Impact of Image! Guess what research shows …

“There is no second chance in making that first impression!”

“It takes only 3 sec for someone to make that quick first impression of you.”

“Who believes in first impression?”

If you have attended an Image Workshop, these will be some statements made to introduce the topic and instill that importance of visual impact.  It is indeed important for participants to see the importance of it before the other topics can be introduced and be interesting to them.  They must be receptive!  However, there will always be the few at the back of the class who are not yet convinced. 

pic cr : aicisingapore.org

This blog will share the results of a National Research, initiated by The Association of Image Consultants International (Singapore Chapter) which is both factual and interesting.

 
Fact 1:

One of the findings saw that 55% of the employers see image as an important factor when hiring, 35% view image as an important consideration when it comes to promotion and 21% saw image as an important factor when putting in a raise/bonus for an employee!!  I remembered sitting in as one of the panel of interviewers several years ago.  When a casually dressed interviewee finished the interview with us, we raised the question of how important this job is to her if she didn’t put in effort in herself for the interview?

Fact 2 :

7 in 10 managers like to see employees better groomed and more polished!  From my observation, many senior management set a good example but even the minority who don’t do so, it’s good that the employees still keep to looking polished to stay ahead of their game! 

pic cr : http://openuct.uct.ac.za

Fact 3:

A surprised finding was that the Image Makers for both ladies & gentlemen are that managers like to see more polite & courteous employees! 

 

So hey, be groomed and polished as well as keep that polite attitude!  You never know that these are just the criteria you need to attract the next promotion and increment!


About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

 

Understanding Etiquette! - Is there a book on Etiquette to keep me on top of my game?

When I was younger, I remember asking myself why are there driving etiquette, office etiquette, party etiquette, gym etiquette, travel etiquette and even smoking etiquette??  They sound interesting but how am I to master all of them if I don’t have a 10 year series on all topics?

When I became an Image Consultant, I learnt more; Dining Etiquette, Workplace Etiquette, Business Etiquette, Handshake Etiquette and the list is endless.  I was excited at the same time curious how many more can I learn!  It was not until a few years ago when I was trained by Emily Post Institute for the Train the trainer course that I realized the essence behind ETIQUETTE!  The topic that excites me!

The most important thing that drives Etiquette is the CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS!  There is no 10 year series book and there is no way one can finish reading on the long list of etiquette.  If you consider the feelings of others before you act, that action you take IS the appropriate etiquette.  Even if you equip yourself with the religion, culture and the things to do or not to do during a social/business trip to a foreign land, and you encounter a moment of confusion on what to do during a situation, put yourself in their shoes and act in the most considerate manner.  I am sure they will not blame you for it.

An example to illustrate the above:

“A guest came to Singapore for business trip.  During a Chinese meal where finger bowl was served, the guest picked up the bowl with lemon slice in it to drink.  Instead of attempting to stop the guest (which could have embarrassed him especially if he would have already taken a sip since it happened so quickly), the host picked up his finger bowl and sip during the meal too to make the guest feel at ease.”  Will you do the same?

It’s very individual how you will handle this situation.  However, always remember that you have the answers to all the etiquette doubts as long as you have others’ consideration at heart and do not embarrass them!  You will then be the walking book of Etiquette!


About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

A Peep into Reality : Dressing spotted!

“We are in very visual society and we have to accept that humans are very judgmental.   Before they have the chance to know you, they judge you!”

This is commonly said during my training when I speak on the Importance of First Impression.  However, how many people actually listen and place higher importance on First Impression they present to others?  If you are one of those who have heard this and shrug it off, it’s sad.  Image Consultants try to spread this important message but if you don’t take heed and jeopardize your opportunities, good luck!  Opportunities also come in a form where you show others how well you can take care of yourself is how well you can perform.  Enough said.

Below are my recent brush with such ‘interesting’ people.

1)      Visiting the ATM recently gave me a shock too. (See picture on right)  Clearly, this lady was not bothered by the stares she received and the impression she gave others.  As long as she reached her objective of getting her hair dyed at the end of the day, she doesn’t give a heck of what you thought.  So does this reflect on how she perform at work?

