Personal Rebranding for Professional Females - The Finishing Touches by Sue Courtney

You want to be taken seriously as a contender for promotion or a new job - but do you take yourself seriously and treat yourself well?

Do you drink at least eight glases of water a day, ensure you have sifficient good quality sleep each night and eat high quality, nutritious food with plenty of whole grains, fruit and vegetables?

If so - great. If not - now is the time to start. Think 'extreme self care'.

You need to become your own best friend and indulge yourself with beauty treatments - either from a professional or at home. Not only will you present a more polished image, but you will also feel more confident. Some ideas to try are:

• manicure
• pedicure
• facial
• massage
• spa day

Set aside some time every week for a few of these. Make it an event, whether you do it yourself at home or have a professional treatment. Think of it as essential pamper time.

Hair
Top stylist Helen Kewell advises that you should have your hair cut regularly to maintain its style and that you always use a conditioner. She says a sleek bob always looks well-groomed and flatters most face shapes.

Use subtle colour to highlight and make the most of your natural hair colour with the addition of highlights and lowlights to add depth and interest and give your hair a healthy shine. If your style needs regular straightening then be sure to factor in the time to do this so you always look your best.

Preparing for an interview
Hair
Helen Kewell suggests having a professional blow-dry session a few hours before a job interview.

Nails
Top manicurist, Chloe Hitchman, advises keeping nails quite short and having a weekly manicure. Always use a base coat to protect your nails from the colour and smooth any ridges, and a top coat to protect the colour from chips. A neutral shade works best as it won't clash with anything you are wearing or take attention from your work, your words or your well chosen outfit and accessories. You can always up the 'glam-factor' with colour for evenings and weekends.

Make-up
Rosalyn Bristow, Senior Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics, gives this advice...
"I bet you have taken loads of time to present yourself and your skills well in your CV, and I am pretty sure you have every intention of preparing thoroughly for those all important interview questions.

"So you will want to take the same amount of care and attention with your appearance in order to give the best impression possible and convince them what a great asset you would be in the job.

"Just as you would adapt your style of dress for the occasion, your make-up and personal grooming needs to be subtle, conservative and not distracting. The interview is about letting your abilities and capabilities shine through - not about how glamorous you can look.

"Start caring for your skin and practice a natural, every day make-up well before the interview arrives. You don't need the pressure of feeling uncomfortable and unsure about your make-up on the interview day, you just want the make-up to enhance your features and your confidence.

"If you are already used to feeling and looking successful, your interview day will be a cinch!"

*Start usine a skincare regime and make sure your skin looks and feels great and provides a god canvas for your foundation.

The five basic steps of skincare are:

1. Cleanse
2. Exfoliate
3. Tone
4. Moisturise
5. Protect

Follow these steps to keep your skin in great shape. A good skincare programme will allow your skin to look healthy and will enable the foundation you choose to sit on your skin without any flakiness caused by dryness.

* Have your foundation shade matched professionally and get used to wearing and feeling good in it. Therre are many different types of foundation but for an interview, chose something natural and fresh.

*Make sure your eyebrows are trimmed and defined with an eyebrow pencil that matches your hair colour.

*Use muted browns, taupes and greys on the eyes to create a natural, understated look. Get tuition on how to apply natural looking eye make-up. use a subtle eyeliner such as taupe and lash-defining mascara. Avoid mascara that leaves clumps or looks heavy.

*Use a soft, natural-looking blusher from the apple of the cheek to the top of the ear, just to give a healthy appearance (avoid bronzers or heavy, dramatic shades.)

*Keep lips in good order by using lip treatments regularly and use matte, mid-tone dusty pink or soft peachy lip colour. Avoid lip glosses and frosted or dramatic shades.

*Avoid fragrances as these are distracting - you are not on a date!

*Keep hands looking nice by regularly using a good hand treatment.

