Image consulting is a well-known and desirable profession with a wide range of job possibilities. It is a sure ticket to a glamorous and balanced life that no one wants to miss out on. While your appearance is foundational, image consultants also improve and fine-tune your non-verbal behavior and interpersonal communication skills.
Image consultants are not just stylists considering the level of professionalism they command and their areas of focus. Although there are many myths associated with image consultancy, there is no doubt that these professionals are revolutionizing various industries that depend on image to prosper. Image consultancy focuses on the impact a person makes both personally and professionally. It combines marketing, psychology, and fashion to improve and manage an individual’s behavior, physical appearance, communication skills, and digital footprint.
Image Consultant vs. Personal Stylist
A personal stylist surveys your lifestyle and body type to make the best selections for those who do not like to shop or are unsure what brands and styles to buy. If you consider working with a stylist, you should ask them a series of questions to gauge their process, philosophy, process, and style. Stylists can make you look amazing, but most clients have no clue how they achieved it or how to replicate the look at home. Working with an image consultant means you’ll acquire the knowledge, skills, and methods you need to keep making excellent decisions in the future.
There is nothing wrong with settling for a stylist, but consider hiring an Image Consultant if you want a more comprehensive approach to your style and image, as well as a lot of exposure among your peers in your working life. An image consultant focuses on your lifestyle, goals, and preferences. The result is a wardrobe that fits the client in every way. Working with an image consultant means you will gain the education, tools, and techniques to continue making the best personal style choices.
Are Consultants Expensive Compared to Stylists?
Image consultants are likely to be more costly than stylists. The reason for this is that an Image Consultant’s skill set extends beyond style to include psychological knowledge. Before entering the profession, most reputable image consultants go through extensive training. With the increase in demand for image consultants, training schools are also doing. An experienced image consultant will analyze an outfit to reflect your inner needs and then suggest the right outfit you deserve.
Every image Consultant understands the needs and budget of their clients is different and can customize a package to suit their client’s needs. It will help to have an honest conversation with your Image Consultant. a client can always negotiate numbers, especially if they need a long-term partnership.
Why Should You Hire an Image Consultant?
Your look accounts for ninety-three percent (93%) of your communication. It’s what people notice aesthetically. If you make a mistake, things can go very awkwardly wrong with your target audience. Everything you say or do is judged through the lens of your looks, and it may have a major effect on your earnings too.
According to studies, individuals with a better image may earn up to 30% more money and gain much preference at work. So, what would a 30% boost in earnings mean to you? Well, this is a solid reason why one should hire an image consultant.
- An Image Consultant not only focuses on clothing but accessories, hairstyles, photoshoots, makeup- these more minor but essential details are a significant factor when it comes to taking your image to the next level
- An Image consultant focuses on tactics and creating a big vision for your style and appearance. They advise you on how to boost your self-confidence, improve social standing, and increase your job opportunities.
- An Image Consultant will do a 360 degrees analysis of your online portfolio to create an image strategy that will suit your personality, preferences, and professional goals.
- An image consultant can work in any industry where professionals require image management.
An image consultant works on helping you build an image that you want others to have of you. In a world where perception is vital, it is essential to set the first impression right. An image consultant works based on the following pillars to enhance your image.
- Appearance: An image consultant works on your style, accessories, wardrobe, body type.
- Communication: An image consultant will help you professionally convey your thoughts.
- Behavior: Mannerisms are observed through our body language, posture, actions, and words.
Essential Image Consulting Skills
- Networking Skills
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Great fashion sense
- Knowledge of the latest fashion trends and brands.
- Pleasant relatable personality- Nobody wants to work with a brooder or a moody Image Consultant; you have to be courteous and friendly at all times, especially with clients.
When to Hire an Image Consultant
Everyone requires image counseling, from high-net-worth individuals to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, from the CEO of a multinational corporation to a working-class individual. And it’s for this reason that the image consultancy business is growing. Furthermore, with increasing competition worldwide, image counseling is no longer a privilege reserved for the wealthy. People employ image consultants for a variety of reasons, including to project a good image and create a strong impression during:
- Job Interviews
- Award shows
- Client meetings
- High-end anniversaries, high-end birthdays, and other celebrations
- Marriage Events
How Do I Get a Genuine Image Consultant?
Many people do not know how accountants and doctors have an international board, and image consultants also have an international board. The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) is the name of this board. Members are trained and must continue to learn in order to retain their membership. This is an indication that they have received enough training for their position. Within AICI, there are three levels of image consultants: beginner CIC, intermediate CIP, and master CIM. Exams are required for members to achieve these levels.
This is where a reputable Image Consulting training institute comes in. Finding schools authorized by The Association of Image Consultants international is not much of a challenge.
