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AICI New York Tri-State Chapter

Newsletter

President's Message 

I know that I echo the sentiments of many when I say that life as an entrepreneur is extremely satisfying. You live your vision, act as your own boss and determine with whom, when and how you'll work. It's a good thing, as Martha would say. But, alas all is not rainbows and sunshine..at least not all the time. 

Being an entrepreneur has its share of ups and downs.  It's part of the territory and part of the charm. Without the lows, how we would recognize - and appreciate- the highs? And, if things were always going our way, what incentive would there be to learn and grow?

Over the years I've learned that to successfully navigate this rocky road, you've got to embrace whatever stage your business is at, stay centered and remember to:

• Turn down the volume on negative self-talk and recognize that all businesses have cycles. Become familiar with your own so that you can better plan for them.
   

• View down time as an opportunity to further your business. It's a great time to take a class or read any of the dozens of business books on your shelf. It's also the time to step up those networking efforts!
   

• Celebrate your successes, both professionally and personally. Trust there's more where that came from.
   

• Give to yourself.. When you are good to yourself, you feel nurtured and strong and are more effective and successful.

Whether your business is ebbing or flowing, the best tip I can share is to tap into AICI. You may work on your own, but you are not alone. You are part of a large community of talented, smart and generous professionals. 

Show up at a chapter meeting, or one of our WEN mastermind meetings. Volunteer on a committee. Share your challenges and successes with other like-minded professionals. We all grow and succeed when any one of us grows and succeeds. That's how entrepreneurs continue to refuel and regenerate. And, that is how a profession gains recognition and credibility. 

Let's all take our success together to new heights. We look forward to your active participation and to seeing you at our AICI holiday event on December 10th. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the newsletter and contribution of articles from entrepreneurs just like yourself.

With warm regards,
 

Three Key Qualities

By Beryl Wing, AICI, CIP 
 

Do you know the three qualities necessary for any job? The keys for getting anything you want in life are: authority, friendliness and credibility. Differing amounts of these traits are required at different times for different jobs, but all are required for success in any interaction. Get the right mix and they smooth your way.

Authority is the power to get the job done, to have your instructions followed. Police need it. Flight attendants in emergencies need it. Executives, managers and supervisors need it. Judges have it. They persuade by virtue of strength.

Friendliness is the capacity to open people up, to persuade without force. It says, "I'm approachable" as opposed to "I'm powerful." Performers need it. Therapists need it. Reporters need it. It's not cloyingly sweet yellow-smiley-face bubbling, but the best qualities of friendship: sincerity, understanding, empathy.

Credibility is, of course, believability. It says, "you can trust that I know what I'm doing; you can rely on me to fulfill on my promise."

Every job requires 100% credibility for best results. But different jobs require different amounts of authority and likeability often in inverse ratio: the more authority you need, the less likeability is important and vice versa.

In sales (and Image Consulting, being entrepreneurial, is sales), you need credibility so your customers believe in you and your product. You also want a healthy dose of friendliness, so people are open to your pitch. But, you need only enough authority to close the sale. Good salespeople do not intimidate; they persuade in a partnership.

The CEO of a large corporation, however, dealing with powerful, influential senior people, needs more authority than likeability. Not that she doesn't want to be likable, but that is not the focus. She needs the power to get the job done. And high credibility. Those working for her need to believe she can do the job.

Credibility is symbolized by the tools of the trade. A stethoscope signals medical professional, be it doctor, nurse or trained technician. A toolbox says carpenter, plumber, worker. The latest styles from Vogue announce fashion professional or socialite. Each trade has its tools. An almost universal credibility tool -subtle, but powerful - is wearing blue, the color of trust.

A word about fashion and credibility: Much as we Image Consultants and many women love fashion, to those in corporate, conservative and traditional cultures - especially men - fashion often signals extravagance, pointless change and frivolousness. So a hint of fashion goes a long way when dealing with these cultures.

