An individual’s image matters a great deal in the workplace and the community. How people see and react to someone makes a big difference in how their opinions are considered, how well they are received and included, and how successful they become. As Joyce Brothers put it, “A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success.”
Improving one’s appearance, both the self-view and the other view, is the objective of personal consulting. People who assist others with their appearance are called “image consultants.” They help their clients become their best selves by guiding, educating, and training them about their physical appearance and style, their behavior, body language, social etiquette, and communication skills. A consultant addresses an individual’s total brand and the person he/she wants to become.
What is the Role of a Consultant?
Personal consultants help their clients improve their total appearance for personal or professional purposes. The consultant’s role is to evaluate and then update or enhance a client’s appearance consistent with their values to meet their personal or professional goals. The consulting process involves active learning about the individual and providing direction and assistance to the client to achieve visible and meaningful appearance, behavioral, and skills changes. Successful clients who use consulting can achieve more confidence and competence, get out of a rut, achieve more respect, get a better job, and in many ways improve their relationships and social life.
Personal consultants can address and help correct these concerns and many others:
- Lack of style; don’t know their colors.
- Poor grooming practices.
- Body image issues.
- Poor social skills.
- Networking challenges.
- Lack of etiquette understanding and skills.
- Lack of self-confidence.
- Minimal social media skills.
- Verbal communication skills.
- Body language and personal presentation skills.
Those who can benefit from the services of a personal consultant include:
- People who are seeking lifestyle changes or improvements.
- Individuals who want to search for a new job and need help with interviewing presentation and performance or need more skills to advance in their profession.
- Public figures including politicians, celebrities, and media professionals who want to show their best self to improve their role success or improve their following.
- Business executives, education leaders, and others in the public square who want to improve their appearance and public performance to enhance their leadership abilities.
- Individuals who simply want to feel more confident, gain greater respect and feel more at peace with their appearance.
How Do I Become a Consultant?
Becoming a consultant can be very fulfilling and gratifying as you see people change, grow, and feel full of self-confidence and begin to realize a brighter future. Steps to become a consultant include:
- Research the industry and identify active consultants in your region that you can speak with for information and possibly job shadow with them.
- Take related college classes including art, psychology, fashion merchandising, and communications.
- Acquire the necessary training and credentials. There are excellent training and certification providers who can provide the range of skills that you will need. That will include an AICI Certificate in Image Consultancy.
- Gain experience in related jobs such as working as a personal shopper, stylist, beauty consultant at a make-up counter, or sales associate at a clothing store.
How to Hire a Personal Image Consultant
To select a personal consultant that will really help you, use these tips:
- First, know why you want to hire someone.
- Look for potential consultants from reliable sources.
- Interview at least three candidates.
- Determine if you feel that they understand your needs and will work well with you. Is there synergy between you and them?
- Do they have the full range of skills to accomplish the scope of work that you and they feel that is desired? Will they meet your expectations?
- Can they work within your time frame?
- Can they work within your budget?
Start Your Career as an Image Consultant Today
Think about how gratifying it will be to help people improve their appearance and see greater success and happiness in their lives. As Maxwell Maltz said, “The ‘self-image’ is the key to human personality and human behavior. Change the self-image and you change the personality and the behavior.”
For professional training to achieve the success you desire, contact the London Image Institute. Founded in 1989, the institute has been committed to training professional consultants for over 30 years. Our objective is to contribute to a world in which all people have the courage and freedom to flourish. We train and develop bold, charismatic leaders who dare to make a difference.
