What do you think your image says about you?  When people meet you for the first time, what is their first impression going to be?  Do you feel confident?  Are you dressed appropriately for the occasion?  Is your grooming impeccable? 

Positive self-presentation can mean the difference between getting a job, or losing out to someone who is more "well put together", it can make the difference as to getting that first date, or making that important sale.  Executives have indicated that the three most important qualities in an employee are:
 1.  Communication Skills
 2.  Appearance                    
 3.  Qualifications                   
What this means is that how you present yourself has more to do with achieving your goals than your intellect and/or degree does.

So, how does one put forth an impressive image?  A positive self image comes from knowing that you look your best.  It means taking the time to learn how to best present yourself.  This includes learning how the colors you wear affect you and others: are they complimentary to your coloring?  Do dark colors overwhelm you, so others focus upon what you are wearing rather than what you are saying? And what about power colors?  Are you wearing the appropriate colors for the occasion?  Are you wearing pastel colors which cause you to look ineffective?  There is a whole psychology around color and the effect it has on others!

What about the clothing that you are wearing?  Does it fit your body type?  There are 7 different body types for women, and 3 for men.  Just because an outfit looks good on your sister or brother, doesn't mean it is right for you.   Is your outfit current and flattering, or dated and distracting?  Are your clothes clean, pressed and in good condition?  Does that tie compliment the suit or jacket that you are wearing, or is it over or underwhelming in its role as a man's most important accessory?  Your tie should suit your personality while at the same time creating harmony and balance and appropriateness for the occasion.  Ladies, are you dressing to look your best, or thinking mainly about how comfortable you can be.  There is a way to be well dressed and comfortable at the same time! Explore the possibilities!  

Let's discuss grooming.  Is your hairstyle current and flattering?  Men don't usually spend a lot of time on grooming, and yet an unruly beard or mustache, or wild looking eyebrows will completely destroy an otherwise well-groomed look.  Ladies, a recent survey showed that 64% of employers said that women who wore makeup look more professional, and 18% of employers said that women who do not wear makeup look like they "can't be bothered to make an effort".  If you don't wear makeup, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage.  If you don't know how to apply makeup, get the help of a professional to teach you the simple basic steps to create a natural and harmonious look.  

Bottom line is that there is much that we can do to create the positive self image that is needed to succeed.  When we look good, we feel good, and we relate to others better... it actually improves our productivity, much like having a neat, clean well maintained house keeps you relaxed and focused on what is important.  The clutter is distracting - in our personal appearance as well as our surroundings.  

So be the best that you can be!!  Do some research on your own, or hire a professional. Once you learn the tricks, the rest is easy!!