Competition’s fierce these days and firms of all sizes are closing their doors at an alarming rate. What are those who survive looking to keep? Only what proves of great value to the company.

Employees, not products or services, are a firm’s most important asset. People give voice, presence and potential to the inanimate and intangible. It’s a company’s people and their values which drive the business.  

No doubt you all value your clients’ business, time and opinions of you. Now more than ever, a company’s representatives must reflect that in the way they present themselves to others—with respect for all involved and with attention to detail.  

Business owners, insist that your employees represent your firm with the most resounding of silent messages: a polished, professional image that speaks volumes for the men and women behind the details.  

Others, take it upon yourselves to lead the way. Your bosses and clients will take note. You’ll be seen as valuable assets to companies who remain in the game.

We all know that one of the best ways to stretch our budgets is to buy the best quality clothes we can afford because they'll last longer.  Part of how I make them last longer is by investing in the right kind of hanger.  There's a great website where you can order special wooden coat hangers that aren't as wide as the average size for women's garments. Use these on your winter garments for when they're in the closet all summer long, and then they won't have those dimples and protrusions permanently sticking out in the shoulders: www.hangers.com

Sandy

Hey ladies, I discovered a new mascara.  I’ve always favored Lancome mascara - I switched from “Definicil” to “Hypnose” (both by Lancome).  Recently I tried two new products from Cover Girl; “VolumeExact” has been out for about a year now but the other, “LashBlast,” is brand new.  They work exceptionally well - almost a well as Lancome, and are a lot less expensive.

The only drawback I’ve found so far is that the Lancome is removed very easily with hardly any rubbing or tugging at your lashes.  It’s not quite so easy or quick to remove the Cover Girl.

Incidentally, I use almond oil to remove mascara.  It’s a very fine product - it’s not slippery like mineral or baby oils are, plus it’s not bad for you, as baby oil is purported to be lately.  Almond oil is gentle on the tender skin around your eyes and works beautifully to remove the Lancome mascara, so this is still my preferred combination.  But I do recommend giving Cover Girl a try - great products; great price!  

If you’ve tried either leave a comment; I’d like to hear about your experience.

Fabulously 40’s beloved Amy Harden will be competing in a special speaking contest on June 19, 2009. This contest is held every year by NSA Virginia, called “Pro Track Idol“. Amy has worked diligently all year and has practiced and developed her speech, which is sure to be a winner!
If you‘re in the Hampton Roads area on June 19th, and would like to find out more, let me know and I’ll give you the info about the event.

Have you ever been treated with less respect than you should be given? Did you ever have people waste your time or keep you waiting unnecessarily? Did you answer "Yes" to either of these questions? If so, you may be surprised to learn that your appearance could have something to do with it.

Emails, newsletters, chores, bills, and our jobs demand more and more of our time. As a result, we become particularly annoyed when our time is wasted. "Can't they see I'm in a hurry," we grumble. But everyone else is in a hurry, too, so why should you be given deferential treatment? You may secretly be thinking, "Don't they know I've got important things to do? They're definitely more important things than those other people have to do."

An image consultant would deduct that you might not look important enough. In today's business casual world, we often look more like we're ready for a weekend getaway - or retirement. Think about it, if you saw a distinguished-looking business professional who was obviously an important person, would you keep him or her waiting? Would you be disrespectful? Chances are you wouldn't. Often, we treat important people with more respect, and the service they receive is of higher regard.

If you‘re not getting treated like a V.I.P., then change your image. It could be that the missing ingredient is right there in your closet! However, it's not your jogging suit or comfy Bermuda shorts.

Clients of mine report that changing their image results in "overnight" and dramatic differences in the way they are treated at the grocery store, the drugstore, and the up market boutique - not just at work. They are suddenly given deferential treatment and increased respect. Instead of being treated like "everyone else", they get "noticed"

Do you ever wonder what would make it immediately obvious to others that you are important? Take a look at the basic ingredients:

1. Look as polished and professional as possible ? from head to toe.
2. Messy hair, in particular, will prevent you from looking important.
3. Wear authoritative or bold clothing and colors. Darker colors give more authority, for example, than pale colors; and stylish-looking suits immediately suggest clout.
4. Women: wear bolder earrings and other accessories. Remember, you want to look like you are going to a board meeting rather than a bridge game.
5. Stand tall and erect. Good posture implies that you are a person of "stature."
6. Assume the attitude and persona of a VIP, because you know you look like one!

So, before your next trip to the grocery store, don't go in your usual T-shirt and jeans. Instead, put on your best face and your best suit and see what happens. Going on a business trip? Don't wear your usual jogging attire. Instead, dress up as if you were going straight to the office and see what happens. When I'm "dressed", I always receive superb service. In contrast, I'm totally ignored when my attire is too casual.

During a recent overseas flight, I asked the flight attendant for a glass of champagne. She replied that it was not available in tourist class. Then, she immediately re-considered and said, "Wait just a minute. I'll get you some from first class." She brought me not one, but two glasses of champagne. I can only assume she thought I looked important enough to fulfill my request!

