Doing more with LESS - 12 Pieces to be exact

Whether we’re time poor, lacking confidence or just a little overwhelmed by choice, sometimes we all need a little help in the wardrobe department.

Silver Maple would love for you to come indulge with us over a glass of bubbles and learn how to make the most of your wardrobe with one of Australia’s top image stylists, Helen Robinett.

She has worked as a stylist for 10 years, with many more years experience in the industry, and is well known for her warmth and humour and knowledge of personal branding

While most of us are guilty of only wearing a fraction of what is in our wardrobe, she’ll show you how to make your purchases really earn their rent.

Helen is not afraid of breaking the styling rules and is set on smashing the myths on what we should and shouldn’t wear both for business and pleasure.

You will see 12 key pieces transformed on a real body into more than 50 different outfit options for work, cocktails, Friday night drinks, Sunday brunch, Prahran Market on Saturday, Dinner with friends, casual BBQ, Job interview, night club and dinner with your folks.

She is one of only six image professionals in Australia who has achieved the designation of Certified Image Professional through the Association of Image Consultants International and has published a book on Personal Branding, Apprentice to Business Ace. Helen also chairs the board for TRY Australia and Big Brothers Big Sisters in Melbourne.

We will be serving light refreshments.

Numbers are limited and bookings are essential at $30 per head.

When:   Wednesday 12 March 2014 1030am-1230pm in Brighton
             Wednesday 12 March 2014 630pm - 830pm in Ashburton

Where:  2/50 Church Street Brighton
              216 High Street Ashburton

Call Helen to book now 9592 2608.

Business Casual - Getting it right

Do you struggle with what to wear for the business conference? Casual Friday? Work events that are simply NOT corporate? This is the biggest styling problem for professional women across the globe.

The solution is simple. When you lower the dress code, you must increase the quality and keep it simple. There is a formula for getting this right every time. Working with only 10 pieces we will reveal the solution guaranteed to take the stress out of these situations for you. After all,
anyone can wear a suit! That's easy!

Et Al is an accomplished Melbourne brand with a cult following know for its relaxed tailoring and timeless pieces. Fluid and flattering lines, quality
fabrication and thoughtful detailing are tailored to suit the classic women who wants a little innovation. The Et Al woman is busy, active, appreciates quality, insists on trans seasonal pieces that will earn their rent in her wardrobe. Et Al is for those who appreciate refined workmanship with a mix of eccentricity and contemporary style. Sizes range from 8 - 18 and clever design ensures all body types are catered for.

Join leading Melbourne Executive Stylist Helen Robinett at Etal in Armadale as she reveals the formula to 'Business Casual' and demonstrates how to make
it work with 'real' women modelling for you.

With over 25 years experience in corporate roles and executive styling, Helen is well placed to help you manage your business casual wardrobe to ensure it is earning its rent. 

 

It's time to dispel the myths on what Business Casual really is.

 

When:   Sunday 16 March 11am - 1pm

 

Where:    EtAl, 1003 High St, Armadale Vic

Limited places. Bookings essential. $30 per head. Call Deborah now on 9822 1777.

How about coffee with your own Personal Stylist?

Ten things you SHOULD know by now ......

1.     Your most flattering hairstyle. 

Your hair stylist is one of your major image makers.  If they don’t know you, your work or your lifestyle they are below average on the scale.  They must create a style to suit you as an individual, respect your style direction and be a reflection of how you earn your income.  You can’t afford to get this wrong.

2.     Transform a business outfit from work to cocktail/dinner/drinks in 3 simple steps .

You are too busy to think about a complete change of clothing.  You know that!  Your business suit will serve you well to transform for cocktail the minute you change your earrings to add a little sparkle (diamonds or zircons that drop and dangle are perfect).  Next change your top to a simple silk cami.  The sheen will transform into evening.  Forget the cleavage.  You are still in a work environment!  Add a little depth to your lipstick and you are done.

3.     What to wear for the annual conference?

Business casual is the order of the day here.  Ditch the suit and relax the code a little.  This does not translate into denim, track pants, cropped pants or what you would wear at home or on the beach.  Smart casual pants and a relaxed knit top with a smart casual jacket will serve you well.  Use one jacket in an accent colour for you that will work back with each outfit.

