22 Nov 2012
I don’t like how that sounds either – I wish we judged people on personality, achievements and skills rather than their appearance – but sadly we don’t.
Our success whether in the work place or within relationships relies heavily on our appearance. According to Style Psychologist Kate Nightingale it only takes 3 seconds for someone to make a decision about you. So even before we speak our appearance has to make a good impression.
Women are working longer, holding more senior positions and having children later; the stakes have got higher as the pressure mounts to continually look youthful. More people are turning to aesthetic and cosmetic surgery in a bid to secure jobs and promotions. In a recent poll carried out by The Director Magazine 40% of members of The Institute of Directors said they would consider having such treatments to boost their career or business.
Facial discrimination is a worldwide issue, recently Nicola Smith reported in The Sunday Times from Kabul where women are having plastic surgery to increase the size of their noses. Unlike Western women who often have theirs reduced in size, Afghan women are striving to conform to the Pashtun and Tajik ideals of beauty. The procedure is in great demand as more women feel out of place in Afghan society with their eastern features and flatter noses. Women are refining their features in the hope of bagging a good husband.
111 Harley Street the practice of renowned plastic surgeon Yannis Alexandrides has seen an increase in patients wanting to look younger for their children. Older parents want to appear fit, healthy and young to avoid any embarrassment for their children.
Fran Moscow an Executive Business Coach explains when someone meets you for the first time their impression is made up of 55% looks 38% tone and 7% words. So getting our personal branding right is so important.
How we feel about ourselves is largely based on how we look. If we are unhappy with our looks or our hair it can ruin the day. There are a number of non-drastic measures we can take to change a first impression.
Posture, have the confidence to walk tall.
Clothes, make sure clothes fit well, are always cleaned and pressed and are appropriate for the occasion.
Shoes, wear appropriate shoes. People can make judgments entirely on the shoes you wear. Make sure they are always clean and in good repair.
Hair, a good haircut and colour can change how you look and feel about yourself. Make sure you have a manageable style that you can blow dry yourself.
Skincare, chose targeted products to address any issues, good skin looks healthy and helps as a base to good makeup.
Makeup, invest in good quality products; wearing too much makeup can give the impression that you are self-obsessed or insecure. Highlight features without distracting colours. Take the time to find out if your makeup is still fashionable, many women forget to update their style.
Fragrance, many people will comment on a lovely fragrance, it’s an icebreaker so chose carefully, find one that suits you and isn’t overpowering. Often people remember your fragrance and being associated with something that smells nice is always good.
Fitness, exercise will give you body confidence. Work on your core to help you walk and carry yourself well. If there are parts of your body you don’t like work on these first, the satisfaction of having that area of your body looking good will inspire you to work on others.
Smile, it lights up your face and makes people warm to you. Everyone looks more attractive when they smile, make the effort.
Teeth, regular appointments with the dentist and hygienist are very important. Teeth whitening can make you look younger and healthier. Seriously consider orthodontic work if you are self-conscious of your teeth.
Business Coaching Fran Moscow
Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery 111 Harley Street
