Will an outdated image affect your business success?

Recently, I worked with a major airline that had gone through extensive image and rebranding efforts. My role was training and offering individual coaching to the employees who would train the new hires. The goal for this organization was to insure that these trainers were able to communicate and demonstrate their airline’s new brand. The company’s advertising and marketing efforts were communicated internally so the employees would know and understand the branding changes.

I noticed during my initial training efforts that many of the employees chosen to represent and communicate this airline’s new image had not updated their own image in awhile. As company representatives, their image was not in line with the company’s new brand. This would make it difficult for them to go out and effectively train new employees.

I believe and train my clients that image is comprised of three As – your appearance, your attitude and your actions. These three need to be aligned, positive and professional for your image to be positive.

Does your image need updating? If any of the following apply to you, it may be time to make a few changes to your personal appearance or communication style.

Hair – Have you been wearing your hair in the same style for more than five years? If so, it is time for an updated, current style. Banana clips and scrunchies have been out of style for two decades. Replace them with hair accessories that are more current.

Clothing – Your goal is to look current, polished and professional. Some items will date you immediately: large shoulder pads, stir-up pants, ponchos, any garment that has a spot, a stain or is faded. Fads come and go within six months, so be mindful of the amount of money you spend on these items.

First impressions – What type of first impression do you make? How do others remember you? Is that first impression powerful or sad? Do you cause others to want to work with you and your organization or look elsewhere? First impressions are made within the first 30 seconds of any initial meeting and are powerfully positive or negative. First impressions are made in person, via phone, via email, instant messaging and in your written correspondence. I suggest that you ask friends, colleagues and peers to analyze your first impression and give you some feedback.

Communication style – Passive and aggressive communicators are not effective and need to learn how to become assertive. Passive communicators are those who don’t stand up for themselves and are afraid of conflict. They want to be remembered as nice. Aggressive people want to win at all costs. They think that their ideas are always right and do not listen.

Vocal presence –What type of message does your vocal impression make? Do you speak too softly or loudly? Do you use too many filler words or none at all? When you are nervous, do you speak too quickly? Do you share your enthusiasm or do you sound more monotone?

A polished, sophisticated and professional image are necessary traits to possess is today’s uncertain business world. Projecting a current image tells others that you are current in your business applications and know what is going on. If you sincerely work on updating these five areas, you will continue to make yourself marketable and invaluable to your company.