Easy Ways To Garner Attention

When was the last time you cleaned out your closet? I mean REALLY cleaned it out, so that you got rid of everything that didn't fit?

If it's been a while - like years, for example - I've come across a resource that might help motivate you to get the job done. It's from another image consultant here in Delaware named JoJami Tyler. She called me recently to interview me for an article she was writing, and we ended up talking for well over an hour on all sorts of fashion-related things. Anyway, she has a "how to" closet-cleaning DVD called "The Ultimate Cure for the Dysfunctional Closet" that's both fun and informative, and after I saw it, I knew I had to tell you about it.

If you're the visual type who likes to see things done step-by-step, or if you'd like to drop a BIG hint to someone on your holiday list who has a messy closet, or even if you're an image consultant yourself looking for new ideas to share with your clients, then you'll want a copy of JoJami's "Ultimate Cure for the Dysfunctional Closet" in your library.

But I encourage you to act quickly -- JoJami has only made 50 copies available to me at the moment and knowing many of you as I do, I suspect they'll get snapped up quickly:

Oh - and if you're looking for a worthy place to donate your current but ill-fitting business attire, check out your nearest "Dress For Success" location. They can sure use your help!

So what's on tap for today's article? A quick look at how your attire can make you the center of attention -- or get you completely ignored.

We all know that what we wear can have an impact on how we're perceived. When we look like we're in control of ourselves, others assume that we are and give us appropriate respect. When we don't, they don't.

But did you know this behavior starts in childhood? That by the time a child is in the first or second grade, she's already learned to use clothing as a measure of one's position? Now I'm not talking about status or pecking order among her classmates, although that's firmly established by age nine or ten; no, I'm talking about the respect she shows her teachers or other authority figures based on how the adult is dressed.

Now I must admit I'd never considered this before until I witnessed it firsthand. When it occurred to me what was happening, I was dumbfounded, for I realized just how deeply rooted this behavior is -- whether we're conscious of it or not. This isn't something we suddenly become aware of when we're teenagers or young adults; oh no - it starts much, much sooner.

My daughter and about thirty of her second grade classmates were attending an evening function at school with their parents. The person directing the program was neatly groomed and dressed in a black suit. She had the children gathered around her and kept them spellbound - until she turned the floor over to another, sloppily dressed woman, that is. The second woman was dressed in jeans and an oversized shirt, with no makeup and misshapen hair. Whereas the first woman had held everyone's attention, the second woman couldn't hold anyone's interest, even the parents'.

Which was pretty sad, considering her part of the presentation was the crux of the program. She was why we had gathered - and yet not only DIDN'T she make an impression, she was quickly forgotten.

I certainly hope not, particularly if you're a long-time subscriber of this ezine. If you want people to hear your message, you have to capture their attention first. In this fast-paced world where we're constantly bombarded by people and media screaming for our interest, one of the best ways to make an impression is to whisper. If you use a polished appearance as an indicator of what lies beneath, you'll not only capture people's attention, you'll be able to subtly reinforce your expertise and position. After all, competency in the closet typically reflects a competency of skill as well.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: a jacket is the fastest, easiest way to establish authority. It's a staple of the power suit for good reason: it commands respect. Even if your lifestyle is very casual and you can't ever imagine needing one, get one anyway (second hand is fine) and have it in your closet. Why? Because you'll be glad it's there when you're called upon to present, meet someone of prominence, interview, or even go to a funeral. Opt for a classic style in a dark color and in a year 'round fabric.

This one is so simple that I'm surprised more people don't use it. A collar is a powerful indicator of authority because of its nearness to the face. It frames the head and draws attention upward, directing others to look upon your countenance. It's been used as such for centuries. Have you ever seen pictures of those enormous collars worn by Elizabeth I or the pilgrims? Now fast-forward a few centuries and think about what kind of shirt is required with a coat and tie. What about clerical collars? Is this making sense? While no collar (t-shirt, shell) suggests that you're friendly and approachable, a collar says you mean business. So when you mean business, wear one.

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The more I learn about clothing and accessories, the more I can readily identify top-notch materials. It captures my attention and makes me wonder more about that person. Why? Because anyone can buy cheap clothes, wine, or chocolate; it takes a true connoisseur to ferret out "the good stuff". And even if you have just a little experience with any of those things, you can immediately recognize something that's better than what you're used to. So when I see quality clothes, shoes, or jewelry, I know that person either makes a lot of money, or she knows where to go to find "the good stuff" on her budget. Either way, I know he or she understands the importance of dress.

Now this short list of power pieces is by no means exhaustive. It's meant to get you thinking. In fact, I encourage you to perform a little experiment to test what I'm saying. Over the next few days, look at the people you encounter in leadership positions to see how they're dressed. Whether you're in a high-powered meeting, a Girl Scout meeting, at church, at a restaurant, or wherever, look and see who is garnering attention and respect. Chances are, they have an over-average appearance. If you want to garner the same kind of attention and respect, so should you.

Want some other guidelines for how to use your clothing to ensure success? Download a copy of Business Wear Magic

http://www.BusinessWearMagic.com

to see how easy dressing appropriately for business can be - whatever industry you happen to be in.