*Have your nails well trimmed and shaped and use a subtle colour or French Manicure Treatment.
Ros can be contacted at rosbristow@gmail.com


Top Tip
Keep the finishing touches subtle and neutral.

Copyright - 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney

To receive your FREE copy of the booklet please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/

Care For Your Clothes - Professional Females Dress For Corporate Career Success by Sue Courtney

As part of my programme I offer clients a complete Wardrobe Re-vamp. In the comfort of their home, over five or six hours, my clients try on every item in their wardrobe and I assess eash piece to see what works - both in terms of flattering their shape and also suitability for their lifestyle and career. I am ruthless - but for a purpose. Actually it is great fun and perfect for those of you who open the door to their 'full-to-bursting' wardrobe and sigh "I have nothing to wear!" - because, after I have worked my magic, you will be absolutely right!

Of course you can do your own wardrobe re-vamp if you choose - but I bet you'll hang onto stuff that you should throw away, and throw away some items that could be kept if worn in a different way! Such are the benefits of having an expert do it for you.

Once you have weeded out all the unflattering items in your wardrobe and removed them from the house, take a close look at what remains. How well do you care for your clothes? Can you go to your wardrobe every morning, pick out anything and guarantee that it is clean, ironed, in good repair and ready to wear? Since you are now adopting the 'cost-per-wear' principle and buying the best you can afford it would be silly not to take the best care of your 'investment' pieces.

If the label calls for dry cleaning, then ave them dry cleaned. If you don't want to go to this expense then check labels before buying.

Keep shoe polish in your wardrobe and ensure shoes are cleaned and polished, brushed and clean before replacing them in their boxes.

How do you arrange your clothes n your wardrobe?

"Arrange?" I hear you cry. "I just shove everything in wherever it will fit!"

it is vital that when you open your wardrobe you are inspired - it makes it so much easier to select an outfit - so arrange clothes by colour, group into skirts, trousers, tops etc., or any way that works for you. Make it look inviting and inspiring.

Oh yes - I do hope that you don't have any wire coathangers in your wardrobe - get them out NOW! I hang most of my dresses and tops on padded coathangers. It looks wonderfully opulent, gives a softer surface and ensures clothes aren't crammed in. Invest in some.

If you are dressed in a well-kept, stylish, quality suit then people will assume that they are dealing with a successful, quality person with integrity. If you are dressed in a cheap, badly cut, ill-fitting, high fashion outfit that doesn't suit you then people will draw the conclusion that you are not successful or professional and you cannot be relied upon. Harsh but true.

Top Tip
Maximise your investment by taking the best possible care of your clothes.

Copyright - 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney

To receive your FREE copy of the booklet please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/

Dress For Career Success - Know Your Body Shape by Sue Courtney

Dress for your body shape

Women's body shapes fall into five categories and it is essential to know which shape you are to ensure you wear clothes that are flattering.

The five body shape categories are:

1. Apple
2. Pear
3. Rhubarb
4. Strawberry
5. Hourglass

• If you are an apple shape you have a voluptuous chest, round tummy, little or no clearly defined waist, quite a flat bottom, chunky arms and wonderfully slim legs.
• If you are a pear shape you hacve a small bust, slim arms, slim waist, flat tummy, curvaceous hips and thick legs.
• If you are a rhubarb shape you have a boyish figure with small bust, no clearly defined waist, slim hips, wonderfully long, slim legs and a long body.
• If you are a strawberry shape you have a wide back and broad shoulders, a large bust, flat bottom, slim legs and you carry weight around your tummy.
• If you are an hourglass shape then you are curvaceous, with a full bust, small waist, rounded hips and generous thighs. You may also have heavy legs.

As you can see, there is no perfect shape. If you are like me, you would probably like to hacve aspects of each, but acceptance of what you are is essential. Once you are clear about what body shape you have, you can dress to flatter your shape, highlighting your assets and drawing attention away from aspects that you are less keen on.