4.     How to choose an appropriate business shoe that IS comfortable

Your best business shoe is leather and at between one and three inches high.  A wedge gives you a solid base and will ensure you are taken seriously in business.  Keep the colour in a neutral.  Match your hair colour.  Check out this utube video on topping and tailing with hair and shoes http://bit.ly/wL4eb1  Get topy soles put on and consider gel inserts.  They will add to your comfort levels.  Purchase only quality.  You are worth it!

5.     How to identify your best business handbag without changing it every dayYou need to carry your ipad, phone, and essential bag stuff so what you need is a tote.  Carrying your bag over your shoulder can Shoulder can do some damage to your garments as well as your shoulder.  Carrying two bags is cumbersome and has you look a little disorganized.  Hey, a light coloured lining means you can see the contents of your bag easily.

6.     The role accessories play in extending your wardrobe

Boring basics like your suits, simple tops and basic shoes are the staples of your wardrobe.  Accessorising close to the face with earrings, necklace or a scarf is what makes the same suit-top combination a completely new outfit.  Think about this one – saves money! Your collection needs to consist of six to ten pieces that work back with all your basics.  Choose them in your signature colours for rapport building in business.   More about that here: http://bit.ly/yuLjSB

7.     How to use contrast like a leader

Leaders use contrast to their advantage.  This is a skill you should know by now.  Contrasting light/dark close to your face using a light top and darker jacket will bring the focus of attention to your face and what you are saying.  Check out how it works here:  http://bit.ly/AeFtsD

8.     How to apply a professional daytime make up in a flash

Research has proven that women who wear a moderate amount of make up consistently are rated as being more professional among their peers.  Leaders are consistent.  Role models know how to play this game.  Tips and tricks on corporate make up here: Iridis Cosmetics. 

9.     The importance of your professional accessories

A simple thing often forgotten.  The pen you use and your mobile phone speak volumes about you.  Choose a quality pen that reflects your position.  Similarly, choose the ring on your mobile phone with care.  You can’t afford to have ACDC as your ring tone.   Nor can you afford to be using a 20 cent bic pen.  Think about that one …….

10.  Understand your unique signature colours

Wearing them helps immensely with rapport building.  Politicians, news readers and leaders understand this well.  Make it work for you.  It’s a powerful tool.  Get the visual here:  http://bit.ly/yuLjSB

I'm feeling frightened .... that must mean I need to do it?

We were due to meet for a 2 hour power shopping session in the quiet of January before she went back to work.  A few hours before our meeting time, I just knew that we needed to do something different.  So I suggested a wardrobe review and she froze over.  

Fear of the unknown, fear of being vulnerable with what was going on in that wardrobe given the obvious success of her career.  Via text, she agreed and when we met she confessed to the frozen fear and admitted that the intensity must mean she needs to do it. 

Brave I reckon!  So we forged ahead.  You see, magic happens when you allow a stylist into your living space.  How do I know?  I've done it myself.  In fact, I do it often to ensure I stay current and sometimes I learn how not to be with my own clients.  It's a humbling experience. 

I got to see how this executive does quality in her home and in her wardrobe.  She walks the talk.  She found a jacket that worked and purchased the same in another colour.  She did what she knew.  From now on she will know a few more things.  We allowed some items to retire and we re-invented the rest.  Then we built a list around what is now essential to take up precious wardrobe space.

Once she had decided that this was going to happen, she trusted completely in the process.  And guess who made the decision on whether an item got to stay or not?  Jane, not me.  She tuned in and tapped into her power.  She knew.  Fear was not in the house.  Freedom and choice had moved in.

So NOW we are ready to shop - with PURPOSE and a LIST.  That is all!

Just love working with executives on purpose!  Woot!

So the client gave me some feedback

Last week I facilitated a workshop at CYLK in Chapel St, Melbourne on how to achieve 57 outfits with only 12 pieces in the wardrobe.  On the night I made a special offer for attendees to book a one on one express shopping session in store with me for some independant advice.  A number of people took up the offer.  Here's what happened with one of them.

She didn't book on the night.  It was too hot and she went home.  The next day an email arrived suggesting I would probably not be able to help her, a retired professional.  She assumed I worked with corporate women only.  Wrong!  I sent her a couple of documents to help me to get to know her and then booked in a brief coaching session prior to meeting.

She nervously ran through the questions I had asked.  She didn't come up for air.  I asked a couple of dynamite questions that turned the conversation around as to why she was seeking some styling advice and it was 'game on' from that point.

