Introduction
There has probably never been a time in history when help
and advice was needed more in order to successfully be promoted, get a first
job or succeed in business. Life is moving ever faster and it is more vital
than ever to have that little bit of extra information that will nudge you
ahead of the competition and improve your chances of success.
Over the last 10 years or so there has been a proliferation
of coaches, all niching in different areas and all promising they have the
answer to your problem - they can stop your pain and make life perfect.
Equally, there are a growing number of stylists on the
scene, all promising to make you look wonderful so your life will instantly be
perfect too.
Rubbish!
In your dreams.
I spent years watching programmes like “Ten Years Younger”,
“How to Look Good Naked” and the programme pioneers – Trinny & Susannah
with their offerings. Even Joan Collins had a go! True, the people featured did
look wonderful (mostly) by the end of the programme but the transformation
rarely lasted more than a few weeks – or months at most. When the programme
revisited them they had always regressed back to something of their former
‘style’.
It must have been so very frustrating for the programme
makers, the stylists and the people being styled. It happened time and again
and still the format didn’t change.
I grew increasingly frustrated and eventually stopped
watching the programmes altogether. The solution was obvious to me and I
emailed some of the shows to give them the benefit of my thoughts – which were
ignored. My approach probably wouldn’t make for such exciting viewing – and it
is viewing figures that count, after all.
People do need help to see through the hype and the trends
to what is actually going to make them look good. It all depends on your body
shape and colouring – and also on your lifestyle and job, career or business.
It is absolutely no use following trends if you want to be successful or if you
want to look your best at all times. I sometimes think (no I think this most of
the time) that designers and manufacturers are having a laugh at our expense
when I see some of the styles they ‘sell’ us as the latest ‘must-haves’ each
season. And we are stupid enough to buy them! Yes – I include myself in this. I
have bought clothes – and worn them – knowing that they didn’t suit me. Do you
know, even though I know the rules, I sometimes still buy something I know
won’t work, just because I like it – and I always regret it. I’m not immune to
mistakes.
This results in people dressing inappropriately for work and
so, very often, being less successful than their better dressed colleagues –
even if they can do the job better. In the current economic climate this is
madness –nothing short of career suicide, in my opinion.
At the other end of the scale – and no less catastrophic –
people are being hired because they look the part and talk the part but actually
have no understanding of the job and so fail. Their attitude is wrong and their
approach misguided. There has to be a better, more authentic way to approach
the topic of Personal Rebranding.
In these days of economic turmoil, when jobs are disappearing
in every sector and there is more competition than ever for every job, it makes
sense to have as many cards as possible stacked in your favour. To know that
the job or promotion that you are applying for is right for you at this moment
in time, that you believe, without any doubt, that you can do the job and that
you are right for the job and also know how to go about ensuring you stand out
from the competition for all the right reasons.
I know that most people HAVE to work to pay bills and
provide a roof over their heads. Some are fortunate enough to be able to work
to provide those lovely little extras and luxuries that make life so much more
fun. But wouldn’t it be great if you were so sought after that you could do
both in a job you love and know that you could go anywhere and be welcomed with
open arms because you are so well thought of?
It can be like that – even in a downturn. But only if you
subscribe to the belief that success can be achieved by doing what Dan Bradbury
advises (I believe it is a quote from Walt Disney)
“Observe the masses – and do the opposite.”
It is a principle adopted by all the most successful people
throughout history – imagine where Steve Jobs would have been if he had done
the same as everyone else!
So – to be the success you can undoubtedly be – do just
that. Work out what you and everyone else are doing that isn’t really working
and then change – do what successful people are doing and turn your life
around.
Copyright C - 2014, Sue Courtney - Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.