So what are the styles that flatter each shape?

Apple

• V-necks or wrap dresses visually break up the torso.
• Tailored jackets that nip in at the waist.
• Fitted tops falling just below the beltline.
• Pencil skirts showcase good legs.
• Drop-waist skirts with wide waistband to crearte an hourglass shape.
• Wide leg trousers balance frame.
• Wear long coats open to visually slim.
• A scarf can cover tummy and draw eye down.
• A jacket in a smaller size, worn open gives impression of a slim, defined waist.
• Bracelets draw attention to wrists - if slim.
• Tops with wide, open necklines draws attention away from waist.

Pear

• Keep attention focused on upper body.
• Choose jackets and coats with wide lapels.
• Wear jackets with epaulettes and frogging detail.
• Tailored skirts and jackets.
• Restrict patterns and bright colours to tops, jackets and coats.
• Court shoes with heels make legs appear longer.
• Chunky shoes will flatter a full calf.
• Tops with detail at neckline draw eye up from hips.
• Tops with flared sleeves balance proportions of bottom heavy figure.

Rhubarb

• Fitted jackets and coats that flare over hips to give illusion of waist.
• Jackets and dresses with light shoulder padding will give more defined shape.
• Structured clothes create curves.
• A properly fitted, push-up bra will improve proportions and shape.
• High neck, frills and detail will all visually add shape.
• A pencil skirt and fitted jacket will create curves and showcase slim figure.
• avoid plunging necklines for evening wear - go backless instead!
• Well-fitting, slimline trousers emphasise height and slim frame.
• Wear belt on hips to create illusion of waist.

Strawberry

• Deep v-necks or wide scoop necklines soften shoulders and draw eye down body.
• wide slash necks also flatter.
• Wrap tops flatter and enable good fit.
• Draping cowl necklines also draw eye down.
• Tailored shirts - but ensure buttons don't bulge over cleavage.
• Tailored jackets or coats without belts balance shape.
• When buying dresses - buy to fit larger top half and have the lower, skirt section professionally altered to fit.
• A professionally fitted bra is essential to accentuate waist and separate bust. Clothes will hang better.
• Bootcut or wide, straight jeans and trousers will balance proportions.
• Elegant high heels make the most of shapely ankles.

"With one styling session my wardrobe was completely transformed into styles, cololurs and fabrics that complemented and enhanced my strawberry shape. Sue's practical advice and tips enabled me to utilise what clothing I had in my wardrobe to look more stunning." Marian Wilson

Hourglass

• Wear v-neck tops.
• Sweetheart necklines flatter bust and draw attention away from heavy arms.
• Emphasise waist.
• Fitted, tailored jackets which nip in at the waist will streamline curves.
• Wide lapels balance bust.
• No more than 2 buttons on a fitted jacket.
• Capitalise on your curves - you have the ideal body shape so don't hide it under your clothes.
• Tailored trousers.
• Heels elongate legs and lift bottom.
• Pencil skirts and fishtail skirts are flattering.
• wera waist belt or jacket that is fitted at waist.
• Skirts are often more flatteing than trousers.
• Low front court shoes will make legs look longer.

Once you know your body shape it is absolutely vital to get rid of all the clothes that don't enhance or flatter your particular shape. Don't be tempted to put them at the back of the wardrobe - get rid of them. Don't throw them n the bin, donate to a charity shop, so someone else can have the opportunity to enjoy them. In this way you clear space for flattering clothes that you know look good and that you feel wonderful wearing.

Top Tip
Dress to flatter your body shape at all times.

Copyright 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved,

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney

To receive your FREE copy of the booklet please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/
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Travel to work with style - (you never know who is watching) by Sue Courtney

If you aren't able to wear heels on your journey to work then please, I beseech you, wear flat boots or ballet pumps to travel - not trainers! I know that comfort is vital, but there is no rule that says you can't be comfortable and stylish. When I travel by train I always wear flat shoes and carry my heels in my bag to change nto as soon as I reach my destination. Wherever possible, buy flat pumps in the same colour as heels so you always look coordinated and smart. In winter, flat boots are comfortable, warm and stylish - and if you buy well and look after them they will see you through many seasons.

