Every week with my clients is different, but my favorite part about working with amazing leaders are the big shifts that come from small reminders. I call these Leader Lessons. Each Friday I’ll share a few leader lessons from the week.

This week’s Leader Lessons . . .

Living in Reaction vs Response
There are phases of life when you realize you are reacting to what’s being dealt in life, not responding in a way that builds what you want. There are necessary times for reaction. But living in reaction takes you away from the place where you can create what you truly desire.  Often an image, whether it’s your own or a piece of your business brand, is built from the place of reaction. The image of an impactful brand, personal or business, comes from responding to your bigger desire and creating strategy from there.

Awesome Team Photos
It takes planning and vision to create a team photo you love and sets your brand apart. As an entrepreneur photos aren’t a big deal because they are a form of marketing repeated each year. But to certain members of your team, having their photo taken is a mental challenge. To get a great photo plan ahead so that everyone has enough time to acquire clothing in the color story created for the photo. Hire a team to do hair and makeup. Make this day really fun with fun eats and drink. It should be a day the team enjoys each year.

Passion + or – Ambition
This week in an interview with Barbara Corcoran I heard someone ask her if it was important to have passion as an entrepreneur. Her response was one of those tiny reminders that gave me a big lesson. She answered by saying that, “Passion turns on the light for an entrepreneur, but it’s ambition behind that passion that gets the job done.”  Her statement is nothing we don’t already know, but such a good reminder that the spark of passion for a project or an idea without ambition behind it is just a shiny object.

On Zoom what people really want from you, isn’t perfection; it’s consistency. This holds true before, during, and after a pandemic.

Your team wants to consistently see you as the leader they know and desperately need. Your clients want to see that you can deliver what they trust you do for them, even in the middle of a pandemic. And others in your industry are watching to see how you’ll maintain the positioning you’re branding already has.

Let me preface the remainder of this by saying I realize in many of our houses consistency doesn’t exist right now. In my house sometimes none of my pre-staged, brand-aligned Zoom areas are available due to the number of people working and doing school from the house. Some days you just have to make it work.

However, I share the perspective that for someone who is a leader, consistency is a very powerful tool right now that on most days we can all use.

What does consistency actually look like on Zoom?

  1. Show up as your best self. Consistently remind yourself and others that you are someone to watch as you day-by-day figure out “the next right thing.” Get dressed, top AND bottom. Does that mean you wear a suit? A dress? A t-shirt? Depends on you and your business. Do your hair. Put on make up. Create a consistent image with what the people you normally interface with expect and admire you for. Creating a good outfit has never had so much power. Don’t leave that power just hanging in the closet. Put it on and use it to make an impact, feel more like you, and truly be the awesome leader you are.
  1. Pay attention to the details. You consistently maintain a certain cleanliness and brand aesthetic in your physical office, so find a background in your home that can mimic that as best you can. Move the furniture. Stage the walls. Clear the shelves. Ensure that your environment presents itself consistently with the image you actually want. Your bed, piles of clothes, and stacks of random books undermine whatever you’re saying, no matter how much you tell yourself, “It’s okay, we’re all at home.” If you’re using a Zoom background just check in with why. If you’re hiding something, fix what you’re hiding. If you think they are fun and are consistent with your brand then rock on!
  1. Properly position yourself. Literally. Position your camera so your Zoommates aren’t staring up your nose or at your ceiling fan. If you’re using a laptop find a box to put under your computer to change your camera angle. A good rule of thumb is to have the camera level with your eyes or even a touch higher. Get on Zoom and play with it. This will help you create a standard of where your camera should sit. If you have to Zoom in multiple locations throughout your house test them ahead of time for the camera angle and light source.
  1. Have a discussion on Zoom with your team about the image you want the business to put forth while everyone is at home in their virtual office. Lead them through this by reminding your team of your core values. If one of your values is, “We care,” then hopping on Zoom with a client in a wrinkled casual shirt or a messy background sends a contradicting message. Remember this is not about looking perfect; it’s about running the thread of consistency through your new virtual image to ensure you are as strategic as possible with this new client interface. The key to this piece is having a conversation. Don’t send an email. Get on Zoom and practice what you preach as you remind your team what you guys are truly doing together to service your clientele.
  1. Do YOU. This is not a game of pretend perfection. This is your opportunity to be strategic about how you want to feel and how you want others to perceive you and your business. Your 10 am Zoom meeting is simply a part of the positioning you are creating for where you want your brand to be today, tomorrow, and 6 months from now.