We met at CYLK and the rapport was instant.  I asked her to bring in a couple of garments she never wears and a couple that are her 'go to pieces'.  I provided instant feedback on why some worked and why the other will never work for her.  She was amazed.  I showed her how to identify if a colour, fabric and shape is working or not.  She loved that little trick!


Next I had her rocking an above the knee black skirt and she admitted she was uncomfortable yet prepared to step outside of her comfort zone.  It was that important to her to get some advice to stay fresh and current.  I kept her in the skirt to allow it to grow on her and selected 4 tops to go over it.  She learned about fit vs flow on her body composition and why that matters at her stage in life.

We discussed accessories, her hair and where to find the best shoes for travel.  Oh, we discussed so much more in the hour and a bit we spent together for $247.  After using the $50 workshop voucher, her session was only $197.

So here's what she said:

Dear Helen

Just a brief email to say how very much I enjoyed our session this afternoon.

As you know, I had never done anything like that before so I was quite out of my comfort zone, but you were very affirming and encouraging, and full of excellent suggestions.  I came away feeling really energised, and feeling that I could put into practice a number of the suggestions which you had made.

I also came away with a list of many of the garments which I had tried on.  I'm thinking about that list overnight, and will go back and purchase some items later this week.

I should note too that you were extremely generous with your time, and I am grateful for that.  You gave me well and beyond what I had paid for.  Thank you for that generosity.

I look forward to receiving by email the notes and suggestions which you made.

Again, many thanks for a most productive and enjoyable session.

Sincerely

Jane"

Is it any wonder I love the impact this work has on my beautiful clients????  Of course not.  She felt honoured and respected because that's the intention I set prior to speaking with her on the phone.  One of my little rituals.  It works.  That is all.

Are you being served?

When I was growing up Mum would shop at Tony's local fruit shop around the corner in Essendon. Tony went to the market each morning for fresh produce and he purchased fruit and vegetables with his clients in mind.  As kids, we would be given a small apple, polished lovingly on Tony's apron and handed to us with a smile as a gift.  We loved it!  Mum would sit on the bench with her list and Tony served her.  He packed her old jeep or delivered the goods to her door.  At some stage while I was growing up, the world changed and Tony closed down.  The big supermarkets moved in and cut the price.  It wasn't long before they raised the price once they has squeezed the little guy out.

So, we had service.  And now it would seem that we have none.  Or, we have self check out.  Let's consider the fashion industry.  How many times have you waved your cash or credit card around in our major departments stores in Australia, trying to pay for an item?  God forbid you have tried to get some service or assistance in any of them?

As an executive stylist, I have observed a trend of very little service in boutiques and department stores.  When I worked at the ANZ Bank many moons ago, I recall a branch manager stating that his job would be a lot easier without his clients.  Seriously??????  Yes, he meant it.

In my experience with fashion, men and women want to be served.  Women will enter a boutique to escape from their children and have a break, some are seeking inspiration, shopping for a purpose - wedding or funeral outfit and others are mindlessly seeking a bargain because they don't know what they want.  All they know for sure is that they need something.

What I know for sure, having had a good dose of on the floor retail experience, is that they want to be served.  They simply do not know what they do not know.  As a retailer, when you can communicate, connect and serve your client, you win them for life!

So, who here is old enough to remember "Are you being served?" on TV?????  Look at them all dolled up, loads of staff waiting to serve the customer!  Now compare that to your major department store in your capital city.

cheers
H

helen@imagequest.com.au

The Makeover

It was time.  After ten years of personal styling, divorce, moving house, illness and life in general - it was time for a new beginning, my very own personal new beginning.

Colette, Helen, Peta-Gai

I connected with the guru of transition, Colette Werden who quickly cut to the chase of what the make over was really all about.  I allowed myself to be coachable and Colette did her best work.  Phase I had begun.

She sorted through my chosen outfits for the photo shoot and then started pieces together things I would never have connected.  She did what I do for my clients, I just could not do that for myself.  Yeah, I was nervous.  Put yourself in my shoes.  Reckon you might be too.  With the greatest of respect she enquired into the possibility of my daughter's wardrobe ......... and in we went to borrow a leather jacket from materialbyproduct a $20 skirt and a pair of red heels.  Well .......  I never ...... thought I would do that!  But it worked and my lovely 22 year old daughter was delighted and quite flattered to be honest!

On the day of the photo shoot, I started with Bianca at Capelli Armadale for hair that the camera would be happy with.  That means no sticky uppy bits!  She knew the drill.  Bianca has done all of this before.  Bruce had cut and coloured the week before.  Yes there is a pattern shaved into the back of my head.