2)      There are also people who still wear their pajamas out of their homes!  I thought this only happens when I visit some less advance countries but it’s quite easy to spot one in Singapore too! So is this the person does things in her life; using ways that are convenient to get things done?

 

3)      A controversial dressing was spotted near my neighbourhood recently too.(see picture on right)  A transparent low boots match with super colourful high socks!  I’m not sure if she called it creative or unique but to me, it was definitely not in good taste.  Of course, there is an exposed bra too..  So how does this relate to your personality?  The guess is yours! ;p

So dressing well  is not only a form of self respect or to project a good impression of yourself upon others, it also make one wonder how you run your life based on how you manage your image.

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

Does Handshake tell much about you?

Handshake is a universal way of greeting each other.  However, have you ever had someone give you a French greeting of kissing your right cheek first (mostly) then your left cheek?  Have someone given you a buddy hug or hi-five as a form of greeting?  The fact is, besides a proper handshake, all these are not appropriate in a business environment.

Pic Cr:The definitive book of
Body Language

As an Image Consultant, I often stress on setting a good first impression.  However, this does not mean on Appearance only.  You could ruin that first impression with your Behavior!  I remember during my flying days as a cabin crew where handshake was a must before every flight, among the thousands of handshakes I made in those few years, it exposed me to several interesting or even funny ways of shaking hands.



1)      Wet fish handshake -     It is not uncommon for someone to have

Pic Cr: London Image
Institute

       sweaty palms.  However, if you are the one with sweaty palms, rub it discreetly against your skirt or pants before shaking anyone’s hand.  If someone with sweaty palms shook your hands, rest your palm on your skirt or pants to have it soak off discreetly!  Be considerate to others

       and never embarrass them!  Have you ever seen people who danced with gloves too? :p

2)      Limp handshake -            This is not just handshakes that are soft but

        this is where you experience only your fingernails are being held.(!??!)  They don’t even bother to lock their palms into yours!  I view this as a form of insincerity!



Pic Cr:The definitive book of
Body Language

3)      Bone crusher -                  Such handshakes are so strong that you can almost hear your bones crack!  You are hurt and will remember this person for the wrong reason.  Of course, you get frightened each time you know you are going to shake that person’s hand again!  Avoid such poor etiquette, neglecting the feelings of others!  Always match the strength of your handshake with the other person.



Although there are other old wives’ belief such as the stronger and firmer your handshake, the more decisive you are, there are indeed other considerations when extending your hand:

1)      Take caution when shaking hands with muslim women as they may be strict in observing their religious practice, especially if you are a male.

2)      Avoid shaking hands with monks or nuns.

In today’s modern context, it’s ok for a female to extend her hand first.  Whoever extends the hand, make sure you lock your hands all the way in and make it a firm one, 2-3 pumps, eye contact and smile will complete that good first impression!


About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

Why do many dread Networking?

Photo credit: youngsday.com

Networking is an interesting topic, often requested by clients to include in the training.  The tips shared to help them ease through a networking session often cracked them up and many experiences shared are close to the heart.  However, why is it still much dreaded when the real thing comes??

My husband is one who amazes me with his network.  My mum needed people who provided tentage to extend the front porch of our house during Chinese New Year.  Hubby called his friend from Grassroot community who could give us a reasonable rate.  Problem solved.  We wanted to visit Hongkong during one of their peak periods where there were many exhibitions going on, hotels were fully booked and those available were skyrock expensive!  Hubby called one of his friends from his Youthship programme which they attended together when they were in their 20s.  She was a regular at a hotel and had corporate rate!  We had priority in getting a room at a reasonable price! There were many more examples.

So what’s holding us back?  What shall we do to understand that there can never be enough to networking?  You can have a few good friends but you need a network to make life work. 

1)      Choose activities of your interest

 

Don’t go to an event just because your friend told you there will be all high flyers, businessmen or professionals of a particular industry.  Try golfing events, partying in clubs, wine tasting, volunteer at a charity organization or join special interest group such as drums or pottery etc.  You share the interest with people there and they are individuals with unique backgrounds too!

