Virginia works with clients in a one-on-one coaching capacity to help them carefully craft their professional image. It’s an investment that will reap rewards immediately – like getting a job – but also throughout your career. Working with Rock Solid Resources will help bring out what makes you unique professionally and will help you polish those features that can take you to the next level in your career.

Overall there are two areas in which Virginia helps clients grow – professional appearance and professional behavior. Take a moment now to read on, learn more and take the first step toward a more confident, commanding and employable professional image.

Is 20 seconds a lot of time?  It depends.  Experts say, at the most, you have 20 seconds to make a great, first impression.  Is that enough time?  Do you know how to present yourself in the best possible way in these few short seconds?

According to Ann Richards, “Appearance is a powerful thing.  I know sometimes people can’t remember a word you’ve said, but can tell you exactly what you were wearing.”

Do you realize that in a mere 20 seconds, an Interviewer has probably already made a note of the following, regarding your appearance:

Your hair -- Cleanliness, neatness (guys check your neck), appropriate style, etc.

Your teeth -- When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned?

Your nails -- Are they neatly manicured? (This applies to BOTH men and women), nails clean, polish appropriate?

Your feet/shoes -- Are your shoes appropriate for the season? Are they clean, polished, in good condition?

BONUS:  Ask Virginia to share with you the four most critical, yet overlooked areas of your overall presentation. 

Your Professional Image is the total, overall package you present to others.  It should be a carefully crafted combination of your appearance and behavior.  Let Rock Solid Resources show you how to effectively interact in any business situation, to leave a positive impression behind.

Do you know what your “Power Color” is?  Everyone has at least one “Power Color”, although not everyone is aware of it.  Your “Power Color” is a color that does the following for you:

• Boosts your spirits
• Makes you feel more confident when wearing it
• Is a color you are consistently complimented on whenever you wear it

It’s important to become aware of your “Power Color” and look for ways to incorporate this color into your interviewing wardrobe.  Keep in mind your “Power Color” doesn’t have to be the main color theme.  It could also be very effective as an accent.  (Ex. scarf, pen, tie, pocket sash, etc.)

Isaac Mizrahi says, “Color is like food for the spirit. Plus it’s not addictive or fattening.”

• Business Professional
• Business Appropriate
• Business Casual
• ”Casual Friday”
• Business Dining -- includes breakfast, lunch and dinner

Are you aware of how you are perceived from your behavior? How you act in simple interpersonal exchanges helps people define “who” you are. Do you know how to handle the following behavior situations so that you present your best self and are perceived the way you want to be as a professional?

When meeting new people – during greetings and introductions. Are your comfortable with extending a handshake and what kind of handshake do you give? It’s important to master this simple gesture and build rapport quickly with business contacts.

When communicating in both verbal and nonverbal forms. One of the most critical functions of business and business people is communicating; especially in the job-hunt or interviewing process. In verbal communications, what does your voice say about you?  Is it too soft? Do you speak too fast? Do you have a distracting accent? Do you use slang or expletives inappropriately?

Your Professional Behavior is the actions people see that form an overall impression of “who” you really are. How you act should be seriously considered as part of your overall image.  Let Rock Solid Resources show you how to effectively present yourself verbally and non-verbally so that it’s you they remember most. . .but in a good way.

There are three important areas when professional behavior is under particular scrutiny – in the office, when dining with others and the use of cell phones. If you are polished in all other areas, these three can either take your image to the next level or tear down all your hard work. Do you have a plan for how you will personally handle these three situations? Let Rock Solid Resources put the final finishing touches on your professional image.

Avoid being known as the one hanging out gossiping at the “water cooler”.

Avoid being late or just walking in the door when you are to start work.

Respect closed doors.  Knock, and then wait for an acknowledgement before opening the door.

If someone is on the phone, don’t lurk around their door waiting for them to conclude. 

According to Ann A. Cooper, M.Ed, author of “Professional Image”, “The business meal can be a time to build networks, get to know customers, and enhance your role in your organization if you know how to conduct yourself appropriately.”

How to select and use the proper cutlery?

How to butter your roll properly?

How to politely let your server know your food is not to your liking?

What you should not order? 

How to know who is picking up the check?

What are three main faux paus you should never make when dining?

Put your cell phone on vibrate or turn off the ringer in the following settings:

Business meetings
Private Meetings
Libraries
Bookstores
Restaurants
Museums
Churches

Remember it is not necessary to speak louder when on a cell phone call.  This can be very distracting to those around you. 

Limit the amount of time you are on your cell phone when in a public place, out of respect for others.

Be careful not to give out any personal info while talking on your cell phone in a public setting.

Keep in mind, if you fail in the interview process, you may never know why.  You just won’t be selected and may even be given a dubious reason. Let Virginia Rockwell of Rock Solid Resources, share with you the “insider viewpoint” of the interviewing process, to help you stand out from the crowd.

Image coaching is confidential, private and reasonably priced. Make an investment now that will bring returns throughout your career.