Peta-Gai weaved magic with her beautiful make up from Iridis under instruction from Colette about exactly which red the camera and my skin tone would be happy with.

In the background I was conscious of a thick and fast conversation going on between Colette and the magician I like to own as my photographer, Joel Rainford.  Every little detail ...... covered.  Intense conversation leaving me feeling pretty smart for the dream team I had selected.  No stone was left unturned.  Joel was determined that she knew how to capture the desired look.  Colette was not leaving anything to chance.  Professional to the finest detail.  The brief was to capture my personality, professional, trustworthy, fun, a tad rebellious, engaging and have you feel like you need to pick up the phone and hire me!

I've spent the new year holiday period giving away, donating or ebaying the clothing in my wardrobe that no longer serves me.  It belonged to my friend Helen who has now moved forward.  The look is clean, sleek and modern.  I'm owning my curves and sense of sassy!  Time to celebrate my shape. Now I'm not suggesting that the gypsy or the hippie in me has gone forever ...... I'm just more select about when she comes out!

 My dream team are worth their weight in gold and I highly recommend them.  This transition to a new brand has been an inside out progression.  It is strategic and fits with a new, challenging and exciting 2014.  Looking forward to sharing Phase II with you soon.

Too FAT for Kookai???

OMG!  Check out this blog on Mamma Mia's website.  Lucy Gransbury shares her experience with Kookai's sizing system. 

They use 1 or 2.  They deleted 3.  Be a smart idea for them to niche and market themselves as a small, narrow frame designer, but they don't.

The real issue here is that there are no sizing standards for women's fashion in Australia.  The rest of the world have them and we don't.  Rock on TFIA - the battle for sizing standards is not lost.  We simply have not won yet!

My clients regularly ask me what size they are in different labels because they simply don't understand it.  How on earth is it that I can be a size 10 in one label and a 'large' in another?  Let's pretend I'm in kindergarten and tell it to me like I'm only four years old.

Fact is, Australian designers are messing with our heads.  I've been sharing this revelation with corporate and personal clients in seminars and personal consultations for years.  A size 14 woman goes shopping and fits into a size 12.  Is she happy about that?  You bet she is.  All of a sudden she finds more in her budget to spend at THAT store.  Why?  Because she's feeling pretty damn good about herself right now.  She's feeling slim, successful and that deserves rewarding, dosen't it?  Huge win to that designer.  They get the sale and serve to confuse the consumer about their size.

Another label decides to toss the sizing system out the door and label garments with 1, 2, 3, 4.  Well that sounds more attractive than 10, 12, 14, 16 dosen't it?  It serves to mask the fact that she really is a size 16 - now she's size 4.  Relate that to sizing standards in the USA.  She's looking quite thin now!

The real problem is that so many women define themselves by their clothing size, not their shoe size of the length of their hair - their clothing size.  So when a designer like Kookai stocks only 1 or 2 - it automatically makes over women over size 10 feel less than fabulous.  If there's one thing that sucks the energy out of room in a nano second, it's a woman trying on a garment that is way too small.  You can see the thought bubbles flying out of her head "not good enough", "I'm too fat",  "nothing here fits me" ......... 

It's bad news for women.  I've been known to cut labels off while shopping, or re-label a 16 to be a 10.  That's how much impact the numbers have on some women! 

What's your experience?

One Small 12 Piece Wardrobe - 57 Outfits to cover your whole life!

Whether we’re time poor, lacking confidence or just a little overwhelmed by choice, sometimes we all need a little help in the wardrobe department.
 
Cylk would love for you to come indulge with us over a glass of bubbles and learn how to make the most of your wardrobe with one of Australia’s top image stylists, Helen Robinett.

She has worked as a stylist for 10 years, with many more years experience in the industry, and is well known for her warmth and humour and knowledge of personal branding

While most of us are guilty of only wearing a fraction of what is in our wardrobe, she’ll show you how to make your purchases really earn their rent.

Helen is not afraid of breaking the styling rules and is set on smashing the myths on what we should and shouldn’t wear both for business and pleasure.

You will see 12 key pieces transformed on a real body into 57 different outfit options for work, cocktails, Friday night drinks, Sunday brunch, Prahran Market on Saturday, Dinner with friends, casual BBQ, Job interview, night club and dinner with your folks.

