Brand Permissions - We all just want to be accepted

Most industries create their secret squirrel language that makes what they do a mystery to everyone else.  But in branding we just use the word "brand" and most people are already confused (or tuned out). Which means our language consists of things like:
Brand Identity
Brand Personality
Brand Promise

Did I just say the same thing 3 times? Actually, I did not, but unless you consider the nuances between them to be your reason for being you'll probably think so.

I am beyond passionate and extremely effective at Brand Strategy and because of that I can see it's flaws as much as I can see it's shiny bits. It wasn't until I launched my first business 8 years ago and then began advising start ups in my second business, primarily in the category of Independent Luxury and Lifestyle Consulting, that I found the missing link; The Brand Permissions.

The business of being a Change Agent is one of delecate, sensitivity, guidance, acceptance and permissions. For instance: Wardrobe Consultants, Voice Coaches, Personal Trainer, Professional Organizer. They are providing the tools neccessary to make the change as much as they are providing permission for that person to accept that there is a need for the change.

And in the big picture of branding? It's called creating relevancy and acceptance. We live in a very transparent world so acceptance is what makes a brand approachable. Its not enough to put a face and voice to a brand and promise that it will make your teeth whiter. What's the relevancy to my life? Not just, "what will it do?", but "where do I fit into your brand?" and "will you accept me for who I am once I'm there".

I have a coaching client that's an up-and-coming celebrity hair stylist Brand Promise is:

• to lisen and validate
• over deliver
• build a long term plan
• be a visionary

Which means her Brand Permissions are:

• you can be yourself & speak your truth
• I will make it possible for you to be a little lazy
• you can take your time. I don't expect you to change over night.
• it's OK to not know what you want. I'm a visionary for you and I see you for who you are.

It doesn't matter if you aren't a Luxury and Lifestyle consultant the neccessity for Brand Permissions are still there. Whether it is your personal brand, your company's brand, your product's brand, or your dog's brand, we all just want to be accepted for who we are.

Suit Jacket vs. Straight Jacket: And other distractions of Personal Branding for women

"PSSSSST, We see you and we know you're a woman".

I think that's how I'll start my talk later this month when I speak to the IBM Smarter Commerce Global Summit Super Women Luncheon. What do you think?

I'm of an age when I remember how it came to be that women started dressing like men to get taken more seriously in the workplace. It was the '80s and using the mindset; "If you look more like a man you must think like them too", hence the shoulderpads. There should be no wonder why the rise of women business owners has increased from 5 million in 1997 to 8 million according to Amercian Express OPEN State Of Women Owned Business Report. Its not because getting an AMEX got easier it's because they are sick of dressing like men at the office.

Believe it or not I hear stories all the time from women who are still having it strongly suggested to them that they should consider wearing a jacket for presentations.  To which I reply: "Why, so they have somewhere to clip the wireless mic?"

I've spoken at Ameriprise a few times so when Adelaide Lancaster of In Good Company (and co-auther of the new book "The Big Enough Company") introduced me to Judi Rosenthal I knew we had a lot to talk about.  Judi is a financial advisor for Ameriprise and is the driving force behind their Bloom network which is a virtual “water cooler” … a community that shares positive peer support, Ameriprise expertise and outside inspiration from all types of business resources and beyond. She also hosts a radio program for Bloom members which we agreed that the topic of Personal Branding Through Appearance was neccessary.

Judi is an easy person to talk to and has a ready laugh so the interview was a lot of fun.  Not surprisingly there were some predictable topics discussed like; Is a jacket even neccessary for women anymore? And hoisery rules and preferences. But the best topic of all was around distractions. Particularly the kind that bad or misfunctioning underwear can create.  I'm pretty certain this is exclusive to women but I'd be happy to entertain the mail perspective on this one.

Enjoy the interview and don't leave before we get to the good stuff
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

The 6 Inch Rule

You want this. You need it. Now get your mind out of the gutter. Another pearl of wisdom from someone who's collected lots of pearls and likes to wear them.

