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Financial Services Professional Image Tips - from Image Consultant Sandy Dumont
Dear Friend: I’m writing this after getting back from a workout at my Pilates exercise class. It’s the one thing I always find time for, because it keeps me in shape and doesn’t take much time. Biking, jogging, hiking – they’re not for me – I’m not that disciplined. Besides, I can exercise when it’s raining or snowing – something joggers usually can’t do! As an image coach, I make certain I always look polished and professional. As a result, a lot of people think I was born rich, thin and pretty. Well, they are wrong on all counts. All my school life I was a dreary grey mouse that no one noticed or wanted to know. I learned how to look attractive. In fact, after being an image consultant for 30 years I can guarantee you one thing: there are no unattractive people. Only those who haven’t learned how to make themselves look attractive. It’s not difficult to do!
. . . I can predict the future for you The way you look and dress announces the outcome others can expect from you. It also announces how you feel about yourself, and you’ll be treated accordingly, according to my 30 years experience. You need to look successful and dynamic if you want to be judged successful. Harvard University proved that it only takes three seconds for a person to make an in-depth and long-lasting judgment about you. Will your image stand the 3-second test? A little later I’m going to tell you how you can massively influence the impression others have of you, but right now I’m going to tell you why changing the colors you wear can make you look more successful and dynamic, but also more attractive. I’ll also make a promise to you: reading this entire letter could represent a major turning point in your life and your career, and it will be well worth the few minutes it will take to read and digest it. So, let’s get started so you can change your image and change your life. You may be surprised to hear that if heads don’t turn when you enter a room, your image isn’t powerful enough. However, I’m sure you are not surprised to hear that when you know you look good, you radiate confidence, success and power. Others are drawn to you – and they accord you immediate credibility and respect. It’s a fact that the colors you wear can make you look happy or sad, younger or older, dynamic or dull. Successful people radiate happiness, health and energy. They never look, tired, sad or ordinary. Chances are, they’ve taken the time to find out what makes them look better, so that they always garner immediate credibility and respect! Colors affect us on two levels. They can make us look physically more attractive, more energetic and healthier, for example. And they can make us appear more powerful, more successful. Unless you were born with a book on color and one on color psychology, I can predict that you will look good one day and not so good the next day! Experts agree that if you don’t have a consistent image, it undermines credibility.
. . . Are you your own worst enemy?
As the French Impressionists remarked, color knowledge is necessary in order to save us from error that is derived from taste alone. I’ve been an image coach for 30 years, and I can tell you one thing I’ve learned. Most people (male or female) don’t know what they look good in, and I can actually prove it to you. Just go to my website and take a look at the Before & After photos. None of them said, “Sandy Dumont seems like such a nice lady, I think I’ll dress down and give her a really great ‘before’ photo.” Just the opposite! Everyone came dressed in the colors and styles that they thought they looked good in. You are playing Russian roulette with your image and your career if you wear what YOU think you look good in. The ugly truth is that everybody judges. Will you stand up to the judgment of others about how you look?