She is one of only six image professionals in Australia to achieve the designation of Certified Image Professional through the Association of Image Consultants International and has published a book on Personal Branding, Apprentice to Business Ace. Helen also chairs the board for TRY Australia and Big Brothers Big Sisters in Melbourne.

Join us for this special workshop in store at 497 Chapel Street South Yarra in Melbourne at 630pm until 830pm on Wednesday 15 Jan 2014.

We will be serving champagne and light refreshments.

Numbers are limited and bookings are essential at $30 per head.

Call Erin on 9827 7528 to book now.

Women's body image - enough is enough!

Recent events with Justin Bieber calling a Hyatt Regency Perth hotel guest a beached whale have raised concerns around body image.  Click here to hear the radio interview on 2dayfm.

There are three issues that matter:

• A high profile celebrity in a powerful position missed an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to society.  Calling on #Hugh Jackman or #Will Smith to step up and provide some guidance and mentoring to the young celebrity in the middle of this issue.  C'mon guys.  Boys learn to be a man from a man. 

•  Given his fan base are young women, who are prone in teenage years to have major concerns about their body image, this is a major issue.  The media do not help either.  Click on this link to watch what Jean Kilbourne has to say about the media and women's body issues: media & body image

• Women are on the cusp of coming to a position where they are begining to accept their body as it is.  I love seeing full figured women in a swim wear, proud of their curves.  Pregnant women proudly display their growing belly with fitted clothing instead of the tents we used to wear years ago.  The insult of a curvy, size 12 - 14 young woman is totally unacceptable.  Enough is enough.

Finally, bravo Dove for embarking on a campaign to change the way we see ourselves!  This four minute video illustrates the emotion of what happens when an artist draws women and they realise their beauty.  The awakening is so very beautiful.

We are all absolutely fabulous, just the way we are.

How do you see your body? Are you able to honour the uniqueness that is you?

Helen Robinett - BIO

Executive Stylist & Coach, Animal Lover, Speaker, Gardener, TFIA Trainer, Mother, Author, Stylist Mentor, Conscious Styling Innovator

Helen Robinett is obsessive about helping people to feel fantastic about themselves. With a background of over 20 years in sales and marketing coupled with extensive experience advising leading corporate and individual clients, Helen understands why personal and professional image are key ingredients in business success. Helen works with clients to develop a comprehensive image-management strategy and ensures that staff reflect the image and branding of the company.

Helen is experienced in delivering dynamic presentations designed to inspire and enlighten.  Popular topics include the importance of first impressions; managing perceptions of those around you; dressing for where you want to be; disrupting the style rules for leaders and effective wardrobe management.  Helen is known for her warmth, humour and impactful style.

She has extensive retail experience in men’s and women’s leading fashion labels on both national and international levels.

Her ability to maximize the potential look and feel of individual personalities and corporate cultures is second to none.  Helen is recognized within government and corporate environments as the ‘go to’ person for executive styling.  Clients who have experienced Helen’s magic touch often speak of having a new attitude and approach to their work and life.

She is one of only six image professionals in Australia who has achieved the designation of Certified Image Professional through the Association of Image Consultants International and has published a book on Personal Branding, Apprentice to Business Ace.  She is also a recent edition in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Who’s Who of Australian Business Women.

Helen Chairs the board for TRY Australia and Big Brothers Big Sisters Melbourne.                                           

Why do women love to browse and shop?

Long have men complained that women spend hours 'shopping' without buying anything.  What could motivate women to throw away their time so frivolously?  Perhaps, as the quote below identifies, women simply gain pleasure from the activity - or, if going with friends, it provides them with a setting for social interaction.

Clearly, shopping and browsing fulfil emotional needs.  Researchers Falk and Campbell argue that Shopping is seen as essential not just because it is the only means of obtaining information about the full range of items available for purchase, but also because it is recognised that it is only through direct exposure to items for sale that the experience of 'desire' which general 'wanting' can occur.  However, in addition to this, the activity of shopping whether any purchases are made or not.  They refer, for example, to the pleasure to be had in 'just looking around', in a way which suggests that a fundamentally aesthetic and expressive gratification is involved (Falk & Campbell, 1997 p. 170)

So here we have it.  Women will refer to shopping as a 'trip', seeing it as a leisure activity in its own right.  One of the 6 core needs of human beings is connection.  We need to connect.  Can't do that on the internet, eh?

I'm quite convinced many women shop without any intention to purchase.  If the retailer can engage them, they will get the sale.

