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Linda Thomas AICI CIP designs and delivers
“Image Awareness”
programs throughout corporate America. Linda earned the credentials
of Certified Image Professional through the Association of
Image Consultants International, is an award winning member
of the National Speakers Association of North Texas and a
published author.
Rave Reviews
"We were impressed with Linda's Image
Coaching Seminars. The quality of the presentation exceeded
our expectations. The lasting impact has been the awareness
that Linda created among our employees."
Lisa Ong
WorkLife Leader,
Dallas Diversity PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC
"Linda is a thoroughly knowledgeable
image expert who comes across with great warmth and sincerity.
Our employee-based audience gave her rave reviews and were
eager to learn more."
Stephen M. Booher
Senior Training Specialist
City of Irving Texas
"Your presentation focused on our key
concerns. It was great that they were addressed in such a
positive way."
Mary Ann Sadowski
Firm Administrator
Chapman,
Hext & Co., P.C.
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Innovative Authentic
Education: The Power of Color in Your Closet, Part 1
There is power in your closet and it is in
the color of your clothes. All people have a physiological
response to color. Assuming your closet is already filled
with favorites (where every item fits you perfectly for your
body as it honestly is today), look to the colors you choose
to wear to give you the extra impact to achieve all your goals!
For people in business, the most effective colors are
charcoal grey and navy blue. Even though spring
is here and bright colors are in fashion, there is power in
colors we think of as boring or just for winter. When you
are dealing with money, professionals and legal matters, your
clients and/or prospects want to be reassured that you are
dependable, trustworthy and focused on the matters at hand.
The darker the shade of every color, the more down to earth
and reliable you appear. Grays project authority. Blues project
trust. Darken these two colors and you can see why they are
so effective when you attend a meeting to sign a contract,
discuss a raise or promotion, or deal with lawyers and bankers.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the lighter a shade
is, the softer your impact is on others. If you are a leader
on a project, in your company or an association, your purpose
is not always to be in the limelight. There are times you
need to gather information while NOT drawing attention to
yourself. There are times you need to deliver hard news, conduct
an exit interview or deal with an emotionally charged group
of people. Pastel blue, soft yellows, light pinks will help
you visually soothe the people you could be at odds with.
These are situations when you do not wear red.
Red is known as “the” power color, but
here is the reasoning behind that. When we see red, our blood
pressure slightly raises and our brain activity increases.
Wearing red is great for when you are giving a presentation
and you want people to remember what you said. When people
see you in red, it helps them retain your message. That is
because with their brain activity in a more heightened state
when they hear and see your presentation. Red is not the color
to wear if you are announcing layoffs, bad news or any message
that others will find upsetting.
So many women have closets with an overabundance of black
clothes. We think it hides our flaws and/or extra weight.
It can, but black does more than that. It is a great networking
color among others in leadership positions. Yet when we are
with subordinates, head-to-toe black can be seen as a wall
around the authority figure. This can stop the flow of open
communication. People can see you as the leader (when you
wear black), but may not volunteer feedback, insight or information,
if they do not want to challenge you as the leader. “She
can handle it,” may be the attitude as others remain
in the background watching you handle the hard tasks. If you
are a manager and your department is not forthcoming with
you, you may be overwhelming them with the black in your wardrobe.
Medium shades of any other color will draw others to you when
you want more interaction.
Look for part 2 of this series in the next Ezine.
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