William was a wealth management expert with a large, well-known firm. Most of his clients were wealthy and close to retirement age. He met them through the local yacht club where he was a member. Everyone dressed casually there, so he adopted casual attire for his sales presentations. William attended one of my public workshops and heard my views about “corporate casualty” attire (otherwise known as corporate casual), so he booked a session with me for an image makeover session. By the end of the session, he made the decision to start wearing ties again. “This is a tough decision,” he said, “because it’s so comfortable wearing khakis and a polo shirt. But I know you are right, so I’m going ahead with it.” Within a few weeks, William reported that people treated him differently. They listened more attentively, more respectfully. Best of all, his business increased noticeably. Around town, compliments poured in from friends and family. Everyone asked if he had lost weight. He hadn’t. Polo shirts and khakis always make men seem heftier than they are, and they emphasize the stomach. Dress shirts do not. All in all, it was a win-win situation. William felt better about his appearance, and so did his clients and friends. His confidence and his bottom line have continued to soar. Go From Dismissed to Respected This is what happened to one of my clients who learned to dress for success. Dave Rourk was the Aide to a state Senator. When he went to the state Capital, the guard always stopped him and demanded to see his badge and I.D. It was very annoying and wasted his time. He came along for an all-day Total Image Makeover workshop and learned how to dress more powerfully. The next time he went to the Capital and passed the security entrance, the guard looked at him, smiled and said, “That’s okay, Senator. You don’t have to show me your I.D. Go on through.” Here’s what a recent client said after his image makeover session: “In the beginning, I was a little concerned that the new look wasn’t me. My wife wasn’t sure either and she said I didn’t look like the Chris she married anymore. But I trusted you completely because I’ve seen what you’ve done for others. I now realize you helped me discover the “real me” after all these years. Six months after the session, I changed jobs and doubled my salary! And my wife actually loves the “new Chris.” Thank you, Sandy.” Chris Powell,
. . .When it comes to image, the devil is in the details Think about this: you get everything right about your image except for one little thing. You guessed it! That’s all they notice – and all they remember about you. You need to make certain that every element of your image is in harmony and makes you look better!
Do you know what really makes me mad? It’s when I see people calling themselves image consultants when they aren’t. For example, people who sell a line of makeup and “Personal Shoppers” in department stores. They usually have no more than superficial training in color and line (style). In fact, they are more interested in selling you their particular product line than in educating you about changing your image from head to toe. Some of the biggest image mistakes I see are due to information from these so-called image consultants. Here are things necessary in order to claim the title Professional Image Consultant:
(Watch a short clip of color of ties below)
To view this video, download flash player
Number Three: A background in art. I have studied color for most of my life. I’ve studied with art educators in both Europe and the USA. Other image consultants consult me for information about color and image, as well as cosmetic companies, because of my acknowledged expertise in this arena. Number Four: Training in makeup and makeup application and camouflage tricks. I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 30 years, with magazine covers to my credit. I have also trained the trainers with international cosmetic companies such as Lancôme, General Cosmetics of Holland, and Yves St. Laurent Cosmetics.
Steve worked for a large mortgage company, but because he didn’t produce enough business, he was sent to a smaller office that was more than an hour away from his home. He was seriously thinking of changing not only his job but his profession, because he just wasn’t able to attract clients. A friend of Steve’s suggested he contact me before making any changes, so Steve arranged to have an image makeover session, and it was in the nick of time. Steve discovered that he needed to wear more powerful colors and styles to combat his boyish appearance, which made him look like an inexperienced greenhorn. He also learned that the colors he previous wore made him look tired, so he didn’t instill confidence. Steve learned that khakis were for kicking around, not for serious business attire. He bought a new suit and some classy shirts and ties. He not only looked polished and classy, he also looked more experienced and credible. His wife said he looked handsomer and sexier, too. Steve is now the top producer in his firm and is back in the head office!Number Seven: It is absolutely essential that the methods used be technically based. Otherwise, the information given will primarily be based upon the tastes and views of the consultant. In other words, the consultant relies upon “instincts” instead of training and hard-earned knowledge. My clients gave me the name Image Architect because they noticed that my systems were technically based!
The list of things you need to know goes on and on.
. . . Frequently asked questions
(Watch a short clip of my story below)
To view this video, download flash player
. . . My story All through school, I was a grey mouse. No one knew me or noticed me because I was also painfully shy. When I was 16 I sat down to perform a piano recital at school. I blanked out completely because I didn’t want to be there. I hated the way I look so much that I wanted to crawl in a hole and disappear. My mother had made my dress and she always cut my hair. The dress was frumpy and dreary and my hair was a mess. A year later it was my 17th birthday and I got to pick out the dress I wanted. I found a beautiful red dress, and when I looked at myself in the mirror I had an epiphany. I said to myself, “This is the person I was born to be.” I had always studied art, so I scoured the pages of Glamour Magazine and taught myself how to do makeup. Then I had my hair cut at a salon – and I wore red a lot. Something amazing happened. For the first time in my life, people told me I was pretty. Soon I took the courage to move from Virginia Beach, Virginia to Washington, DC and I enrolled in a two-year fashion school. I became one of the top models in Washington, and it all began with a red dress. You don’t need a red dress to become the person you were born to be, but I can tell you one thing. When you change the way you look on the outside, people treat you differently. And then you change on the inside. My experience has instilled me with a dedication to help others transform their lives by teaching them how to look their best.