A reminder for women of any age to take stock in who their audience is how to maintain good eye contact. If you know what I mean.

Interviewing Your Brand Series, Part II: "Ladies, Is It A Man's World? Only If You Insist On Dressing Like It"

"Say Ladies! Hey Ladies! I want to hear it from the Laaaadieeees".  Pardon the party flashback.
Last time we talked I got you thinking about not blending into the office furniture when you show up for an interview. Now let's discuss the big purple polka dot elephant in the room.  Shhhhh! Don't look now but someone might notice that you're a woman.  Then what?


I'll tell you what.  They might also find out that you possess some very valuable traits that make you better at what you do then they can. Intuitive, communicative, multi-tasking, insightful, nurturing, self-aware, just to name a few of the traits that are inherently female.  And which industry is it that can't benefit from some or all of those? What customer isn't looking for any of that?


As you know, I'm not giving you rules to memorize, but what I will give you is the tools and permission to own your brand like a only woman can.


Some DON'TS first, just to cover my butt and yours:

1. Lack the linger. Do yourself a huge favor and just skip the perfume all together.  You want them to concentrate on remembering your personal brand strengths and attributes not the lingering scent you leave behind.
2. Don’t be distracting.  Absolutely NO jewelry that is noisy, clanking, jingling
3. Six Inch Rule; NEVER show too much leg, cleavage, back or booty.  When you sit down you will loose 6 inches in the length of your skirt. This same measurement can be applied to necklines.  If the neckline of your shirt is below 6” from your collar bone you probably will have a hard time making eye contact
4. Fly Low; much like the six inch rule, is the "Fly Low" rule.  Low heeled dress shoes don't just show how sensible you it keeps you from teetering around foreign territory, accidentally tripping on the carpet, towering above a less than tall potentially new male boss, or click-clacking down an office corridor drawing the wrong kind of attention.

And for the DO's:

1. Know your brand; Goals, History, Value, Mission, Intended Audience.  Be able to speak to every one of those.  Not only because it makes you a stronger more confident candidate but because you should select your attire to support it.
2. Color is your friend. If you HAVE to wear a suit layer it with some color, or a scarf.  Men don't always wear white shirts and black ties so why should you? Unless you are applying for a job as a mortician, it's not necessary to wear a black suit and solid shirt. Black is harsh and unapproachable in most situations.
3. Alternative thinking; Yes, we know you are trying to make a point with that power suit, but the point you are making may not be the one you want. It may just say "Look I know how to dress like a man even though I'm a woman".  An extremely powerful alternative is a tastefully tailored, dress in a lightweight wool, lined and knee length.  You can even dabble in a subtle toned print such as  grey, cobalt and black.
4. Fit. I've said it before and I'll say it again; Fit is everything. The aforementioned dress will only be a powerful alternative to a suit if it fits you impeccably.

Interviewing Your Brand Series I: "As memorable as office furniture"

I'm going to give you the moral of this story before I tell it.  It goes like this:  Dress like drab office furniture and see if they can distinguish you from the rest of the candidtates blending into the lobby after you've gone.

Every time I ask someone why they thought dressing as boring and neutral as possible was a good idea for an interivew they grow pale. Regarless of profession, industry, level of expertise, and especially personality you get the same advice for interview attire.  A standard pre-programmed response such as this snoozeworthy video from About.com; "A neutral colored suit and solid shirt". Sad but true.

Good stuf.  I'm inspired. You? I'm also going to hell, but that's aside the point.

This is not a fashion lesson, and if you know me at all then you know you aren't getting any "Rules" from me either.  That would make me NOT a Rules Girl. No, I give tools and permission to own your brand. You want some rules and fashion advice you can hit up the scary duo from "What Not To Wear".  However, I've been giving a lot of talks to groups requesting information on Personal Branding for interiewing which goes well beyond what color your parachute is and how to color coordinate with it. So much more in fact that this will be a 3 part series on interviewing and your brand. Following is an excerpt from some of the tools I have been sharing with job seeking hopefuls to help them establish a memorable brand.

