When I speak to groups I always try to arrive a few minutes early so that I can meet some of the audience participants and get a feel for what their particular issues are. At a recent meeting of the National Association of Women Business Owners, I asked many of the women how they felt at the last business function where the participants were mostly male. "Dismissed" "Inconsequential" were a few of the terms they used to describe how they were treated as women in a business world that is still mainly male dominated.
My goal for over 30 years has been to eliminate these feelings by women in the business world. I show women how to level the playing field with men in terms of image. The first thing that I tell women is that they must ditch "daddy's jacket!" All too many female executives, TV anchors and professional women have adopted the classic "blazer suit" with coordinated blouse or turtleneck as their office uniform. It is touted as a "power suit." However, it suggests anything but power. It usually implies conformity or a "junior" look. It is safe rather than dynamic, and it takes your image down many notches.
My female clients all tell me that they notice a difference immediately in the way that they are treated. Suddenly people are asking them for their opinion, people listen to what they have to say, they are being treated with the deference and respect that comes from looking like an expert from head to toe.
In my new book, "Powerful Women Don't Wear Pink" (due for publication in 2009) I will show you how to make powerful image changes. When you apply these changes, you will never again be looked down on, or asked to "get me a cup of coffee, honey" or "sweety"!
www.theimagearchitect.com
www.impressionstrategiesinstitute.com
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