Usefulness of an image consultant?

dimes on 14/03/2024 - 23:35

I've always been interested in body language and recently heard a talk from a body language expert where she used Obama and other famous figures in various examples.

This led me to question my own body language and querying how I can portray more of a presence in the work environment. I consider myself quite an introvert who prefers to do my work quietly rather than being the centre of attention.

However I would like to improve myself in this aspect and I was googling the topic and came across image consultants in Sydney. It sounds like they can give you tips ranging from how you dress to how you can communicate better using body language.

Has anyone ever used one before? Or does it sound like a scam and waste of money?

Education & Work

Comments

  • Benoffie on 15/03/2024 - 00:07
    +5

    Depends, whats your job and what specifically do you want to achieve?

    There are behavioural therapies available that can assist in things like communication reciprocity etc. Especially relevant for Autistic folk. But if it's just being more confident at work, a business/professional etiquette course might be better. Plenty of these around. Some combine more about dress, different cultures etc, others focus on speaking, presenting.

    • dimes on 15/03/2024 - 07:02

      I'm in a government office based job with a bit of public speaking involved from time to time. I feel like I naturally don't have much of a presence but would like to change that within reason.

      • EightImmortals on 15/03/2024 - 07:10

        Why?

      • Adredocto on 15/03/2024 - 07:32
        +2

        What's your location? Government as in APS or State?

        I do a lot of client facing work that requires me to form relationships quickly. Am a natural anxious introvert but would essentially put on a work persona for what i needed to be and over the years it becomes much easier and more naturally aligned to my true self.

        There is absolutely something to be said for appearing confident and charismatic to build trust and get results. The trick is to be personable without being cocky/arrogant. That also includes dressing the part. People make judgements and assumptions about you instantly, whether they realise it or not.

  • jv on 15/03/2024 - 00:09
    +1

    This sounds like a scam and waste of money?

    • afoveht on 15/03/2024 - 01:06

      Maybe you should get an image consultant jv. 😜

      • jv on 15/03/2024 - 01:17
        +1

        Maybe I am one.

  • darkkito on 15/03/2024 - 00:12
    +3

    I think if you surround yourself around people who influence you in a positive or the way you want to be, that would be the most effective.

  • El cheepo on 15/03/2024 - 00:48
    +2

    An image consultant is generally used to help people who are already (or planning to be) public figures.

    If you want to improve the way you dress it would make more sense to pay a stylist to help you pick clothes.

    Theres a random ted talk on power poses too, have at it and power pose the world!

  • Ocker on 15/03/2024 - 08:00
    -7

    Has not worked for Airbus Albo.

    • try2bhelpful on 16/03/2024 - 18:17

      Well that one fell flat didn’t it?

      • Ocker on 16/03/2024 - 19:14

        Yep and goes to show the political leaning of OZB members

        • try2bhelpful on 16/03/2024 - 21:06

          Actually it says more about your leanings.

  • AustriaBargain on 15/03/2024 - 09:30

    What's wrong with not being the centre of attention. I'd rather be an NPC than the main character anyway.

    If you can make yourself more attractive then people will treat you different. Nice clothes, maintained hair, stay in shape. People can't help it, they turn into someone else when around attractive people. Or maybe they are someone else when around ugly people, chicken and egg scenario.

  • sumyungguy on 15/03/2024 - 09:31

    You may get more benefit from the leadership and executive coaching sector.

  • BoltThrower on 15/03/2024 - 09:45

    Save your money and buy yourself a good quality suit. A decent store will help you pick something that suits you.
    No need to pay a stylist money for advice you can get for free, and many get kickbacks/commissions from stores. "You'd look great in this vicuna wool suit from Zegna!"
    A hair stylist will also recommend something to suit you.
    A shoe store will find shoes to match your clothes.

    Body language is all about expressing yourself. If that's repressed then you're just hiding behind props and pantomime and it'll appear fake, and people will spot it.
    You can learn to stand/talk/gesticulate a particular way, all that is great. Learn body language, but not in lieu of working on your introverted-ness. I think you'd benefit more from extroverting yourself and boosting confidence through activities such as martial arts, dancing classes, going to the gym or just drinks after work.

  • Dollar General on 15/03/2024 - 10:04

    I would start with being more involved at work. Ask questions, give feedback when asked, take on some extra activities etc that will increase your presence.

    Buying a new suit works for the first few days then what

  • original15 on 15/03/2024 - 10:34
    +1

    If this is relevant for you, we have used similar coaches with very senior leaders (leadership team or next layer down of big AU companies) Instead of image I would focus on communication/presenting with impact type coaches. This should cover verbal and non verbal communication. Often the coaches are ex-actors or people who have significant media experience.

    If you’re not in a very senior role, I’d argue there is enough free/web resources out there to start with, before handing over your own cash.

  • pharkurnell on 15/03/2024 - 10:52

    So the answers so far are you need 50 different "coaches" @ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ per hour each.

    Why does everyone need a "coach" these days for everything? Maybe I need an Asking Questions coach….

    FFS My taking a piss coach says its time.

  • jugsy on 15/03/2024 - 11:31

    You could just be a good person and do useful work instead?

  • coffeeinmyveins on 15/03/2024 - 13:42

    A few hours of "image consulting" isn't going to change your life, just like a few hours of physio isn't going to change your posture.

    You need to work at it yourself. Instead of wasting money on an image consultant, just look at videos on youtube and practice it yourself.

    maybe join a toastmasters club?

    These consultants make it feel like throwing money at your problem is the solution rather than the hard work, which works for them because it's literally their job.

    Also be aware of what you're trying to achieve. If you turn up to work one day and suddenly start acting very differently then everyone will notice and it'll put them off guard. Everyone has a "baseline personality" and it's hard to change that, and it takes years to do so. If you have a bland personality at work and you come in on Monday and start chatting people up and acting very different, they will take that as you wanting something from them and be standoffish.

  • Broke-Ken on 15/03/2024 - 14:44

    Why pay for something when there are lots of resources already free online? A youtuber that comes to mind and I would recommend checking out is Vinh Giang.

  • try2bhelpful on 16/03/2024 - 18:23

    Know what you are talking about and be keen about it. Step forward and take on risk. The image consultant might teach you tricks but being good at your job gives you the confidence to put forward your ideas. I guarantee you every person has issues with putting forward ideas, the difference is deciding you will take the risk to do it. Find yourself a person, you trust, who can act as your sounding board.

  • branners on 16/03/2024 - 19:24
    +1

    I have a friend who is an image consultant. Hugely successful, more than 70,000 customers world-wide, many of them repeat business from the same companies, to bring their staff up to spec (there is a very high degree of customer satisfaction).
    My default thinking is that you could work out many of the things she teaches you all by yourself – just like you could learn to cut your own hair, or do your own brain surgery. But it would take hundreds hours and you still may not get it right.
    In seconds she can spot the cut of a suit, which belt and shoes to wear, how to stand, what to say and more importantly, what not to say.
    If those things sound important, you may want reach out to obtain professional assistance

    • dimes on 16/03/2024 - 20:57

      Thanks! Are you able to provide the name of your friend's business so I can look further into it please?

      • branners on 17/03/2024 - 11:35

        Sure, DM me and I will reply with it

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