Know your brand; Think of yourself as a company. What are your strengths, values, goals, mission, attributes that would create brand loyalty. Write down something for each of these and then make this part of your vernacular when you talk about yourself. Now use it to guide your desicions on how you present your brand visually.  This means, if you are going to sit there and tell me how creative, and resourceful you but you are dressed like industrial carpeting I'm going to have a real disconnect. Get it?

Know your audience; Sounds delicate already.  A non-traditional, creative atmosphere isn't looking to bring in a working stiff.  In otherwords don't take your fashion advice from an attorney if you are interviewing at start-up, ad agency or some other creative industry.  Not only will you look like a dork, but it will be so obvious that you don't "get it" that it borders on disrespectful.  Show some passion for your work, let them see your rich depth and texture of character. Same can be said for interviewing at a very  conservative company; don't go flying your freak flag too high.  Be respectful. Be intentional.

Is your little Type A linear brain having a panic attack yet? All right, I've give up some goodies.  Don't say I never gave you anythying. Here:

1. Color = emotion, Texture=Attributes, Style elements = Values, Fit=Character
2. You want to make money? You need to look like money. What the biggest difference between “Us” and “Them” – all of their clothes FIT, FIT, FIT. Perfectly fitting clothes don’t have to be custom made.  The quickest way to make some old new again or something cheap look expensive; have it tailord to fit perfectly. It could cost your more than the price of a hem in the eyes of a detailed oriented Sr. VP.
3. “The 6 Parameters” for strategic decision making for your personal brand style. This one is part of my signature program for my clients but I'll give the abbreviated general idea. Run anything you wear and/or buy through these : Brand Attributes | Color Palette | Purpose | Time & Longevity | Fit | Feel
4.  As I always say: "If you are your own brand then your wardrobe is your logo".  
Next: "It's a man's world, but you don't have to dress like it". Something just for the ladies.

Flying the Casual Skies

For most of us I think we use Facebook status updates to share something that is of interest and top of mind.  Of course we all have a friend that has less than savvy Facebook skills and announces when they are bored or making a sandwich.

Recently a Facebook friend used her status to comment on the unprofessional appearace of the flight crew on an American Airlines flight.  Apparently it was "honoring" something so they were allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts.  Already this sounded like a bad idea. Unless your company is doing a day of work for Habitat for Humanity, it's always going to be 'off brand' to encourage a jeans and t-shirt day at work.  Over and over it has been proven; casual day dress = casual attitude about productivity. My question to all of this was, how was the service? Casual?

However, this brings up the point of what people wear when they fly.  Having grown up with a mother that was a travel agent it was unthinkable to travel in sweatpants.  Sure, comfort is important on a long flight but consider this:

• It may be 5:30 a.m. in Seattle when you leave for the airport but it's past mid-day and almost cocktail hour when you arrive at the Le Parker Meridien hotel in mid-town Manhattan. Looking like you are taking out the trash is going to make you stand out tremendously in an uncomfortable way.
• You never know who your seatmate might be. How many incredible stories of business being done, connections being made, hook-ups (let's be honest), have we all heard of taking place on an airplane.
• Don't even think for a minute that you have a snowball's chance in hell of getting upgraded looking like a tired slob. One of my favorite articles about this subject is written my Christopher Elliot a consumer advocate for travel, "Honor Your Flight Crew Wear a Tie When You Fly".

The two most important take-aways I like people to have when attending one of my presenations that apply here are:

• If you are your own brand then your wardrobe is your logo.
• Be intentional - if you aren't taking your brand seriously why should anyone else?