Here are the top 12 things you need to learn to look your best and dress for success:
. . . I pass my 30 years experience on to you (Watch a short clip of lines and hair below)
To view this video, download flash player
You can pay hundreds of dollars to a hair stylist to help you find a hairstyle that suits you, a clothing designer to show you the styles that flatter you, an expert to help you with body language, and a makeup artist to help you find the makeup colors that say “perfect skin” instead of “perfect makeup.” Most are unable to do so, incidentally. Or you can hire me to do all those things and more for far less. Furthermore, most so-called “experts” follow current trends when it comes to colors and styles, so you may end up looking “in style” but not stylish! And by going to several different “experts” you will end up with a disjointed look. Very few people have reliable training in color, so you may end up with colors that fight with each other. Sandy’s specialty is pulling your look together into a cohesive, harmonious Signature Image – a polished, classy and unique look that brands you as special from head to toe. “One of the most interesting and informative three hours I have spent! It will undoubtedly pay for itself time and time again. Sandy’s information about how each color affects the moods and decision-making of others was very informative powerful.” John C. Paden, ABR, SRES William E. Wood and Associates Virginia Beach, Virginia You can learn all these things by going to my studio and having an all-day Total Image Makeover workshop (contact Sandy for info here). Thousands of people have done that, and it has changed their lives dramatically. If you don’t live in Virginia, you have to pay for travel to get to Virginia and for hotel and food expenses. If it’s not in the budget, not to worry.
Instead of flying to my studio in Virginia, you have an option. You can go to my website and order my three electronic Image Systems with hundreds of color photos to make learning simple. There’s one for women and two for men. I’ve got two more in the works for women!
“I’m really enjoying your books and so is my husband! I ordered the whole set and it’s a great package and jam packed with so much good and useful information. Now I know why I haven’t been satisfied with the makeup and colors suggested by that other ‘image’ company.” Catherine Ryan, Dallas Texas My 10-component “Image System for Professional Women” has helped thousands of women get on the fast track to success. Women need to level the playing field in the business arena. Men’s voices are deeper, their shoulders are broader and they are taller, so they are usually accorded more credibility, respect and power than women. Women don’t dress powerfully enough, and my book gives women the tools they need to make an impact at the office and in the board room. I’ve coached politicians, celebrities and women from all walks of life.
“I downloaded your Image System for Professional Women yesterday. I’m sitting here with my mouth open, struck by it all. It is so well written and tells it like it is. Too many image books are wishy washy. Thanks for writing it.” Sue Carter
I was looking for an image consultant to help me sort out my look. I searched the web and found your site. I liked the fact that you were honest in what you wrote. You told it the way it is. You also walked your talk as was obvious from the photos on the site. I liked that you had years of experience and a fashion background. It was also important for me that you had lived in Europe and understood how we differ from Americans. I looked at the before and after photos on the site and knew that I could trust someone who got these results with women like me. I only went for colour at first and I was so impressed how quickly you answered, how you asked for more photos and told me straight that I had been dressing in the wrong colours for years. You also explained how you had arrived at this conclusion, this was important too. The results speak for themselves, even though I am a plus size I look slimmer, younger and well put together. I have returned to my natural hair colour and it suits me far more than any of the other colours ever did. I know that I look stylish and stand out in a crowd. I would recommend Sandy without hesitation. The first e-mail I sent to her was one of the best I have ever sent. Be warned; this woman will change your wardrobe for ever - are you really ready for that? Sue Carter
I also have a brand-new e-book for men about “ business casual” that is entitled “Business Casual is Dead. Long Live Classy Casual!” Click here if you want to outclass the competition in dress-down situations. You’ll get noticed, be remembered and leave the competition in the dust!