Wearing the wrong coat is just as bad as wearing trainers with a suit. I have seen so many professional women ruin their look when travelling o work because they have shosen to wear a fashion coat over their suits. They are usually too short, often of poor quality as a fashion item is bought to last only one or two seasons. Again, since you will be wearing it on an almost daily basis, choosing the best quality, most expensive coat you can afford is a priority. A classic won't date too quickly and will repay the initial outlay over many years of wear. For spring and summer, choose a classic trench mac in beige or navy.

Dres to mpress at all times - you never know who is watching. Your next boss may travel on the same train as you every day. Save the high fashion look for evenings and weekends.

Remember to tip about carrying all your 'stuff' in a smart tote? I have seen so many otherwise smart looks ruined because the person is carrying their 'stuff' in a carrier bag, beach bag or rucksack. Now all these bags have a place - but it isn't with you en-route to work if you have any notion of promotion and scaling the heights of corporate success. There are some lovely designer totes available at quite reasonable prices - so there's no reason to travel like a bag lady!

Top  Tip
Ensure you travel to work in style - you never know who is watching!

Copyright - 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney

To receive your FREE copy please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/

Getting the accessories right is essential for career success by Sue Courtney

Shoes
Shoes should be plain, clean, well maintained and comfortable yet stylish. The office is really not the place for wild colours, killer heels or utlandish styles. Cloesd-toe shoes with a modest heel are best. A plain court shoe is the most flattering style and always looks professional.

Buy the best you can possibly afford as the cost-per-wear will make them an investment. Ensure that they are comfortable - your agony as you limp into an important meeting will be noticed! It will mar your professional image and prevent you delivering your best presentation.

Bags
For work, a small to medium bag looks most efficient. For a sharp boardroom look, avoid very unstructured styles.

If you find you have too much 'stuff', ditch the carrier bags and invest in a smart tote bag to carry extras. Leather is a good choice for a professional look but do consider how heavy it will feel when full, on public transport on a rainy day. make sure it has plenty of room and enough pockets to carry everything you need. Think about the colour - it should be neutral enough to go with all your work clothes and it should not clash with your handbag. You also need to check how good it looks when full as you don't want your sharp image ruined by ugly bulges!

Don't skimp on the cost of your bag - it is a vital component of your professional image. An inappropriate bag can ruin an otherwise positive impression. Take your time to choose the right style.

Choose a classic style but inject a bit of 'you' with the colour - get the size right - nothing smaller than a kelly or Bitkin bag. team it with a charcoal or navy suit to make it office friendly.

Blouses
A blouse is not strictly an accessory but can be treated as such as it is a great way to add personality and give a nod to passing trends. A bright blouse teamed with a sharply tailored suit gives the look a lift and can brighten the whole office. Don't stick to shirt-style blouses, consider a few riffles or a gentle bow to soften the look.

White shirts look gorgeous and everyone should have at least one. Look for detail that setts it apart from the rest succh as covered buttons, pintucks or extra styling. Just don't let it be too fussy. The fit is vital - why not have so.me tailor made for you then you will know they will be original. Please note that teaming a white blouse with a black suit gives it a very 'waitressy' look. Nothing wrong with that if it is your job, but if it isn't then avoid it. The white shirt is great with charcoal, camel/tan and navy. Wash your white blouse carefully and be prepared to throw it out as soon as it becomes a little dingy.

Jewellery
it is okay to mix gold, silver and stainless steel these days. Matching jewellery has a high 'frump-factor' which rates along matching bag and shoes as a look to avoid. If you wear earrings then don't wear a necklace. Similarly, if you wear a necklace leave your ears unadorned.

