We've all been told it’s what is on the inside that counts. This important message has been reinforced directly through words and actions throughout time to strengthen its relevance. At the same time we are told that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Interestingly enough, much of a first impression can be based solely on your appearance. Your appearance is just one aspect that makes up your personal and business image.
In today’s society both are highly noticed and judged. Image and Publicity Expert Starley Murray shares her insights from her five all-star image based careers. Although her clients from LA and New York are known for being more image focused, Murray says not to under estimate the same strong focus where it may be more softly stated in cities like San Antonio and Austin, since positive image is crucial to the success of most any career in all markets.
Sales Marketing
We take part in sales marketing every day of our lives as far back as history shows us. Cavemen would trade and barter for their survival and to protect their blood line.
Today we still trade and barter our time for a pay check or other forms of compensation. To better our chances of keeping our jobs or to make a sale, we adapt our image to get the best end result.
There is a healthy balance of selling your positive and effective image with how to relate to your customers needs. In the quest to persuade the customer that the exchange is in their favor, remember that “the truth is always the strongest argument,” at least according to Sophacles.
Internet Marketing
The Internet started a marketing revelation. Later it revolutionized the way we network.
The image of your website and email campaigns can brand you in the eyes of your customer in seconds with either a positive or negative message.
There are so many resources to help create this image, and although there are many ways you can create a negative impact in your quest, you also have the advantage of studying the image of what already exists while making your decisions.
Studying how you fit into the Internet marketing world through simple Internet research is like getting to peek in a room before you enter to see what every one is wearing. You have the opportunity to control how you want to present yourself with purpose.
Social Media
Social media choices offer diversified ways to market your image. From twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube, you have a multimillion dollar array of resources at your finger tips.
Maybe because it is so easy and inexpensive to access these tools that people underestimate how much success or damage can impact your personal or business image.
When you utilize these free resources, link them all back to your website to positively advertise your image, whether through blogs, free tips, coaching material or videos.
Public Relations
You can damage your public and personal image in a blink of an eye.
Whether you are an entrepreneur in charge of your direct PR image or working for a large company, you will need to maintain a positive image in the public’s eye.
Today’s society is driven by a brand image economy. Lip service is quickly recognized and empty promises are remembered.
Community and worthy cause supporters are what makes up successful industry leaders who recognize the power of positive image through public relations.
Customer Service
Your personal and business image is a constant presence as you attract customers and attempt to keep them with customer service.
First off, people talk. There are whole websites now solely dedicated to sharing reviews of different businesses.
Secondly, it is easier to keep clients than it is to find new ones. It takes less time, energy and resources to keep clients and accept referrals than it does to constantly start from scratch.
Customer service must be present throughout the whole buying and relations process, from establishing a need to purchase to the after sale connection.
How can you improve your image?
Your image is more than a full time job. It is your life. That includes your professional, social and organizational affiliations. Every choice you make defines you.
This will never change, but excelling in these five star image categories will make you different in a good way. The people who do not are usually eliminated and replaced.
Coco Chanel once said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."
What messages are you unconsciously sending? What messages should you be sending? Today more than ever you have more valuable materials to absorb and mentors to emulate.
As always, remember that everyone deserves the star treatment!