(Watch a short clip of dress to impress)
To view this video, download flash player
. . Change your image, change your life Click here to start on the path to transform your image and your attitude. You will find the colors, styles and accessories that make you look more powerful and dynamic. Doors will open magically, and you will be accorded immediate credibility and respect. Stop playing Russian roulette with your image. Don’t wait another minute to take control of your image and your life. Contact me today.
. . . What about the image of my employees? With the advent of “business casualty” I am constantly being asked to come in and straighten out things! My specialty is workshops to help employees look more polished and professional. A dress code won’t work. It only creates resentment. Furthermore, you must get employees to buy into the program, and with my background in psychology and assertiveness training, I know how to get employees to love the changes I suggest. Furthermore, the whole attitude of the office changes after my workshops. Here’s why:
Get the Expert’s Advice CEOs and other corporate executives seek my advice, as do politicians and celebrities. I have trained the trainers with international cosmetic companies; and I’ve trained people from around the world, including other image consultants, to become master image consultants.
Here is What People Say “There are a lot of people claiming to be ‘experts’ in this field – Sandy Dumont truly is. I’ve worked many years in the world of fashion and glamour. In spite of all I thought I knew, Sandy Dumont had exciting and unique things to show me. You watch the transformation in the mirror and you can’t believe what your eyes are telling you.” Julie Jenney
“I just wanted to say thanks for your assistance. I have implemented many of the things you suggested for our managers, and I am seeing a difference. Customers can quickly pick out the managers. On the personal side, I have much more confidence in the things I wear.” Jamie Dodd, President
“Sandy, your workshop really changed my life! I’ve noticed such a difference in how other people respond to me. Last weekend, THREE saleswomen were fighting over dibs on me in Talbots! In the past, I was never even noticed. Best of all, my attitude has changed. I look forward to meeting new people because I can expect good things to happen when I do.”
Carin Bosco, M.D.
“I used the principles you talked about in your seminar to help me secure my present position. Your seminar was a "complete" success and confidence builder. Thank you!” Jeffrey Kissell
“I am a Theology Professor in Chicago..and while I was doing some research on another topic , I was intrigued by your website...and read your articles.. Thank you for your generous gift of insight about the choice and use of colour! I want you to know that I had been "Colour me Beautiful” another season, but you showed me why I am a cool bright Summer! Dr. Wendy Cotter c.s.j. “I enjoyed your talk at the Association and am glad you came. You probably didn’t notice me because my tie blended with my shirt and suit!... and I thought I looked sharp! Everything you said made perfect sense. Thank you. “ Richard Braun
"Sandy, I read your e-book POWER DRESSING SYSTEM FOR MEN and immediately experienced people reacting differently to me, with more respect, openness, and trust. Now I understand why some people had accused me of looking "slick" or "untrustworthy." I feel more confident knowing that people will now be focusing on what I have to say instead of what I am wearing. Mark Michael Lewis, CEO
“My session with Sandy was even better than I had expected! She is so knowledgeable and her advice about color, clothes, makeup, accessories and the total package one presents was extremely valuable. Thanks again for giving me the tools to look and feel my best at work and in my personal life.”. Mary Lou Nexen, Attorney
. . . The way you look and dress The way you look and dress announces the outcome other people can expect from you. It also announces how you feel about yourself, and you will be treated accordingly. Image often spells the difference between success and failure. Barbara Walters was right when she said, “It is not too melodramatic to say that there are times when your destiny hangs on the impression you make.” In today’s uncertain economy, leaving your image to chance doesn’t make much sense. Contact me today and make an investment in your future. I will help you become the person you were meant to be. Click here to change your image and change your life. |
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