The Power of Visual Presentation
Why do we respond to visual stimuli and arrive at instantaneous perceptions?
Because that is how we are programmed, 70% of initial impressions are made by the way you move, the way you look and the way you create your overall visual impact.
We should not judge a book by it’s cover, but we live in a status seeking society and are nevertheless conditioned by the power of media, branding and advertising.
This is a powerful influence that we judge not only others by these codes and conditions, but we judge our own self worth in the light of the manipulated images we see around us. Like it or not, we all have to acknowledge that image and appearance is a critical aspect of social and human non-verbal communication. We know this to be true for companies and products, but we can understand that it is more pertinent to the individual.
Brand you
Like it or not, you are a brand, I am a brand. With a little know how, we tweek our image and our brand to change perceptions, now that is really knowing and understanding the power of image. In the corporate world it is called branding, but it is no longer just a function of the corporate, but with today’s changing times and changing consumer and job market, the packaging of you and me, the individual is becoming critical for ensuring ongoing employability and personal success. You are the company, you are the brand, and the brand is the promise of the value the customer will receive.
The challenge we have in today’s fast, information-packed world, is to make an impact as quickly as possible, then deliver on our ‘looks’, yet at the same time, our image must stand up to our inner values and excellence. Image holds an incredible power, it delivers for you and your company.
The world of branding, what you project, is a reflection of your inner self, this is all controllable when you are dealing with the logo, the packaging the marketing campaign, yet less controllable when dealing with staff-individuals who have unique dispositions, needs, roles and personalities.
I ask, how is your company image and corporate values reaching your customer through your staff? Is it supported by your staff, your front line staff, who interact directly with your customer, or are these people letting you down? I believe image should be an integral part of any corporation and public relations communications strategy. Not only an investment in ‘how to do the job”, but also an investment on how they look and feel and present themselves, so as to make the customer feel good and want to return.
Personal image
Yes, that is what I call the power of brand identification and I am in the business of helping people to brand themselves, the business of unleashing personal power through personal packaging, through, stress relieving exercises in the workplace or at the home, make-up and correct application’s for enhancing a women’s personal self-image the personal touch in training, teaching practical hints and tips to men and women to enhance their work and personal life.
A company can control the look of a billboard, think of airlines, garages, health clubs, cosmetic companies, controllable and expensive resources, this is the easy part, you can design an amazing uniform or media image, but is that uniform being upgraded and positively utilised by the person’s personal image, is that image projected by your staff, powerful enough and correct to keep within world class standards and enforce your organisation as one of excellence.
Self confidence
By correct information and training programmes, giving people hints and practical tips on how to help themselves, the package as a whole component, will give them the launching pad or the ticket to improved self-confidence and success. Pride in the company they work with and for, more job satisfaction, better growth and communication, improved services, better mannerisms and behaviour, a service from the heart – not just mechanical.
In the work force of women and make-up image, I ask – how do women know when too much make-up is applied? When people are talking to women in a service sector, do they focus on her colour or pay attention to what she is conveying in her words, does her look enhance her self-image in make-up or dress, does it put customers off and is she approachable, this goes for men too with regard to shoes or belts or certain styles of trouser’s; this is an important aspect and not to be regarded lightly.
I believe with the correct tips and training programmes, life not being static, we are all able to deal with different issues as we go along upgrading our knowledge and skills – improving and continually coming from a position of strength.