"The T-Shirt To Prove It"

Last year I participated in a program through The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur called "The First Million".  I didn't make a million dollars but I did make a wonderful friend through my assigned Accountability Partner.  Sherry Sexton, in addition to having a killer name, was a refreshing powerhouse of honesty, energy and ideas. 

My role to for her was to hold her accountable to the vision of the book she wanted to write. An account of 25 women entrepreneurs and their stories of challenges, adversities and success. As she described it to me I thought, this is a chance for these women who have really made s*&% happen to finally say "Yeah baby, I've been there, did that and I have the T-shirt to prove it".  And a book title was born. 

I can't say that naming the book was my gaurantee for securing chapter 16, but I don't think it hurt my chances. Needless to say its a great book and recently Sherry was honored by WomenEntrepreneur.com with an article about her book that featured an excerpt. It just so happens to Chapter 16, which is my story. 

Definitely worth sharing and I encourage you to buy the book to read the other 24 stories of how we earned our "T-Shirt To Prove It".

"Life is a Wild Ride. Get Onboard"

"Darcey Howard relates her sometimes twisting path to entrepreneurial success."
By: Sherry Sexton for WomenEntrepreneur.com
08/22/2010

Career Focus: Polish Your Resume & Your Interview Style

Based on interest level we will be offering 2 events:

Tuesday 9/14 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

 Wednesday 9/15 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Chaloner Associates 580 Broadway, Suite 1208 in Soho

$36.00

Join Urban Girl Squad for its first career workshop! Whether you're a job seeker or are looking to take the next step in your career, this event is for you. We are partnering with recruiting firm Chaloner Associates and stylist Darcey Howard of LifeStyled to teach you how to present the best version of yourself on paper and in person.


The Chaloner career and resume experts will cover three main topics:
•How to use a recruiter to your advantage in your job search
•How to use social media in your job search (twitter, facebook, LinkedIn, online portfolio, etc)
•Best practices for interview follow-up


Professional stylist Darcey Howard will present proven tips on how to look your best in an interview, including:
•Dressing for your intended audience
•Adding personal style to your plain black suit
•Tips on stretching your interview wardrobe without stretching your wallet


Each attendee will receive a personal resume review from a Chaloner expert after the event. This event is limited to just 15 participants to ensure personal time for each attendee with our stylist and our recruiters. We'll have wine and h'ors d'oeuvres for you to enjoy. Get your spot today!

Click Here to buy your tickets for either 9/14 or 9/15 event. Two dates to choose from.

Service Consultants Success Program

First, I just have to share with you the wonderful experience I had recently and what we can all learn from it. Having just finished a week of shooting TV segments featuring my "Inner Amazing" program for women in transition I helped 4 women that each were overcoming some major challenges; breast cancer, domestic violence, caring for a child with lukemia. Obviously it’s a great to have a series of TV shows devoted to highlighting your business but its ever more fabulous to document the transformation that takes place from the inside/out when an individual works with somone that provides insight and guidance that will chance their perspective.


Immediately they were able to say things like:
"I feel like I got my life back by seeing myself look good"
"You gave me more than tools on how to dress and shop, you gave me tools for life"
"I have the confidence to ask for what I want and deserve in life because I look like I'm worth it"

It’s a strong reminder that what those of us who are Service Consultants do can have a dramatic effect on someone especially If you give them what they need and not just what they think they want. Sound familiar? If not, Service Consultants are people like myself, a Personal Style Consultant, or Interior Designers, Life & Business Coaches, Dieticians, Graphic Designers, Brand Consultants, Personal Trainers, Message Therapists.  You get the idea.

So, how have I gotten these kinds of opportunities? Because I have a program that clearly defines:
• what my program provides
• who it's for
• how to leverage it
• what my mission is
• my point of differentiation in the marketplace
• what its worth

This is the kind of stuff that generates PR, referrals, and marketing campains.

Do you have a Service based business? Is that what you want for your business? Are you really ready for opportunity it when it comes?


Be clear, be confident, be ready. The Service Consultant Training Program can help you make that happen.