Show your personality in your jewellery. You might choose chunky, textured, statement pieces or fine, delicate items. The choice is yours, but don't overdo it - one key piece is really all you need. Too much looks fussy and unprofessional.

Watches
A watch is on show every day and yet it is often an afterthought - a functional or fashion accessory that has no place in the office. Avoid the fashion styles, bright colours, large faces (unless it's a classic men's watch), excessive bling and plastic. Consider the fact that a watch is something that you will probably wear every day over several years and invest in a classic - the most expensive you can afford. A basic style with a silver or gold bracelet is appropriate or a classic gold with brown leather strap.

Top Tip
Accessories are the best way to show your personality - but always remember - "less is more".

Copyright - 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney

To receive your FREE copy please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/

Essential Basics for Career Success by Sue Courtney

Get the basics right

Underwear
 The very first basic to get right is underwear. It is essential to be professionally fitted for a bra at least once every 12 to 18 months. The difference this one item can make to your look cannot be overstated. The majority of women in this country are wearing the wrong size bra - wearing the right size can alter your shape instantly!

Work Suits
If you wear a suit to work,do you buy two skirts for each jacket? or trousers and a skirt for each jacket? or at least two dresses for each jacket?

Do you have at least two suits? This is the minimum to ensure they are properly cared for.

Are they of suitable quality? I know suits can be expensive, but if yo consider the 'cost-per-wear' then paying a little more makes economic sense, so always buy the best suits you can possibly afford. It is a fact of life that if you are seen to be dressing 'successfully' then you will be perceived as successful.

Avoid the standard, default balck and instead choose charcoal or navy - two colours that are more flattering, stylish and versatile. Avoid fashion colours and pastel shades for work suits as they don't demonstrate a professional attitude.

Personality and a nod to trends can be achieved in shirts, blouses, belts, jewellery, bags and other accessories.

Selecting the style to suit your body shape is of paramount importance,as is ensuring the trousers and skirt are the correct length. Trousers should come at least half way down the heel of the shoe worn with them, but never trailing on the ground. When buying trousers always try them on with the shoes they will be worn with. The most flattering skirt length is just below the knee. Much shorter risks looking unprofessional and longer looks dowdy. Skirts should fit well but not so tight that they ride up when you sit down.

Tights
Sheer tights work best with delicate shoes. Wear tights that match your shoes not your skirt - it usually looks better and it visually lengthens the legs, Never, never, never bare legs.

Blouses
Contrasting coloured blouses can be worn under suits to add impact and style. You don't have to stick to the traditional shirt-style blouses. Silky blouses with tie necks, riffles and bows add a feminine touch whilst retaining a professional image.

Top Tip
Invest in the best you can afford and get the detail right.

Copyright 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image. All rights reserved.

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney
To receive your FREE copy of the book please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/

Personal Rebranding and Beliefs by Sue Courtney

"Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you are right." Henry Ford.

Your beliefs impace every area of your life. It is vital to know what yo truly believe, especially in relation to your career and success. What we believe about ourselves ans what we can achieve becomes our 'self-talk' which seriously affects how we live our lives. Limiting beliefs can stop success in its tracks and cause you to unconsciously sabotage all you seek to achieve.

Your beliefs creae your life so you need o be aware of your beliefs around areas of your life that you find challenging.

If you are finding it difficult to get the promotion you want or find a new, exciting and financially rewarding job ask yourself what you believe is possible for you to achieve in this area. If yo harbour the belief, somewhere deep inside, that 'other people earn six-figure incomes - it's not for the likes of me', or 'I always struggle with money - I can never earn enough', or 'I'm just not good enough/smart enough/stylish enough....' or something similarly self-defeating then there is work to be done - and quickly.