It all comes down to the experience for the client and how the retailer can engage them.

If you are a retailer, how are you creating the experience for your client?

A special invitation to view Autumn/Winter 2014 ....

           

Style by Wesson in conjunction with Helen Robinett and Image Quest invite you and a colleague/friend to experience our no obligation Style by Wesson exclusive preview of next year’s Autumn and Winter fashions at three beautiful locations:

Melbourne on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 November at the Park Hyatt, Melbourne, from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Sydney on Monday night 25 November and Tuesday 26 November at Sheraton on the Park from 8:30 am until 7:30pm. 

Perth on Thursday night 5 December, Friday 6 December at the Hyatt Regency from 8:30 am until 7:30 pm and Saturday 7 December from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Your discernment has brought you a long way, and because you understand the difference between fashion and style, you never compromise on quality.   May we introduce you to Style by Wesson, an exclusive style and couture service for women who have most things but time.   Style by Wesson stands for elegance, quality, and that contemporary yet timeless look that comes from the world’s great designers.

In a one-on-one personal, pressure-free hour of style and French bubbles, clients are able to preview (and buy if they choose) the latest from the leading European fashion houses.  Labels include Hugo Boss, Just Cavalli, Patrizia Pepe Missoni and more. Our fitting and alterations specialists will also be there.

When clients leave, they know that their autumn/winter styles and accessories are perfectly catered for.

You are under no pressure to buy, although all stock is available for purchase. You won’t be disappointed.

Looking forward to pampering you while you relax and enjoy this exclusive preview of next year’s Autumn / Winter 2014 fashions.

To book with Helen for your personal appointment 

phone 0409 324 248 or email helen@imagequest.com.au

Is the customer always right?????

I'm curious about the relationship between the retail customer and the retail store.  Is it true that the customer is always right?  Does the customer have the right to lie and be overwhelmingly rude?

So my curiosity led me to open a conversation with a couple of my favorite retailers about how this plays out for them.

One store with several decades of experience had a situation with a mother of the bride that left me speechless.  She had a couture dress made and the day of the final fitting arrived.  The wedding had been called off and mother had gained 5 kilos.  Needless to say the dress did not fit and she flew into a rage, blaming the dressmaker and the store.  She decided to take the store to the small claims tribunal to get a full refund.  After all, she no longer had a need for this garment.

The store attempted negotiation on several occasions and she refused initially until she was made aware it was a crucial part of the process.  She raised her voice at retail staff, pointed her finger and refused to make eye contact.  The store took the high road and gave her a credit in the store for the value of the garment.  Why?  Because they are fierce about protecting their reputation in the area.  They know they can't afford the negativity because of the perception that the customer is always right.  Was the bride's mother right?

The other store retails shoes.  One Monday morning, a woman in her 60's entered the store to return the shoes she had purchased two weeks ago for an event.  She claimed that she had not worn them and had changed her mind.  The shoes were clearly scuffed on the bottom and had heavy indentation marks of where her toes had been.

When the manager kindly pointed this out the lady became angry and threw the shoes at her, yelling loudly that she will make sure her friends NEVER enter the store.  The manager thanked the customer for her promise and wished her a good day.  Well, customers like that you don't want back do you?  Seriously, what was this woman thinking???  Was this customer right?

The retailers that I work with are among the most brilliant merchandisers and stylists I have ever seen.  Their customer service skills are outstanding and they manage to retain generations of clientele in the same family.  They work hard and they live to serve.  They actually love what they do and see it as a fabulous career path.

My daughter works in retail.  She's 22 and at times is treated atrociously by customers, especially at Christmas time.  After each shift she works, we play a game of Hi/Low.  What was the high and what was the low of the shift.  It always revolves around a connection with a customer.  It's never about the product.

One of her favorite experiences was a famous Essendon footballer coming into the store with his pre school daughter to choose a gift for Mum.  He empowered his young daughter to ask for what she wanted for her Mum.  He encouraged her to find her own voice.  At the same time he was respectful towards Gab, trusting her to connect with his daughter.  She felt privileged with the task.

One the lows (and it's a regular one) is when a customer enters the store, they are greeted "Hello, how's your day been?"  When the reply is snapped "I'm JUST looking - I'll call YOU if I NEED you" it makes me wonder, what the hell?????  Where do some people get off?

So this Christmas people, please consider that the retail team member you are about to snap at is someone's mother, someone's beautiful husband or my daughter.  Play above the line and BE NICE!