Let me help you be a success!
It’s a big world out there and we all deserve to be successful. Which is why I conduct a training & success program. To build a community of strong, successful consultants, and dispell the myth that we're all in competition with each other.

The date is set, the offer is out there. Here are the details:
• This is a teleseminar and will be conducted via live call-in conference call
• START: Monday August 2, 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST is the first training call
• DATES: Subsequent trainings are: 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, & 8/30
• TIMING: Calls will be 60 minutes but I'll keep the call live for 30 minutes afterwards for open discussion amounts the group. They will also be recorded in case you have to miss one (hopefully not, because they're going to be juicy!!).
• ADDITIONAL: In addition to the 5 weekly teleseminars you will have a scheduled 30 minute 1-to-1 call at the end as a following-up to help you plan for your success.
• OFFER: I consider you to be in my "tribe" so I am extending a $100 offer off to Service Consultants such as: Interior Designers, Personal Trainers, Nutritionists, Life Coaches, etc.) of the $650. You are receiving this for $550. (shhhhhh! don't tell the others. They might be jealous.)
• REGISTER: When you pay for your registration please enter the code of "TRIBE" in the notes to receive the offer. Register here. Or contact me directly for alternate payment methods. darcey@darceyhoward.com
• CREATIVE FINANCING: Because most of you are just starting your business and/or in school I know how important it is to have options for payment (within reason). I do this for my clients because I'd rather see them get what they need now than to continue to not invest in their futre. If you want to make up to 3 payments just let me know. I'm here to help you be successful, not be distracted.
• LET'S TALK: I know from years of consulting that investing in yourself can sometimes be the hardest purchase to make. If you need more information or just want to make sure this is exactly what you need let me know. I'm here to help you succeed. Let me know what you need.

I'm looking forward to talking with each of you about your future success.

Service Consultants Success Program

"Functional To Fabulous" Event - Style Night for Mom's in NYC

                  AND

Urban Girl Squad and Darcey Howard

present

"Functional to Fabulous"

Finding Your New Style

Style Night for Mom's

Has motherhood changed your style and the clothes you wear every day? Urban Girl Squad is teaming up with expert stylist Darcey Howard to give you easy-to-implement tips on finding and developing your style. We'll learn two key building blocks from Darcey's Personal Branding Through Appearance workshop: the 6 Parameters of Personal Style, which will teach you strategic decision-making for your wardrobe, and Thriller, Filler, Spiller, an easy three-step process guaranteed to help you dress the fastest and most stylish way for every occasion. These proven techniques will help you dress quickly and with style, and choose new pieces with confidence! Darcey has worked with mothers for years and understands the unique challenges you face when getting dressed. After all... just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you have to dress like one!

We'll be in the beautiful Callalilai store in Union Square to try out our new techniques!

At this event, you'll meet other fabulous moms in NYC and receive:

• A lesson with top stylist Darcey Howard on dressing quickly, efficiently, and with style

• One-on-one time with our stylist and / or a style consultant from Callalilai

• Wine and h'ors d'ouevres

• Gift bag with goodies from Callaliai

• 15% off anything you buy from Callalilai

Tuesday 6/22 7:00 pm - 12:00 am - Callalilai - $32

827 Broadway btwn 12th and 13th Street

RSVP Here

"Black Is Not Your Color (And Its Not Your Brand)" - Workshop; Seattle 5/19/10

By popular demand this workshop is being offered in both

 Seattle and Manhattan at mid-day & evening times

Darcey Howard

"Personal Branding

Through Appearance"

Being your brand takes guts.

Owning your value takes guts.

How do you create a brand that reflects your value and uniqueness in a sea of competition?

You have be ready to own it.

Are you ready to own your brand and stand out from the crowd?