Where and when did your negative beliefs originate? You weren't born with them. Often these less than helpful beliefs came from a parent, teacher or other well-meaning adult and were told to us at a very early age, thus strongly imprinting on our minds because they came from an adult that we looked up to and believed to be right about everything.

They didn't set out to give you bad beliefs and misleading information, they truly belived they were doing the right thing. But now you can decide for yourself what you want to believe.

So now you know that your beliefs aren't necessarily true and probably came from someone else's reality and not your own, you can begin to deconstruct the negatives and build your own, positive and constructive beliefs.

Decide how you want each area of your life to be and declare that is how it is - then find evidence to support each new belief. Anthony Robbins likens beliefs to a table top with legs of evidence supporting it. Your job is to find evidence to support your new, positive, life-affirming beliefs and evidence to destroy the old, negative beliefs.

So you might begin with compiling a list of all your achievements over the course of your life - include every single award, qualification, success, achievement, strength and complement you have received over your life to date. If you do this properly it should take a long time as you will hav ehundreds of entries and be adding to them each day. Read your list daily for at least 30 days to firmly imprint on your mind the fact that you are are a huge success with many achievements.

Then, at the end of the day write down at least 5 positives from the day in your Victory Log. Include what was good about the day and why, how it made you feel and how you can build on it for the future. You might include resisting that cream cake, taking the stairs instead of the life or landing the sale you wanted. it doesn't matter what it is - if it is positive and made you feel grreat, then it gets included. Read your entries on days when you aren't feeling so good about life to remind you of how great you and your life really are.

Top Tip
Build a new table of positive beliefs with strong legs of evidence to support them.

Copyright 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.

To receive your FREE copy of my book "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney, please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/

What do Values have to do with Personal Rebranding? by Sue Courtney

The first step in the process of personal rebranding has absolutely nothing to do with outer style - but everything to do with nner style. Do you know what your values are and how well they are supported in your current life? To be authentically successful you need to ensure that there is alignment between your core values and your life.

So what are values?

They are the essence of all that is impotant to you - the things you need to be present in your life for it to be worthwhile, meaningful and happy. Everyone will have their own set of values. Mostly, vlaues don't change - they are part of 'you'. However, they may change their priority over the course of your life.

So what are your values?

List them all n a piece of paper and try to prioritise them into your current top ten. (There is a grid to make this process easier in my booklet "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" - see below for details of how to claim your Free copy). I get my clients to spend time carefully working out which values are important to them. Once you know what is most important to you at this moment in time, you need to take a look at how well they will be served by the promotion. Ask yourself whether the promotion or new job will support your most important values or will it present some challenges? For example, if being with your family is a high value for you and the new job will mean you have less time to spend with them you will feel torn and may sabotage your success.

It is important to know at the outset so that you can develop strategies to bring your work and values into better alignment in order for you to maximise the potential for success in your life.

Many people say that money is an important value - but actually it isn't a value. Ask yourself what money can do for your life - what do you want it for? It may be that you want it so you can beter provide for your famly, save for retirement or provide a passive income so you can devote time to a passion or hobby. Be absolutely clear about what it is you want ans why. A big enough 'why' can move mountains.

When you know what your most important values are, you can use them to guide your actions and decisions.

Top Tip
Align your promotion or new job with your values to maximise your chances of success and happiness.

Copyright 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courntey
To receive your FREE copy please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/

Personal Rebranding Isn't Just About How You Look by Sue Courtney

Transforming your image isn't just about changing how you look - your hair, makeup and clothes. It also means changing how you think - letting go of negative thoughts and feelings and replacing them with positive thoughts that reflect your 'can-do' attitide and confidence.

Think about this:
If the current 'you' could achieve the success and results that you are looking for then you would already have the promotion or job that you are now seeking. To achieve your goals you are going to have to kiss goodbye to the old 'you' and welcome in the authentic, happy, successful version of 'you' that has been waiting for the opportunity to show itself.

