7
Mistakes that Ruin a Professional Image
By Sheila Dicks
Some of us are aware of it and some us are
not. But it can make all the difference in your
business social success. What is it? A professional
image. Good grooming, self-care, and an appropriate
wardrobe are significant factors in a successful
career. Following are the seven top mistakes
that will ruin a professional image, and advice
for avoiding them.
1. Hairstyle
A polished look means being polished from head
to toe, not neck to toe. A neatly groomed person
wearing a great, well-fitting suit can commit
image suicide when she forgets to attend to
her hair and makeup. Hair, makeup and wardrobe
should be in harmony or professionalism is brought
into question.
By harmony I mean the hairstyle should be the
same style as the clothing; sporty clothing
- sporty hairdo, professional clothing - professional
hairdo. For example, long, straight hair when
worn down will look good on most occasions.
However, when wearing a suit in a business setting
the hair will look more in harmony if it is
worn up or neatly tied back. Hair has a significant
impact on image; it can make or break it.
If you are trying to project a professional
image, keep your hair in good condition, without
splits or ragged ends or a two-toned look.
2. Posture
Poor posture is a common problem that can
ruin the image of a woman who otherwise has
a professional image. A well-dressed woman with
an appropriate hairstyle and makeup can ruin
it all with poor posture. One frequent contributor
to poor posture is wearing shoes with heels
that are too high, pushing the body forward.
High-heeled shoes have their place - they make
your legs look great - but if you find walking
difficult, your heels are likely too high. If
your shoes are fine but you know you have a
posture problem, try some abdominal strengthening
exercises.
3. Lipstick
Lipstick can add color and life to your face
and outfit; however, too much caked on lipstick
looks unprofessional. Also, lip liner should
not be seen. Lipstick should be dark enough
to hide the liner. The liner is meant to give
lips an even look and stop them from bleeding;
it is not meant to be a border. Be very careful
if you want to make your lips appear larger
and decide to go outside the line. If not done
correctly, this can look messy and overdone.
4. Matching eye makeup and lipstick
The darkness of eye makeup and lipstick should
match. If you like to wear dark eyeliner and
eye shadow, ensure you avoid light lip colors.
If you have light or blonde hair, dark eyeliner
is overpowering and looks unprofessional. If
you have light-colored hair, stick to lighter
shades.
Regardless of your coloring, to be on the safe
side, avoid dark eye makeup and lipstick in
professional settings.
5. Eyebrows
Eyebrows frame the eyes and can add to a professional
image or ruin it. Three things to avoid: first,
eyebrows that are much darker than hair color;
second, eyebrows you can barely see with heavy
eye makeup; and finally, bushy, unkempt eyebrows.
6. Nervous habits
You may have habits that are detracting from
your image. If you have a habit such as nail
biting, hair twisting, knee jerking, nose-scratching
- work to get it under control. Although this
is not a habit, nothing ruins your image more
than chewing gum. If you want to create a professional
image, never chew gum in public.
7. Voice and Attitude
A pleasant voice and a friendly attitude are
characteristics that people respond to positively.
If those characteristics are not evident, no
amount of training or grooming will make up
for it.
Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe
Consultant who teaches women how to dress to
suit their body type and look slimmer. Visit
her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com
to download a copy of her ebook Image Makeover
and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.