2)      Mindset

Avoid going to an event harboring on the fact that it will be boring since you won’t know people there.  Think of it as you will be there to learn to bake or learn a language and knowing people is part of the process!  It will be an interesting session!

 

3)      Open minded

The worse case would be you are sent to a networking session on behalf of your company.  You don’t have a choice.  Be groomed and go with a smile and tell yourself you have to make a friend at least (though it’s said to be a successful night if you made 3 connections at least).  With good personal grooming, dressing well and an approachable personality, someone else may make that first step and you will likely not be the only one feeling that way.

So go to any events or gathering with an open mind!  You never know that the social event may coincidently turn out to be a networking time for you!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

Why is it especially important for women to upkeep themselves?

Many years ago, Asian women were seen as family caregivers.  She looked after the family while he brought home the bacon.  As the society evolved, more women stepped into the society to work and became more independent, emotionally and financially.  The family planning process slowed down.  Even when a family is formed, fewer children are born.  The priority changed.

When a woman meets a man and gets married, her social life, personal family, plans and even beliefs take a backseat.  She starts ‘losing herself’ in the marriage/relationship.  A friend who works in the beauty and skincare industry told me she stopped putting on makeup the moment she was pregnant.  Aren’t pregnant woman supposed to be the most beautiful and should be looking at more beautiful things and photos, which includes herself??

Being in the Pageant industry for the last 2 years, I have met and heard from increasing number of women, especially the married ones (Mrs Singapore contestants) that they cried during their pageantry journey when they saw their makeover photos, they realized they found themselves! The Makeover Inc created beautiful pictures!  These women started grooming themselves as they go through a grueling 2 months training/events including press conference, grooming classes, makeup course, meet the sponsors etc.  Their friends started to show them support, the children feeling proud of them and the husbands showing their love in various ways.  Some had their husbands expressing their love in youtube videos, singing love songs and even one was grateful that her husband started holding her hands again! 

We live in a very visual society.  Women can’t think that they have found THE ONE, start a relationship and can be complacent in grooming themselves.  It gets worse when you form a family and the excuse of caring for the kids and household leave you with no time for yourself.  Ladies, you have to ask yourself, what was my dream before? Before you met your partner?  Before you were married or before you had children?  You used to take pride in yourself but what made you stopped halfway? Remember, you need to love yourself again before you feel the love around again! 

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

The Dating Game! Are you Gamed?

‘Do you want to go steady?’ During my time, that was what I hear often before two young persons get together.  Then it’s calling each other husband and wife when marriage still seems so far!  When you read this article, maybe you can share what the youngsters are asking or calling each other nowadays. J

Some people start dating young while some are still waiting for the special one to enter their life.  So do we wait for the opportunity to come or create opportunities?  Don’t you wish to put in some effort so that you can say that you have tried your best rather than just agree with the fact that you have no luck or time has not come?  Sometimes, no one can come knocking on your door when you do not create an opportunity for them.

So here are some tips that I hope to make sure you are gamed for dating and keep you in the game!

1)      Move it!  Going home after work isn’t going to do you much good.  Unless you have spotted someone at work or on the train daily, rethink your daily activities.

2)      Be sociable.  Whether it’s at work, dinner with friends or making new friends, be friendly and speak up alittle.  A small step each time will make a huge difference at the end of the day.

3)      Smile.  Birds of the same feather flock together.  Ask yourself if you will be happy chatting with a person who doesn’t smile or not that friendly?

4)      Your mindset.  Don’t think of every opposite gender that comes along as someone who might be a life partner.  Instead, befriend them with an open mind.  There are more advantages having more friends around.

5)      Look good!  Make an effort to groom yourself, get a nice hairstyle and dress up alittle.  We live in a very visual society, ladies must put on some makeup and wearing a dress that fits you well.  This will at least leave a good impression of you in others.  Gentlemen should be clean, groomed and dress neatly.  Get a good haircut too!  Being considerate and gentleman brings you far too!

So stop leaving your fate to chance.  Things don’t happen without more effort on your end.  Chat with friends who have gone through such experiences, take up a personal grooming course or personalmakeup course.  Take steps in bringing you back into the dating scene!  Have fun!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.