Now the question is, how do you feel about your business image on Zoom? Do you know how your team is showing up with a client? Are you leading by putting your best self out there, or at least trying to look like your best self? If you want help looking good on Zoom, message me. We’ll find some fun ways to ensure the brand message you’ve worked to build in your physical office shows up behind the screen.

Just found out you are expecting,

or a few-months in and looking to spice up your maternity wardrobe?

A couple years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter I remember wondering if designers who make maternity clothes think women quit their jobs immediately upon hearing they are pregnant in order to sit at home in casual frocks eating bon-bons.

Seriously people! ……Being pregnant doesn’t mean you don’t want to look chic and professional. 

Here are some closet additions to keep your pregnancy wardrobe versatile, professional, and fun!

Click here for quick links to purchase:

1. A Pea in the Pod Pants

2. Isabella Oliver: Easy to throw on Dress

3. A Pea in the Pod Top

4.Isabella Oliver: A-line Skirt 

5. Rosie Pope: sweater

6. Isabella Oliver: Everyday Blazer

7. Olian: Dress

8. A Pea in the Pod: Sweater

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1.     You don’t have to spend a lot on clothes to look like you’ve spent a lot.

 

2.     Dark colors will always look more authoritative.

 

3.     Classics are classics for a reason.

 

4.     Fit is key. You can’t have style without great fit.

 

5.     Dressing appropriately is like having good manners.

 

6.     Nobody sees the label.

 

7.     Quality is more important than quantity.

 

8.     When in doubt, dress up.

 

9.     Confidence will come from what you wear.

 

10. Clothes don’t make the person. (But they can help you fake it till you make it.)

 

 

 

Don’t let your image hold you back from accomplishing what you want in life. Perfect your business image, and reap the rewards of a more confident and successful you. If you need help creating an image that makes you feel confident and propels you to success visit www.imageandyourbusiness.com.

Your business image has the power to facilitate growth for your income and your life. With 93% of our communication being nonverbal, having a business image–both personal and online–is essential if you want to achieve business success. 

There is no better time than now to invest in creating a business image–one that will draw potential business and strategic partnerships to you. One that gets visitors to buy from your website and gets current customers to refer you.

In this economic downturn, people are still spending, but thinking twice as long about whom they do business with. You must stand out—in person and online. You must give them a reason to buy from you by making the right impression.

On Tuesday, March 31, 2009, online marketing expert Michelle Salater and I are going to share how to grow your business by perfecting a personal and online business image. In this FREE onetime only teleseminar . . .

“4 Easy Ways to Perfect Your Business Image . . . Right Now.”

On this call, you will learn:

• How to create a business image that tells people you are successful and credible BEFORE you even open your mouth.

• Why your clothing AND your website might be keeping you from business growth . . . and simple, effortless steps to avoid this.

• Why your website and blog image is key to your online business success.

• What you can do RIGHT NOW to implement your desired business image.

• How to create the personal and online image you desire without spending a fortune.

No matter your industry–whether you are in corporate, an entrepreneur, or an independent contractor–you won’t want to miss this onetime only teleseminar. Because we believe now is the time to invest in your business and your life and because we know the power behind having a powerful personal and online image, we’re offering this free, 90-minute teleseminar at two time slots: 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific) OR 8 pm Eastern (5 pm Pacific).

Register today for this onetime only call. 

*No recordings will be made available. You must be on the call during one of the two available time slots to hear this powerful information that will change your life and your business.