_______________________________________

"Our society wants you to fit in

so it can ignore you"

- Seth Godin

___________________________

As an expert in building brand integrity for businesses and individuals, Darcey Howard, Personal Branding & Style Consultant, will provide the tools, tips and guidelines you can put into place immediately to make sure you stand out in a crowd versus just fitting in.

Come away with...
• Clarity of how your personal brand is conveyed and perceived both visually and professionally.
• Tools for bridging the gap between how you feel, how you look and how you sell.
• Knowledge on how to leverage your USP (Unique "Style" Proposition) to attract ideal customers
• Guidelines to identify, build and maintain your personal brand and leverage it in your business.

Don't miss this opportunity to get what your personal brand needs to not be ignored.

Cost is just $40.00

Simply click here to pay.

Join Darcey Howard, founder of Personal Branding Through Appearance & LifeStyled, Ltd., on May 19th for one of two scheduled times, either 12:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. for this 90 minute program

_____________________

"Black is Not a Color (And Its Not Your Brand) "

Workshop

May 19, 2010

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Or

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Aspira

1823 Terry Avenue

Seattle, WA 98101

(206) 623-8900

Get directions

______________________

To sign up or for more information, please contact Darcey at darcey@darceyhoward.com. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,
Darcey

What's In A Name?

In a recent article for Women Entrepreneur, Nina Kaufman of "Ask The Business Lawyer" fame wrote about the niceties of naming a business ("Legal Niceties of Naming A Business").  Detailing all of the questions and cautionary steps that a wise business owner should take into consideration when naming their business I couldn't help but ask that age old question, "What's In a Name?".

It should be of no surprise to you that large companies spend thousands of dollars on naming products and subsidiary companies.  Its as much about getting the "right" name as it is creating one that can be pronouced easily, doesn't have negative connotations in other cultures, and obviously doesn't offend.  But another consideration that weighs in would be how does it look.  Yes, how does the word look when spelled out in lower case, upper case, what fonts would compliment it, and how does it lend itself to graphic design.  Feeling completely duped yet?  Its true not all brands are a derivitive of a family legacy or a favorite pet. 

My intention isn't to tell you how to name your business (although for a small fee we can discuss).  But at this point I do feel compelled to share with you not only Ms. Kaufman's legal advise but "The 10 Commandments of a Great Business Name" by Darrell Zahorsky.  Not only because its ridiculously valuable but because I think my mom must have read it.  When I asked her about my name she said she wanted something easy to pronouce pheonetically, couldn't be shortened to a knickname, memorable and balanced with my last name (which used to be Morgan).  What the...??? Is it any wonder that branding became my passion and I strive to live my brand every day?

Keep in mind that as a business owner your business is a direct extention of your personal brand.  If you haven't taken the time to get clarity around what your own brand is how can you impart strength, wisdom and credibility into the brand of your company.  Of course I wouldn't be worth my weight in salt if I neglected to mention that one of the most important aspects of developing your personal brand is communicating it visually as well as verbally.  Remember, if you are your own brand then your wardrobe is your logo. 

What Teachers Make

If you haven't seen this your should.  Watch it.  Listen. Watch it again and then pass it along. You want to see someone who is brave enough to not only be his own brand but to stand up for it? Taylor Mali delivers!
Enjoy. Be inspired. Be Intetional. Be your brand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xuFnP5N2uA&feature=player_embedded

Environmental Color Theory

Most of my clients are either corporate teams or individuals that fall into the linear thinker category.  So when I say the words "color theory" to either of these audiences it evokes one of two emotions; anxiety or boredom.  Hence the creation of Environmental Color Theory.

Designed to disect this anxiety inducing topic into 3 sections this view of color and how they relate to each other uses influences that we can all relate to.  Not just the gifted arty type but the analytical, the emotive, and visual. 

Having studied color theory, dabbled in cognitive learning, and spent many hours behind two-way glass eating bowls full of M&M's watching the reactions of anonymous individuals while they explore the practical application of consumer goods to their life (a.k.a. a focus group) I came up with Environmental Color Theory.  I use this when developing a color palette for a client to give them a functioning wardrobe but also when teaching a workshop to corporate teams to give them the tools to express themselves to thier intended audience, but also support how they feel and ultimately not fade into the background or the "black-ground" as I call it.

