Business Basics 101: Five Ways to Enhance Your Personal and Professional Image

Black Business Woman
In order to distinguish yourself from the masses it is essential to commit to the never ending process of personal enhancement. This spans far beyond mere physical appearance, exhibiting the essence of your innermost being and every aspect of social interacting. It is imperative to be intentional in creating an impactful first and lasting impression. Let's cover five fabulous ways to shine and be seen in 2013:

1) Present a Polished Appearance:
We must consider ourselves as walking billboards constantly communicating a prolific message to onlookers. What does your personal appearance state about you as a leader, mother, father, business owner etc.? Is it a true representation of that which you desire to convey to the public? As you shift mentally it is important to redesign your wardrobe to illuminate your most prominent features in the best light. In my field of Aesthetics, I have found that one of the most neglected areas of the body are the hands and the feet. The goal is not perfection but excellence and details define the distinction. It all boils down to these three things: look good, feel good and smell good.

(Read: Felecia Hatcher Discusses the Fundamentals of Building an Unusual Business)

2) Project Self Confidence:
I remember when I was a young girl and my mother would perform regular fittings in preparation of making me new clothes. Two of her famous lines, "Stand up straight! and "Stop Slouching!" As a woman, I now understand correct posture not only makes me a couple of inches taller on the outside but on the inside as well. When you enter a room with erect posture it instantly sends a silent message of commanding presence. It is an internal position that communicates I deserve to be in this space at this divine moment in time.


3) Develop Impactful Communication Skills:
There was a time in my life where I was extremely timid and lacked the courage to express my thoughts openly especially in public settings. In order to become a bold communicator you must first believe you are a person of infinite worth. Secondly, understand as a leader you have a moral obligation to impart what you have learned. Thirdly, assertively recognize the experiences and knowledge you possess will be a catalyst of change in someone's life. You were not created to be a wallflower but a breathtaking centerpiece for all to stand in awe of your exquisite beauty.

(Read: 5 Smart Steps to Getting Your Small Business Off The Ground)

4) Establish Online Presence:
Currently, over 2 billion people are utilizing the internet for business and personal relations. If you are not marketing online as well as offline the potential for additional influence and revenue is left unrealized. The internet has countless intellectual real estate options available for the smallest budgets to the largest. Everywhere you place creative and informative content on the internet creates brand value. It is time for you to show up if you want to go up!

5) Professional Business Card:
As you develop your brand image by defining your message, identifying your target market, creating products and services, ultimately your business card will act as a key for unlocking potential business opportunities and partnerships. In many cases, your business card will be your lasting impression and you want it to be memorable.

When I first started as an entrepreneur many moons ago, I remember designing a card on my home computer. It was printed on flimsy tan colored paper. I was proud of my new company and I had no idea of industry standards as it related to what a professional business card should look like. Fast forward today, my business card is printed on high quality gloss paper ready to be disseminated in a moment's notice. One of my favorite quotes by Theodore Roosevelt, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." If you are proud of who you are and what you represent, then definitely show it!

As you commit to evolving into a better you every day, I encourage you to become a person of motion. There is no need to despise the day of small beginnings because the joy is in the journey. In the words of Les Brown, "Some people let things happen to them. You have the power to make things happen!"

I charge you to step out from behind the curtains of obscurity onto the stage of prominence to give the performance of a lifetime. Your courage will cause the universe to extend a standing ovation for daring to shine bright like a diamond in the night.

Kristie Kennedy, is a Women's Beauty, Business, Brilliance and Body Image Speaker. She is a licensed Esthetician by trade and her how to videos are showcased on Tyra Banks,www.typef.com and Ehow Style.com. For more information, visit www.kristiekennedy.com

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