Discover how to grow your business by perfecting a personal and online business image. No matter what business you are in, if you desire business growth, you want to make it a point to join us for our FREE 90-minute telephone seminar.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009: 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific) OR 8 pm Eastern (5 pm Pacific)
This call is hosted by Michelle Salater, online marketing expert and owner of Michelle Salater Writing & Editorial, LLC, and Lee Heyward, style expert and owner of Charleston Style Concierge.
On this call, you will learn:
• How to create a business image that tells people you are successful and credible BEFORE you even open your mouth.
• Why your clothing AND your website might be keeping you from business growth . . . and simple, effortless steps to avoid this.
• Why your website and blog image is key to your online business success.
• What you can do RIGHT NOW to implement your desired business image.
• How to create the personal and online image you desire without spending a fortune.
For more information or to sign up for this seminar please visit: http://www.imageandyourbusiness.com

Check out this article from Forbes.com that provides great tips about dressing for the office.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/02/09/workplace-office-clothing-women-style_0209_suit.html

Do you think your image doesn’t matter?  Close your eyes and picture yourself in the produce isle of the grocery store, choosing apples.  Without any real thought you pick up one apple after the other until you find the perfect one.  Some of those apples may be bruised or old, but some of the ones you discarded simply had an image that negatively impacted you.  Lucky for us, we can be aware of our image and make changes that ensure we put our best foot forward each and every day.

 

No matter your profession, age, or where you are going, image always matters.  Like it or not, in our society we only get seconds to make a first impression.  In that very brief time period people make split decisions and judgments about you that are hard to undo. 

 

A big part of the image you portray comes from the clothing you wear.  Coco Chanel said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress, dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”  Wearing clothing that fits well, is age-appropriate, and shows your unique style will help you portray the image you desire.    

 

What is your clothing saying about you?  If you’re not sure, Charleston Style Concierge can help.  Sign up for our monthly ezine and shape up your image with FREE style tips and tricks.

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The Key to Your Powerful Brand Image

More often than not, each piece of your brand image was created when you needed it, but not altogether in a strategic fashion. Your image may look fine, but does fine help you grow?

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I feel like a whole new person. I’ve been unchained from the old self. I’ve been freed to laugh and dream and smile. And I’ve become more accessible to my clients, which is the whole point.

Donna Terrell, Criminal Defense Attorney

It is hard to explain why Lee is so brilliant at what she does because it is almost like magic. She pierces through your personality and reflects who you are in what you wear. She does not just pick out great clothes – she picks an outwardly appearance that creates a comfort zone while also allowing the world to see the real you.

Nate Casey, Entrepreneur

Working with Lee has dramatically increased my revenue, not because of what I’m wearing but because of how I show up when I am dressed like my future self.

Angela Lauria, The Difference Press

When I reflect on who I was before working with Lee, I see that everything about me was a muted version of who I am today. And thanks to Lee’s incredible gift, I’m me. I now show up every single day: as the thought-leader Lee helped me dress to become (and be).

Hillary Walsh, Esq., New Frontier Immigration Law

Thank YOU! It was such a fantastic mini-class you took us through. You got everyone really into it! I can hardly believe that I actually had to cut them all off. You are a force! We are very lucky to have had the benefit of your help and we’re all better for it.

Megan Graves, Client Happiness & Team Happiness Coordinator, Upleveling Your Business

You are amazing!!!!!! I’ve been thinking about our conversation all day and this is just brilliant – you are a strategist and creative genius. Your vision completely resonates with me. I am so grateful for you, Lee.

Kelly McGrath, Esq., Kelly McGrath Law

Lee had a surprising way about her that uncovered my deeper self, my reason for being, and encoded it onto my wardrobe like a symbol—a moment-by-moment reminder of who I am, and what I’m here to do. Her brilliance crept up on me; I didn’t realize it was her behind the changes in my life until months afterwards. Now, I am able to approach everything I do from a place of power.

Jonathan Sparks, Esq. Sparks Law

Lee brings to life a vision bigger than I imagined. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her on my personal brand, photo shoot strategy, and the brand experience of events for my non-profit. Through each piece she’s helped me grow as a leader and an organization. I love having her on my team.

Alyx Porter Umphrey MD, ElevateMed

Don't Leave to Chance the Image You Have the Power to Control.

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