses is truly Kim's gift. Her advice for women working on their personal brand is to remember that your reputation and image are both a huge part of brand building.

I totally agree with that and there are so many different facets to image building but the first step is to think about who you truly are and how you fit into the industry you are or will be working in. I am in a very creative field so I have a little more leeway at times but I must always research the meeting, company, conference, or client that I will be working with in order to know what kind of angle to take with that particular job. I had to begin with really thinking myself out and I continue to work on new pieces of my image all the time.

+Candace Jordan style maven and celeb blogger told me that meticulous appearance is important to building her brand because part of her brand is all about fashion. You may have seen Candace on the reality show Chicagolicious.  Her gorgeous face is not the only thing that helps her promote her brand. She really has laid out the thought of who she is and what sells her in everything she does. That sense of well thought out appeal will help elevate not just your brand but your self esteem.

I think the most important thing for you to remember is that starting dialogue is a great place to begin but you have to keep working on it. You can not plan yourself out once a year and think you are going to stay current and fresh. It is really imperative that every 3 months you go through your closet, shoes and pictures that you have posted via social media. Then compare them to your business's mission statement. Ask yourself: Am I a great visual example of what my vision or mission statement expresses I want to project? What can I improve? Do I need to update anything? Am I attending enough events or do I need to add more red carpet opportunities to my resume?

From +Glamour Magazine to +InStyle and style experts like Glamo from the +Style Network show Glam Fairy the experts all agree that the visual captures people attention. Glamo actually tweeted me saying that today's society is visual. He brought up an incredible point that both branding and appearance create an opportunity for people to get your brand in pictures. That is entirely true! Every image that you post via social media projects your personal brand whether you are a singer, an executive moving up the corporate ladder or you are an up and coming entrepreneur. 

 +Style for Hire Stylists which is the image development firm of brilliant fashion stylist Stacy London from the amazing makeover show What Not to Wear. The stylists at Style for Hire also made an incredible point. How you look is the first message you send people and your potential clients. You will never get a second chance at a first impression so make sure that you think it out. Take time for yourself and don't be afraid to push the envelope. You may just love the authentically fabulous picture of yourself.

My Tweetie Pies are Buzzing! 

This week I asked the question: Why is keeping a meticulous appearance important to building your brand?

Glamo celeb fashion stylist in NYC @SimplyGlamo

In terms of appearance and branding people must identify and the get story in pictures first. #SimplyGlamo

Kim Kimble celeb hair stylist in LA, Star of L.A. Hair on We TV @kimblehaircare

Reputation and image are a huge part of building a brand. 

Women in PR @WomeninPR1

You are your brand and what you put out there is what you receive

Shekinah Monee PR Specialist @ShekinahMonee

It is important because it is your first form of communication.

Tanya Smith Online Business Coach @CoachTanya

People tend to equate appearance with your credibility and expertise

The Fashion Truck @TheFashionTruck

Trust from customers! Confidence in your product and your name. Professionalism is a must!

Candace Jordan Celeb Columnist, Blogger, Socialite @CandidCandace

Because a part of my brand has been all abut fashion. I also think its disrespectful yo show up ratty in public

Style for Hire @StyleforHire

How you look is the first message you send to people and we believe you should be in charge of it. Also the more confident you feel about your appearance the more confident you'll feel as a whole

Jaizen Barr Agency Exec. Producer & Publicist @JaizenBeauty

Visual is everything in appearance presentation. Along with verbal presentation.

Hellen Kahenya Strategy Development & Communication Strategist @HKahenya

It builds trust and confidence in your brand