In a nutshell:

• Color effects emotion.  We have 5 basic emotions from which on a daily basis we would like to call upon to support us; calming, clearing, grounded, powerful and expressive.
• These emotions are also reflective of our environment and the elments found in it; water, wind, earth, sun and energy.
• Visually they relate to colors that fall within each of these emotional and environmental categories such as:
• calming = water = blues, aqua & water tones
• clearing = wind = greys, greens (leaves) & elements of the wind
• grounded = earth = browns & earth tones (sorry no brown available in Blogger)
• powerful = sun = reds, yellows, orange & warmth tones
• expressive = energy = balanced colors such as purple that combines the calm of blue and the power of red

Once you've established the 5 colors that will support you they can be used to become more strategic in your approach to your personal brand style.  It will also make getting dressed easier because each of these colors go together, shopping more strategic, and greater longevity in your personal brand recognition.  And, yes, all of those colors do go together, and you can wear purple as man.  But I'll talk more about that later.

Is Green the New Black In Branding?

I love William Arruda (its OK, I'm pretty sure he already knows).  He is the Personal Branding Guru!  He is an outstanding compliment to what PBTA (Personal Branding Through Appearance) aims to create.  With his background he has a terrific stage and video presence and his message is quite powerful. Be Your Brand.  To take that a step further, if you are your own brand then your wardrobe is your logo. That's what Personal Branding Through Appearance is all about.

A large part of creating a brand is color.  Color effects emotion not only in the wearer but in the viewer.  The colors you see in logos, commercial interiors and packaging is very intentional.  So when you are dressing your brand remember the impact that color can have. 

This video by William Arruda is a clever exploration into the color green. Stay tuned as I share more with you on color and the effect it can have both visually and emotionally.

"Is Green The Color Of Your Brand" by William Arruda; Personal Branding TV

A Rant, A Rave and A Request

The good news is, I have invented a concept that challenges people's perception of what they think they know. A true entrepreneurial moment!
The bad news is, I have invented a concept that challenges people's perception of what they think they know.  The scratching and clawing my way out of the box that people want to immediately put me in never ends.

Here's how it usually goes:
Party Goer I: "So what do you do?"
Me: "I created a process called 'Personal Branding Through Appearance' designed to give specific tools to entrepreneurs, consultants and service professionals to help them bridge the gap between how the feel and how they look by supporting personal style development and strategic wardrobe management."
Party Goer II: "Oh so are you like those people on 'What Not To Wear'?!"
Party Goer I: "Yeah, I love that show. They are so mean."
Me: "Um, no.  I actually provide tools to create ownership in an empowering setting like individual consultations or corporate workshops that drive motivation through brand talent."
Party Goer II: "So do you do personal shopping?"
Party Goer I: "Did you go to Fashion Week? Oh my gosh, are you judging what I'm wearing now?"
Party Goer II: "Yeah, or like that show 'The Rachel Zoe Project'. She's so mean"
Party Goer I: "I know. I love that show".
Me: Sigh. "Cocktail anyone?"

The Rant. I'm a Branding Expert that after 17 years of doing it for the apparel and gourmet food industry I invented a  concept for identifying your personal brand and creating a strategic approach to supporting it visually.  If you are your own brand your wardrobe is your logo.

The Rave. I'm not an advocate of following trends and I honestly don't categorize myself as fashion obsessed.  Meaning, I don't care who's got what on which runway, and I certainly don't associate myself with the Fashionista world. 

My target audience is the Fast Company, Inc., Entrepreneur magazine reader. My goal is to be featured in one of those magazines and speak at the companies that value having empowering their employees to embrace their personal brand and authenticity because they know the benefit is a team of people that relate to their brand they work for and take more ownership in it.

