As a personal stylist, and 5th generation expert in the fashion and clothing business, I have seen an amazing resurgence in business professionals who are taking life-changing steps to become their “personal best” and elevate their personal brand. With so many meetings done virtually on Zoom or other apps, it’s even more important to be aware of the five factors that can work FOR YOU, or work AGAINST YOU. Before I reveal those five instrumental factors that can help you the most, I want to pose this question to you: “How do you want the world to see you?”
Most people will say, “I want to be seen as experienced, credible, knowledgeable, a great resource, or maybe someone who is personable and easy to talk to. Whatever way you want to be seen by others, I’m here to tell you, there’s a way to make that happen – and it’s not as hard as you may think.
Over the past three decades of my life, I’ve helped 100’s of professionals, both in the U.S. and abroad, build, refine and polish their image while serving as their Personal Branding Image Consultant and Fashion Stylist. While many people think they are limited by what they were born with, I’m here to tell you that this is a misconception. You are NOT limited by your physical presence – it is just a starting point from which we build and create the best you possible!
So how does this transformation come about? I have a “secret process” that I’ve developed as a result of COVID. I call it my “5-Step Zoom Makeover Process” and it is the ultimate answer to any problems that may present themselves in this “Age of Zoom.” These include 1. Camera and Camera Angle, 2. Lighting/Sound, 3. Background, 4. Clothing Color that works best on you in the space you are in and 5. Zoom-specific Make-up Techniques.
I’m going to hone in on Step # 3, which focuses on how to make the most of your background to elevate your personal brand
As we all know, your background on Zoom calls shows everything in view of your camera. I’m sure we’ve all seen worst-case scenarios with clutter on people’s desks, distracting lighting or camera angles that are off-kilter or just unprofessional in their appearance. If you are not aware of the issues your background is creating, it will continue to work against you.
In my role as a Personal Branding Image Consultant, I provide an objective assessment and real-time suggestions for your camera and camera angle, lighting, and background. These simple modifications will increase engagement, improve trust and elevate your credibility. This is something that not everyone is an expert at creating. Others may choose to have a customized, branded virtual background created that displays your logo or company name and works with your company image, hair color and skin tone.
You may be surprised by how effective a customized, virtual branded background can work in projecting a positive impression on those who view you in meetings. In fact, my research has revealed that those who take the time to improve how they show-up online experience a higher level of engagement with their clients and target audience, resulting in a higher closing rate and more successful meetings.
Whether you choose to focus on just one component of a professional background or open yourself up to the experience of all five interactive options in my 5-Step Zoom Makeover Process, you are sure to be pleased with the results. You can look forward to a greater feeling of confidence, a clearer, more focused sense of your personal brand, and a more positive response by those whom you meet in this virtual world in which we live.
If you would like a complimentary meeting to assess the steps you can take to elevate your online personal brand and become the best “virtual you,” please contact me by clicking on this link: Contact Shelley Golden Style.
Remember: Your virtual image is now your calling card. Make sure that what you present is the best version of yourself, as that’s how people are going to remember you!