To project authority and friendliness, the shapes, fabrics and colors we choose are key. Straight lines say power; curved lines say likable. Dark colors are powerful; light colors, friendly. Blue-based colors project more authority; yellow-based, more openness. Bright colors are friendly; muted more reserved. Woven fabrics protect more and hence have more power than knits which are more open, more friendly. Structured garments are more powerful; unstructured, more casual and open. Finally, a suit in a single color has more power than a jacket and trouser or skirt of different colors, which is more approachable.

Finally, the authority garment par excellence is the jacket. It is the mantle of authority. A close second is a scarf worn over the shoulders, if this works with your style.

Consider your clientele, your clients' jobs and the combination of qualities need to for success in each. With careful strategy, clothes can project the winning blend of authority, friendliness and credibility.
 

Past-President of the Association of Image Consultants International New York Tri-State Chapter, Beryl Wing has appeared on Inside Edition discussing the presidential candidates' image during the 2004 presidential campaign and on "How They Won," Mo Rocca's History Channel primetime special on that election. Her Personal Shopping experience includes assignments at Macy's By Appointment and Paul Stuart and she is writing a book, Clothes Talk: What Men Know About Clothes That Women Don't©.

*from: Clothes Talk: What Men Know About Clothes That Women Don't^© by  CONTACT _Con-3DD123944E1  s l Beryl Wing

Fall Fashion Makeup:

Eco Chic or Simple Chic

Judith Ann Graham, AICI, CIP  

Makeup for Fall 2007 is a major statement! The runways featured bold, daring, dramatic, provocative, exotic makeup - the tigress look! Color is back on eyes, lips and cheeks so application must be precise to avoid the masked look. The fall collections featured two major makeup trends that designers clearly favored. One is called 'simple chic' consisting of a bolder twist on classic beauty. The other trend is called 'ecochic' which is inspired by nature's exotic colors, shapes and textures.

SIMPLE CHIC:
This makeup look is based on the early 90's minimalism trend but without the boredom. It is for the grown up woman who wants emphasis but not severity. The lip is pale or neutral with sheen, as the cheeks take on a soft pink or peach hue. Blush application is more sculpted than in recent seasons resulting in a high cheekbone look. Foundation is pure and luminous allowing the skin to show through. The focal points are the eyes - which smolder in metallic color and rich glamour girl liner extended outward for a modern look. The color palette for the simple chic look is uncomplicated; flesh tones and shades of soft whites create the base, accented with metallic and deep sea colors on the lids. Brows are fuller than ever, reminiscent of Brooke Shields from the 80's. Ladies, start brushing up your brows and filling them in. Though this look is simple, its impact is achieved by layering creams and powders that give the face dimension and depth. The simple chic woman will love accenting her wardrobe with metallic details in her clothing and accessories.

ECO CHIC: 

At last, fashion has decided to embrace the eco-conscious movement. But don't look for brown paper bags or Birkenstocks on the runways. Strong, well-defined shapes in eco-friendly colors influence clothing and accessories. Bold details such as fur, feathers and leather demonstrate the 'chic' in ecochic. As for the ecochic makeup look, it revels in organic luxury and nature inspired glamour. Unlike the simple chic face, the ecochic face is exotic and fearless. Bold organic colors of gold, teaks and earthy tones highlight the eyes along with lush lashes and strong eyeliner. Foundation is matte instead of luminous, yet natural looking. Cheeks are once again sculpted with a berry rich creaminess. Again, those Brooke Shields brows are in full force. The biggest makeup trend in both looks is the evolution of the red lip. Fall 2007 is about the matte berry-stained lip. Gone is gloss. What replaces it is a matte texture in a techno formula that glides on easily. Ladies, lipstick is back so buy at least one sexy tube of lipstick this season and apply with style!
 

Judith Ann Graham, a former Miss New York State in the Miss America Organization, has a successful, creative career in New York City. She is a personal wardrobe stylist and makeup artist. She is designated as one of NY's Best Personal Shoppers in Avenue Magazine. As a model and actress she performed in television commercials and daytime soap operas and appeared on All My Children. She is a fashion expert/analyst who appears regularly on CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and many other networks. Judith's extensive work with brides culminated with her book, MY BRIDE GUIDE, A Wedding Planner for Your Personal Style. Judith was past president of AICI-tri-state and VP of Miami AICI Conference 1998.

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