The Request. Please don't ask me to judge how you look.  I can't and won't. You are hard enough on yourself without me doing that. Please don't call me an "Image Consultant" (its just such a negative word). I'm a Persoal Brand Style Consultant. And finally, please don't ask if I'm like "What Not To Wear".  That makes for entertaining TV (if you're in to public humiliation), but it is not a positive life experience. 

Give people rules and they'll break them.  Give them tools and they'll take ownership.

Listen Up Service Professionals, Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Consultants! Brand Yourself Through Your Appearance

Brand Yourself Through Your Appearance - Teleseminar
Date: April 05, 2010
Time: 10:00am EST (9:00am CST, 8:00am MST, and 7:00am PST)
Sponsored by: A Red Bench
Description:

“Tired. Worn out. Out of date. Drab. Does this sound like your wardrobe? Whether you are dressing for a new consultation, a networking event, a date or taking your kids to the park, many days we stand in front of our closets and say, I’ve got nothing to wear!” To create great style, and make the right choices for you, there has to be a connection between identity and image. Attend our next live teleclass with Personal Style Expert, Darcey Howard, owner of LifeStyled and founder of "Personal Branding Through Appearance" and we'll help you bridge the gap between how you feel and how you look. Don't worry. This isn't about bright orange suits, $3,000 hand bags or dresses that require tape to stay on. LifeStyled is about you, your own personal style, the life you want to lead and how you want to wear it. The facts are you have about 6 seconds to make an impression so from calm and casual, to slick and stylish, to professional and powerful, we'll teach you how to identify the personal style that plays to your strengths, increase your self confidence and make you feel like the person you've always wanted to be. Darcey says, "If you are your own brand then your wardrobe is your logo."

On the call, we will talk about how to develop your own style, how to create a fantastic capsule wardrobe you can grow from and share some do and don’t of the pros. Best part, as an organizer, many of us work with clients on closet organizing project so you can share what you learn on our call with your clients. How many clients have held up a sweater with shoulder pads and said, “Is this out of style?” Using what you learn on this call you can help them project the image they want to portray and use this class as a CEU.

Register: REGISTER NOW FOR BRAND YOURSELF THROUGH YOUR APPEARANCE!

Black Is Not A Color and Its Not Your Brand

"Our society wants you to fit in so it can ignore you" - Seth Godin

Ever wonder what it takes to create a personal brand that speaks to your intended audience,attracts your ideal customers and gets you noticed?

Having a brand doesn't just apply to copiers and breakfast cereal.
As a consultant, coach or service based business you are more than a business owner.

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You are your brand.
Own your personal brand and refuse to be ignored!
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As experts in building brand integrity for businesses and individuals, Margaret Prusan, Professional Business Consultant & Darcey Howard, Personal Branding & Style Consultant, will provide the tools, tips and guidelines you can put into place immediately to make sure you stand out in a crowd versus just fitting in.

Come away with...
• Clarity of how your personal brand is conveyed and perceived both visually and professionally.
• Tools for bridging the gap between how you feel, how you look and how you sell.
• Knowledge on how to leverage your USP (Unique "Style" Proposition) to attract ideal customers
• Guidelines to identify, build and maintain your personal brand and leverage it in your business.

Don't miss this opportunity to get what your personal brand needs to not be ignored.
Cost is just $37.00

Simply click here to pay.


Join Margaret Prusan, founder of Illumin LLC, and Darcey Howard, founder of Personal Branding Through Appearance & LifeStyled, Ltd., on April 20th at 12:00. See complete details below.
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"Black is Not a Color "
Workshop

April 20th, 2010
12:00 - 2:30p.m.
In Good Company Workplaces
16 W. 23rd St., 4th Flr.
New York City
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To sign up or for more information, please contact Darcey at darcey@getlifestyled.com or Margaret at margaret@illumin.biz

We look forward to seeing you soon!