If you are ready to let go of 'okay' and step into the wonderful life that you so richly deserve, let's get on with the process! A few words of warning: it won't always bw easy or comfortable. You will need tp step out of your comfort zone and move into your stretch zone to make the necessary changes. This can be a little uncomfortable if you aren't used to it.

I liken this to the natural process taken by a caterpillar as it becomes a butterfly. At some point it has to go through the crysalis stage where everything that it has once been breaks down. it can then reform into a totally new and beautiful butterfly that is so different from from the caterpillar it once was that it is difficult to believe they are the same creature! To achieve a totally new life you will have to endure the mushy crysalis stage where the old 'you' breaks down and nothing seems familiar. Only then can you reform or rebrand into the amazing, successful person you are meant to be. Keep the faith when the going gets a bit bumpy, there is light at the end of the tunnel if you just keep moving forward. (A coach is great for holding your hand and keeping you motivated when the going gets a bit tough!)

This process is all about investing in you - so splash out a little. Ask yourself what is going to give you the best return on your investment over the next 12 months or so - investing in clothes, coaching and styling so you present the right image to achieve the longed for and much deserved promotion, or investing in a PIP or ISA?

In her book "Rules for Renegades" Christind Comaford-Lynch suggests that
"Life is an illusion, so pick one that's empowering."
Good advice.
She also reminds us that
".... if you don't select a self-identity, someone else will select one for you."
Personally I would rather be the one who decides who I am.
What about you?

Copyright 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Coprorate Ladder" by Sue Courtney.
To receive your FREE copy please go to www.freepersonalrebrabdingbook.co.uk

Personal Rebranding for Professional Females by Sue Courtney

Hello, My name is Sue Courtney and I am an Executive Style Coach specialising in helping people secure the job or promotion they want and deserve. In this and future articles I will be sharing some of my most important tips.

Personal rebranding isn't the sole preserve of the rich and famous - every one of us can use it to decide who we are, what we represent and how we show up in the world. It is the process of developing your best, authentic self.

Your appearance sends a powerful message about who you are and what you represent.

Over 50% of first impressions are based on appearance alone. It takes only fifteen seconds for people to form impressions of those they meet based on their body language, facial expressions and the way they dress and present themselves.

What first impressions are you creating with the way you dress? What style are you projecting?

It is crucial to realise that if you are hoping to convince someone to hire you or to do business with you, your appearance and body language need to convey professionalism.

Does your appearance deliver that message?

To be as successful as possible, it is necessary to develop a powerful personal 'brand' that demonstrates to the world who you are and what you stand for. You need to make your first impression positive - professional and confident but approachable.

By developing your own unique style and brand your confidence will increase and your professional success will advance. Having your own authentic style will enable you to stand out from the competition. You can do this by developing a personal wardrobe of clothes that enhance your body shape. This way you can ensure you look your best at all times.

Your clothes should reflect your current role and also the role to which you aspire. A properly styled and managed wardrobe is efficient in terms of both time and money and enables you to present a professional business image to the world.

"In order to feel good about how we look, we must feel that we look like who we are." Carolyn Gustafson - NY  Image Consultant.

Did you know that:

• Only 10% of potential success in gaining promotion ic concerned with doing the job well? It's taken for granted that you can.
• Image accounts for 30% and networking and personal promotion accounts for 60%.
• Without the correct image it is thought unlikely that you would be able to adequately promote yourself.
• Presenting the correct image is that important.

Copyright 2011, Sue Courtney, Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.

Excerpted from "The Ultimate Guide to Personal Rebranding for Professional Females Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Sue Courtney.
To receive your FREE copy of the booklet please go to http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/

Welcome to my blog site

Hi, I'm Sue Courtney - Executive Style Coach. My business name is Success & Image - and that is exactly what I do - help people to gain success by presenting the right image.

So if you have been consistently passed overr for promotion or don't know how to get the job you want then just follow my blogs to learn what to do.