Who do you THINK you are? And are you really projecting the right “stuff”?

There are a variety of studies that look at how quickly we make?first impressions, some say it only takes milli-seconds while others suggest longer. Two psychologists out of Princeton, for example, concluded that it only takes?a TENTH of a second?to form a first impression!

We all know this from our own behaviors and thoughts, but the question is SHOULD WE CARE?! --- Off course we should, and here is why:

The way you present yourself is how others will ultimately judge you from the beginning. The most important thing to take into consideration is that you must project what you want to be or what you actually are – because it increases your credibility of the expertise you claim.

To put it simple:

• You can’t be overweight and claim to be a weight loss expert.
• You can’t look “messy” if you are selling luxury / high end products or services.
• You can’t have bad posture and claim to be the best chiropractor in town.

These are super easy examples to take note of, but what about being in marketing, working in a regular office, being a hair stylist?

Often in traditional work-settings, and this is my personal observations, we conform to the norm that we see around us. Jeans on Fridays, UGGS all week long, or whatever the “look” in the “office” is. But how does that make YOU feel and what do you project by conforming to the norm? Probably nothing but being put in the safe-zone. “I have a job, I am ok at my job, my peers are decent, and I can pay my bills…” and if this makes you happy, I would say keep at it!!! It is actually great, if it makes you happy!!!

But what if you want to stand out? What if you want to project excellence not only in the work you do but also in the way you present yourself? Then, you must also step up in the way you dress and style yourself. And you can even do it by conforming to the “general rules” of the “office look”. Just do the excellent version of YOU.

Obviously the first and most important thing to decide is in the question: What do YOU want to project? Are you an artist? Are you a lawyer? Are you a stylist? Are you a fitness professional? Are you a customer rep?...

Then, you must figure out what TYPE you are. Are you traditional, special, outspoken, in your face…? Do you want to try to please everyone, or do you want to stand out?

I suggest picking the later, because if you look and act just as everyone else around you, why should anyone pick you to do something special?

With Love, Helena of Sweden The Fashionable Citizen

I will continue to conversate about this topic of style, excellence and projection as a professional woman. I love to hear your thoughts about your own look. What do you want to project, and do you think you are with your current look?