Do you have a wish you would like to have met? Cinderella had her wish fulfilled when she changed her image. But you don't need to have a Fairy Godmother to get your requests fulfilled. Just make sure you look like a VIP by revving up your image.

People often choose thin metal-rimmed glasses, in the hopes that others won't notice because they are "near invisible". Glasses will either look sterile and functional, or they will look like a fashion accessory. With the exception of aviator-type frames, most metal-rimmed glasses look like the former. As a part of your body's focal point ? the face, eyeglasses have a profound impact on your image.

There are two things to take into consideration when choosing glasses as a fashion accessory: the color of your eyes and the color of your hair. Frames can be chosen to enhance either or both. Specific colors for eyeglass frames can make green eyes look greener and blonde hair look blonder.  

The majority of people never think of choosing eyeglass frames to enhance the color of their hair.  Occasionally, a person with silver hair will purposely select silver frames, but beyond this, not much thought is given to this connection. Actually, most people with grey hair seem to wear gold-rimmed glasses, which is similar to wearing silver jewelry with gold jewelry.  

When you least suspect it, some colors may drain color from the eyes. Individuals with blue eyes often select frames in some shade of blue, thinking that they will intensify or enhance the color of the eyes. Most often, however, the glasses compete with the eye color and make them appear less vivid. For technical reasons, wearing frames in a contrasting color will result in the eye color being intensified. If you have blue eyes, for example, glasses in the red family, such as burgundy or rust, will make your eyes appear bluer.  

Choosing Glasses to Enhance Eye Color

Green Eyes:
Green eyes will be enhanced by any color in the yellow or purple family. Bright yellow glasses could go over the top, however. Green frames can sometimes accentuate green eyes, but usually not as effectively as purple ones.   Recommendations :  Orchid, lavender, mauve, periwinkle, purple, violet, red-violet, eggplant, jade green, racing green, emerald.

Blue Eyes:
Select any color in the red or orange family, as these complementary colors will enhance your blue eyes. Blue frames are a possibility, but make a comparison with red frames to make certain the blue ones do not compete with the eyes for attention. Recommendations :  True red, watermelon red, cherry red, fuchsia, magenta, burgundy, coral, apricot, brick, rust, Chinese red.  Also, try shades of blue that are compatible with what you wear.

Brown Eyes:
Brown eyes usually look their loveliest in purples and greens. However, you have a wide variety of colors from which to choose. You can wear black frames, horn-rimmed frames or even translucent frames.  In general, to make the eyes look darker, choose eyeglass frames in a pale color. Recommendations :  Purple, violet, plum, lavender, racing green, jade green, emerald green, horn. Dark purples and greens always look elegant with brown eyes.

Grey Eyes:
Choose eyeglass frames in a dark color in order to make the eyes appear their palest. These cool, mysterious eyes are the most beautiful when they appear to be quite pale. Recommendations :  Black, charcoal black, deep purple, deep burgundy, midnight blue.

Hazel Eyes:
These eyes tend to change color, like chameleons.  They sometimes appear green or yellow, or even varying shades of brown.  In general, to make the eyes look greener, try purples, violets or greens.  To bring out brown tones, try horn-rimmed glasses.  To bring out the yellow or gold tones, use deep shades of purple or violet. Recommendations :  Purples, violets, red-violets, plum, blue-greens, horn, greens.  

Choosing Glasses to Enhance Hair Color      

Blonde Hair:
Choose eyeglass frames in a dark color to make blonde hair appear lighter. Recommendations :  Black or a dark color that will also enhance the eye color (see preceding portion of this chapter) at the same time.  You can try wearing dark purples for green or hazel eyes, deep burgundy for blue eyes, or dark horn for brown eyes.

Red Hair:
Red tones can be complemented by choosing eyeglass frames in shades of blue, green or blue green. Make sure the frames harmonize with your wardrobe, as well. Purples are also quite dramatic with red hair. Recommendations :  Royal blue, Chinese blue, cobalt, turquoise, emerald, jade, bottle green, purple, lavender, violet.

Black Hair:
To accent the natural blue undertones of true black hair, choose colors from the red-family.  To make the hair appear darker, choose frames in a pale color, including pewter and various shades of white. Recommendations :   Black, red, burgundy, fuchsia, white, blues, purples, greens.

Brown Hair:
Shades of brown can range from mousy brown to deep chestnut brown.  To make the hair appear darker, choose frames in a pale color that enhances your eyes (see above).  To make the hair appear lighter, choose dark colors that enhance the eye color. Choose blues or greens to bring out red tones.  

Grey Hair:
There are endless shades of "grey hair", from partially grey to silver grey.  The moment hair becomes noticeably grey, it is important to avoid brown or yellow frames. This includes gold, horn and mock tortoise shell, since these colors will dull the grey tones in the hair. Silver frames call attention to grey hair, particularly when the hair is only partially grey.  Silver-grey hair will look more platinum and less grey with dark colors such as black, navy or midnight blue. Previously dark hair, that is lighter due to greying, will look darker with light colored frames.