Brian Maynor September 5, 2013
September 4, 2013
By Brian Maynor
September 5, 2013
September 5, 2013
Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at the Professional Women’s Networking of the Midlands luncheon. These women were amazing, engaged, passionate and real about their struggles with image, success and juggling the multiple hats they wear every day. During the conversation we were able to zoom out and talk about all three elements of image and see how they related to each other.
When writing these articles I often focus on appearance and the role it plays in your image so today I would like to look at all three elements. Each element of image has countless facets, options and implications that all work to build and create your image. The goal is to have them all working together reinforcing a single message. Here are my thoughts about each element of image and storyboards inspired by the phenomenal women I met last week:
1. Appearance. Often the ‘star’ of image because it is the most tangible. We consciously decide what clothes to buy, how we style them and when we wear them. Throughout the entire process we are actively engaged. Shouldn’t we be as actively engaged in our attitude and behavior as well?
2. Attitude. It doesn’t take much to gage someone’s attitude. In fact all it takes is a single observation. By simply looking at someone you can tell what kind of mood they are in and after a few times those observations become a general impression of their character.
Since attitude is emotional and mental people perceive it in various ways: posture, facial expressions and general interactions. So many of these are unconscious responses or habits it can be difficult to objectively assess or change them without concentration and dedication. Luckily that is where good friends come in and play an important role.
3. Behavior. This is all about action. My mother was very conscientious about basic social graces and etiquette to instill in us the ability to be polite and well mannered at all times without having to think about it. It is one of the lessons for which I am eternally grateful. Whenever there is a new or uncomfortable situation good manners are an easy, appropriate ‘auto pilot’ reaction.
Each element of image: appearance, attitude and behavior are cues to what we are thinking, how we are feeling and generally what we want others to know about ourselves, but the three of them together is what makes our image. Looking the part is only one piece of the puzzle. Thinking and acting the part are just as important.
When writing these articles I often focus on appearance and the role it plays in your image so today I would like to look at all three elements. Each element of image has countless facets, options and implications that all work to build and create your image. The goal is to have them all working together reinforcing a single message. Here are my thoughts about each element of image and storyboards inspired by the phenomenal women I met last week:
1. Appearance. Often the ‘star’ of image because it is the most tangible. We consciously decide what clothes to buy, how we style them and when we wear them. Throughout the entire process we are actively engaged. Shouldn’t we be as actively engaged in our attitude and behavior as well?
2. Attitude. It doesn’t take much to gage someone’s attitude. In fact all it takes is a single observation. By simply looking at someone you can tell what kind of mood they are in and after a few times those observations become a general impression of their character.
Since attitude is emotional and mental people perceive it in various ways: posture, facial expressions and general interactions. So many of these are unconscious responses or habits it can be difficult to objectively assess or change them without concentration and dedication. Luckily that is where good friends come in and play an important role.
3. Behavior. This is all about action. My mother was very conscientious about basic social graces and etiquette to instill in us the ability to be polite and well mannered at all times without having to think about it. It is one of the lessons for which I am eternally grateful. Whenever there is a new or uncomfortable situation good manners are an easy, appropriate ‘auto pilot’ reaction.
Each element of image: appearance, attitude and behavior are cues to what we are thinking, how we are feeling and generally what we want others to know about ourselves, but the three of them together is what makes our image. Looking the part is only one piece of the puzzle. Thinking and acting the part are just as important.
Click on the images below to find out more about the outfit.
Click on the images below to find out more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian M
aynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
About Brian Maynor
Brian M
aynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
