How You Can Become an Image Consultant in 5 Easy Steps
Before we launch into the most practical road to becoming a consultant, first you should appreciate the reasons why you should strongly consider it – especially if your personality, aptitudes, background, experience and general career goals are a fit.
In fact, there are several other benefits that will come with building a career as a consultant, many of which will coincide with other career choices.
Training to become a consultant has a huge advantage over other fields, in that you can start it irrespective of your previous or current education. There’s a high demand for consultants in the business sphere and since the business sector is always growing, corporate trainers and consultants benefit by expanding their work experience.
Step 1: Coursework for Image Consulting
Although Image consulting doesn’t have a degree program in the US, there are other academic institutions in Spain, UK, Mexico and France which offer degree level Image, Styling and Public Relations programs. In the US you can take courses in many Fashion Colleges such as the Fashion Institute of Technology which offers both a four-quarter Image Consulting course and online sessions. In addition, think of other helpful skills and knowledge you will need. College courses in PR, Communications, Finance, Entrepreneurship and Marketing can be very useful skills to start a consulting business.
If you can get some coaching, psychology and fashion courses under your belt, you’ll be well-positioned to enter a consulting institute. Art and painting courses can also be a benefit, since color theory and personal color analysis are major components of the consultant’s curriculum. You may also be asked to suggest and oversee dress codes for some of your corporate clients at some point in your career.
Step 2: Image Consultant Business Workshops
AICI, The Association of Image Consultants International occasionally provides webinars to its members on Business Development and Marketing among other useful topics. Their bi-annual conference sessions always include beginners to advanced level business workshops. Business short courses and workshops are often available at your local Chamber of Commerce; colleges or universities offer six-12 week courses and are relevant for consultants. The curriculum can include business practices, sales, traditional and social media marketing. If you cannot locate a brick-and-mortar workshop, then the online space is certain to have something that suits your needs.
Step 3: Pro Bono Activities
If you’ve gone through some courses and participated in workshops, then you are ready to practice your skills. One of the best ways is to offer your services pro-bono. The appearance side of consulting is much more technical than anyone realizes because unlike stylists, certified consultants base their knowledge on known color and design principles which take practice to master. Their clothing choices are matched to the personality, color harmonies, body assessments and facial cues of the client.
These practice sessions will significantly bolster your portfolio, as well as create business contacts for future benefit. Just imagine if you do a stellar job – you can gather some valuable testimonials and evaluations, not to mention referrals to these clients’ friends and associates.
Alternatively, you can perform image makeovers for local organizations such as nonprofit charities, Dress for Success and even shelters. This experience will hone your skills and give you references when you start marketing your services professionally.
Step 4: Promote Your Services
Obviously, to do this effectively, you will need to have a few accomplishments under your belt. Your biography on social media should include level of education, areas of expertise relevant to consulting, your background and professional experience. Even if you come from a marketing or finance background it’s wise to show your credentials to attract clients who could identify with your background. Limit your online promotions to Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram at first; Twitter could be added later. Social media gives your profile a chance to really be known, since your clients want to see what you look like and view your social media presence to assess if you are a fit for their needs.
Don’t be shy about showing that you understand the interplay of colors and style for all occasions. Ask your clients if you may use their photos and by IT law you must request an emailed reply. Displaying some of your makeovers on your website is one of the best ways to showcase your talents.
Step 5: Image Consultant Certification Makes You More Credible
Just think about how it bolsters your appearance when you can display certification next to your social media profile, advertising your services. Completing the courses at London Image Institute, for example, will give you the competitive clout you need to stand above. Consider joining the Association of Image Consultants to further increase your credibility and gain Industry Certification. However – know that you need to satisfy a long list of requirements in order to apply successfully for the Certified Image Consultant portfolio and exam. These include a minimum of 30 hours of professional consulting training and proof of client evaluations from your consultations or presentations.
If all this sounds new and exciting to you, and you’re ready for a career change – then consider the top image consulting institute, London Image Institute. The Institute offers robust course programs in the UK, Atlanta, India and Singapore. Contact London Image Institute at your earliest convenience, and embark on the chance of a lifetime.