Styling Workshop for Professional Women - CYLK

Express Styling Workshops for women who are time poor and need to build some interesting corporate pieces at an affordable price.

Workshops are limited to 3 in each session to ensure you get the personal connection
necessary to get the results you need. Champagne will be served and we guarantee a
load of fun!

CYLK is Australian owned and designed. New stock will be hitting the floor on the day of
our workshop. Sizes 6 - 14. You will enjoy 15% off your purchases on the night.

What's in it for YOU?
• personal style direction diagnosis
• personal colour analysis and individual best contrast levels
• 1:1 time to play with garments in the store that will best suit your needs. You get to try things you
would never have thought of!
You will be amazed at how some of them WILL actually work!

• champagne and light refreshments
• advice on what's going on in your wardrobe NOW
• advice on how to build a 'story' and why that matters to save your cash

Who is this workshop for? The woman who:

• is not sure of where to shop for quality, innovation & the right price
• is time poor
• needs to know how to make corporate suiting look interesting for business and smart casual
• has an interest in comfy shapewear
• is tired of wasting money on stuff she is simply not wearing!

Fee: $220 ph You may be able to claim this fee as a tax deduction.

Date:    Wednesday 23 October

Time:    630 - 830 pm

Please email Helen@imagequest.com.au
or call 0409 324 248 to book now

Top Competencies of Great Leaders

A fabulous article arrived in my in box this morning from Women's Agenda on the top 16 competencies of great leaders and how women lead the way.

Got me thinking about what the bugger is going on in this country!  Ok, first world problem - yes, it is.

In my role as Chair for Try Australia and Big Brothers Big Sisters Melbourne, our current board is represented by 5 women and 5 men.  It was an all male board when I joined.   I actively sought the right person with the right skill set regardless of gender.  Over the time I have been in the role there have been times we have had more men, more women .....  but always the right people.

Relating to women in board positions, the current statistics are dismal. Only 15.6% of directors on ASX 200 boards are women whilst 23.5% of all ASX 200 companies are yet to appoint a single woman. There are only seven (or 3.5%) female CEOs of ASX 200 companies.

And how many women with a portfolio in the Liberal Party??????

The journalist was once told by a female board recruiter that change is more likely to occur when the Chair has an appetite for risk. Her experience with recommending women for ASX 200 Board positions was that women were still largely considered a risk.  Seriously??????

And yet a study conducted by consultants Zenger and Folkman that was published in Harvard Business Review found that women make better leaders than men, so where is the justification for the perception of risk?

Their research identified 16 competencies that top leaders display and found that women were better than men in 12 of them, equal in three and only slightly behind for one.

The competencies that women outshone men in were:

• Takes initiative
• Practices self-development
• Displays high integrity and honesty
• Drives for results
• Develops others
• Inspires and motivates others
• Builds relationships
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Establishes stretch goals
• Champions change
• Solves problems and analyses issues
• Communicates powerfully and prolifically
    
  My observation of the above is that I believe it to be entirely accurate.  I have over the past 10 years as an image professional and NFP board member observed these competencies in my clients and fellow board members.  What has been missing is the transference of the visual and vocal impact that communicates the existence of these competencies.  A man can easily wear a suit.  A woman has more to consider when presenting herself professionally.  Managing your professional image and brand as an executive is crucial to success if you are seeking a new role, a board position or a promotion.  If you intend to stay doing what you are doing, perhaps it's not an issue!
  
  The competencies where men and women were equal:
  
  
• Connects the group to the outside world
• Innovates
• Technical or professional expertise

The competency in which men were deemed better:

• Develops a strategic perspective

Source: "A Study in Leadership: Women Do It Better Than Men," Zenger Folkman, 2012.

The corporate world is running out of excuses for its poor gender diversity showing. It is time for the flagging ASX companies to appoint women to help resurrect their fortunes. Aside from anything else they owe it to their shareholders.

So, together with my colleague Sandra Baigel from Voice and Word, we are developing a program for women to address vocal impact and personal branding for emerging professional leaders.  Our 5 hour workshop is designed to assist those who have been in a middle management role for 2-5 years and are ready for the next level.

If this sounds like someone you know, please share the information.  It's time for our emerging professional leaders to gain some more skills around how they are perceived out there!  Express your interest here:  helen@imagequest.com.au

In the meantime, I'm interested in your thoughts .....