Posts Tagged ‘Michelle Obama Staff’

Video – Being an Image Consultant – What Message Should My Website Photos Reflect?

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Former White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers (click image for larger view)

I received this question over the weekend and wanted to share it, particularly with those working in the image consulting industry.  In short, the question asked, “Are crossed-arms outdated or relevant today?” Here’s the complete question and my answer.  Let’s dialogue readers.  Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

“Hi Indigo:

Are crossed-arms outdated or relevant today?  I posted a picture on Facebook for you to critique and a friend from home and another Facebbok “patron” got into a fight!  Anyway it was intended for you, to see, so now I am going to attach here – of course my arms are crossed. The bottom line is I was saying the Image Consultant needs a consultant!!!! Now that I have lost weight and have to buy spring clothes now is the perfect time to make some changes. The primary picture is the purple, recently I have been using the white picture. If you have any suggestions to move towards a more contemporary slightly edgy look let  me know. My typical look is classic, classy, very corporate….HELPPPPPPP” – Debbie

Deb w/ arms crossed outdated or relevant today?

Dear Deb:

To answer your question, it depends.

We saw lots of crossed-arms on image consulting sites in prior years and still see that pose today, but I’m noticing a paradigm shift with the fresh new talent entering the industry.  Sue Donnelly, while not new to the scene, interjects youthfulness and energy throughout her site.  That said, my opinion is that the pose works for corporate consultants, but I see it as paradoxical for one-on-one experts.  Here’s why.

In the corporate arena, particularly among male and female CEOs and upper management figures, the arms-crossed image purposely denotes power, and resonates “I’m in control and I’m running this.”  While that message works in corporate America and for corporate image consultants looking to attract corporate clients, it doesn’t convey well for personal image consultants.  As a personal image consultant, one doesn’t want the client to feel threatened, uncomfortable or worse, forced to adhere to the dogmatic sartorial views of the consultant.

Personal image consulting is, well, personal.  Consultations often times take place in the underwear-clad client’s bedroom, with the consultant rummaging through her closet.*  Moreover, getting a makeover can be pretty traumatic and always should be handled as a process and not an event. For these reasons, the client must feel comfortable and trust that you’re partnering with them to elevate their current style.

One comment I get quite often from new clients is that my website picture helped to eliminate the initial anxiety associated with calling a consultant.  According to many of them, I look approachable, modern and fun. My style is a lot more relaxed than yours, but that isn’t to say that you can’t inject a bit of capriciousness into your classic look. You want to appear adaptable and, more importantly, modern. That said, continue to wear your classic suits, but soften the lines with more curves in the lapel and less stiffened fabrics. Consider selecting silk or satin underpinnings and pliable blouses.  Finally, light-colored suits are fine, but avoid white or off white.  Just as you don’t want to come off as stodgy or overly aggressive, you also don’t want to appear too puritanical.

Ms. Rodgers still looking in control but approachable. (click image for larger view)

Classic St. John Suit with rounded collar. (click image for larger view)

Check out this video featuring Essence Magazine, Beauty Editor, Tia Williams.  Ms. Williams looks fresh, modern and professional.

* When working with a male client, I generally travel with an assistant and always have the client change in a different room.

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