Story 3 -- why I insist only on a particular hairdresser ?

Let me explain the term 'Body Image'  to you before I start telling you this story. Another story related to my field.;)

Body Image is described as the Image or perception we have of our physical self. Body Image is very important because it largely decides our self confidence and self esteem in any given situation in life.

Hair is an important part of our physical image.No wonder, hair weaving and restoration clinics are thriving . ( I saw this following line in one of the ads ' I saw my confidence falling alongwith my hair ")

So you can imagine how important hair  and hair style is.
So, now for the story.

I had gone to one of the regular salons for a  pedicure where I was talked into a hair cut by a desperate employee trying to meet his monthly target.
But, I realised my mistake after 2 days when I washed my hair. They were a mess. I tried to avoid looking at myself in the mirror.
Finally, I had to beg my original hair dresser to have a re look at my hair. Also, had to tell him the whole ( "Social Work") story of getting the hair cut because I wanted to help the employee reach his  sales target.
Amused and smiling benignly at me, ( must be calling me names inwardly) my hair dresser restored my hair shape and my CONFIdence.

God Bless him :)

Why do I need an Image Consultant ?

Only an image consultant can help people project a winning image in all aspects.

An image consultant helps people in the following manner:

-Dressing as per roles and goals to create an appropriate clothing communication: An image consultant takes the client through a process of lifestyle evaluation, identifying the roles and goals and then suggesting levels of dressing in different situations to create a communication necessary in terms of authority, stability, trustworthiness approachability, etc.

-Dressing as per your body shape, variations and personal colours: There are eight different body shapes and many variations within them. Most people are not aware of this. An image consultant is equipped to identify your body shape and suggest ways and means to counter negative variations and enhance positive ones to create an attractive image.

-Incorporating personal style in dressing: Very often people find themselves uncomfortable while dressing as per the advice of other related professionals. This happens because their personal style is not incorporated in the clothing solution. Every individual has a personal style which they are not aware of consciously. An image consultant has the knowledge and the tools to identify the personal style of an individual and then suggests a clothing solution which incorporates the same to create an authentic image.

-Buying clothes in cluster and smart shopping: When it comes to clothing, affordability is a big issue and people often buy on impulse and then regret their purchases. Also, many people suffer from the syndrome of buying lots of clothes and yet complaining of not having anything to wear for an important occasion or meeting. An image consultant guides a client on how to build their wardrobe in a cluster to create variety in an affordable manner. After evaluating the client's wardrobe and creating cluster plan sheets keeping in mind roles, goals, body shape and personal style, an image consultant may also accompany the client to buy clothes.

-Appropriate body language and etiquette: Body language is one of the biggest factors in visual communication and an image consultant advices a client on appropriate body language based on roles and occasions. Etiquette is a big part of creating an image. Correct etiquette in business and social situations goes a long way to create a powerful image. An image consultant takes the client through appropriate etiquette, be it dining, corporate meetings or any other.

Let your Image take you...

Story 1 -- How our Image of ourselves affects our performance

The other day, we all were busy doing our various yogic postures in the yoga class when one of our yoga mates ( no , it not mats !! :)) announced that she is shifting to Dubai.
All of us girls and particularly our Yoga teacher was sad about her leaving. So we planned to organise   a send off lunch for her in a traditional food joint.
On the appointed day all of us decked ourselves to the hilt in traditional wear and enjoyed the lunch with her.
And, while coming back our Yoga instructor informed that she has to conduct a class in the next half hour for one of her clients.She will have to go back home and change into her Yoga gear.
(NOW COMES THE IMAGE MANAGEMENT PART )

So, all of us suggested that she should conduct the class in the clothes she was wearing. It would save her time and energy . Besides , she had taken so much pains to deck up.

To which, her reply, brought me back to my professional doctrine .

She said that she would not be able to perform as a Yoga instructor in those clothes. She needed to be in her Yoga gear to be in the right frame of mind as an instructor and dispense herself as a professional. 

So, what you wear does affect your state of mind.