Create a Climate for Success by Mastering Your Total Image - Part 2

In part 1 of this series, we discussed your Total Image and the first of several essential components - Your Hidden Image. This month, we’ll continue discussion your Total Image with the second component: Your Reputation.

Your Reputation can be defined several ways - according to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English language, there are three main definitions:

1. The general estimation in which a person is held by the public.

2. The state or situation of being held in high esteem.

3. A specific characteristic or trait ascribed to a person or thing, i.e. a reputation for courtesy.

All that said, your Reputation is one of the most valuable assets to your business and personal life. You must know - and be concerned with - what others are saying about you. Not to the point of obsession, but it is important to know how you are seen in your community.

One of the fastest ways to destroy a good reputation is to become known as someone who does not follow up their words with actions. Too often in today’s society, business professionals who you hold in high esteem do not earn that standing because they don’t follow through on what they say they will do.

How do you treat your clients? Can you state confidently that you treat all your clients with equal respect and courtesy? When trying to establish rapport and a relationship with a potential or new client, it is essential that you listen thoroughly and completely to what they are saying as well as what they are NOT saying.

Even after you’ve established a rapport with a potential client, never leave them feeling brushed off or unappreciated - they are likely to dwell on the experience and as in our previous installment, not only feel badly about how they’ve been treated, but tell 7 others about the treatment they received.

One of the ways you can encourage trust, respect and courtesy with clients is to maintain eye contact during your conversation. Your eyes are one of your most essential and important communicators - they speak volumes without you ever saying a word.

Looking your client straight in the eye communicates confidence, honesty and interest - all qualities you’d like them to associate with you and your business. Try to take brief breaks in your eye contact so the interaction doesn’t become confrontational - you also need to gauge the other person’s reactions and allow them time to respond.

Your Visual Image is equally important to your success as an entrepreneur - though you may see certain clients infrequently, there are many other aspects of your Image that must be dealt with: how your promotional materials reflect your business status and expertise, and even how you answer the phone.

As a rule of thumb, consider investing one month’s income (not profit, income) per year into your professional wardrobe. Knowing you look good will go a long way toward helping others to treat you with the respect due your professional status. Take some time to choose your professional wardrobe, and build in some time and dollars for inevitable alterations.

Clothing is mass-marketed to an ‘average’ body type, size and height that may not even exist outside the world of ‘fit models’ used to check garment construction. If you are like me and have a ‘real’ body versus one of those airbrushed creations from a fashion magazine, you’ll find that most clothing won’t fit perfectly off the rack. Take the time and invest in alterations that won’t add a ton to the cost of your clothing, but will make a huge difference in how you LOOK in the clothing.

Every day, you can make slight and subtle changes in your look that will move you from ‘everyman’ or ‘everywoman’ into the ’stylish, professional and business-appropriate’ category. Take something you’ve previously worn (or recently purchased) and study it in detail.

This could be a suit, shoes, undergarments or accessories - try to see them with new eyes and use new combinations to create fresh looks with little or no cash outlay. Use your accumulated knowledge to purchase a business appropriate but different look the next time you go shopping, and don’t forget - there are image professionals all over the U.S., Canada and the world who stand ready to assist you in creating a Total Image that reflects your professional status.

About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of “Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image”. She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com

The Best Hair Replacement for Men

Choosing the right type of hair replacement procedure depends on the severity of the baldness that an individual is experiencing. How do you know if you are qualified for hair replacement?

Although it’s true that hair replacement surgery can improve appearance and boost self-esteem, there are cases in which the results of the surgery don’t measure up to the expected results. The smart thing to do before undergoing hair replacement surgery is to discuss all your expectations with your doctor. Don’t be afraid to offer suggestions on how you want your hair to look. Remember that your appearance will be greatly affected by your new hair - they say that the hair is a person’s crowning glory. so make sure that it will really enhance your looks before committing to a surgical procedure.

Another important thing to understand about hair replacement procedures is the need for an existing area of thick, healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head since these areas will serve as the donor areas for the hair replacement. It’s these areas from which the “donations” will be taken, and the outcome of your hair replacement procedure will depend on things like hair color and texture.

In the cases of men who suffer from a thin frontal hairline while also being bald on the crown, surgeons will sometimes use multiple hair replacement techniques in order to get better results.

Most men, after reviewing various hair replacement procedures, opt for hair transplantation. It’s important to understand what the process of hair transplantation entails to understand why it’s preferred by most men.

Hair transplantation involves moving small sections of scalp where hair still grows from the donor area of the head to the bald or thinning area, usually at the top of the scalp. This procedure also includes modern techniques in hair grafting which are performed by expert physicians in most hospitals or clinics.

Moreover, in hair transplantation no new hair is added, only existing hair and skin that is relocated to some bald or thinning areas of the head. The skin grafts used for this type of procedure vary in size and in shape. There are actually five types of skin grafts used in hair transplantation: punch grafts, mini-grafts, micro-grafts, slit grafts and strip grafts.

Hair transplantation is not a quick hair restoration procedure, as it involves several surgical sessions before an entire bald area is transplanted with skin grafts. Aside from that, a recovery time is required in between sessions - for some major cases of baldness it can take years before you’ll get to see the final results of the series of transplants that you have undergone.

Even though hair transplantation takes a much longer time to complete, you can be sure of the quality of the results. This is probably the reason why most men prefer this procedure.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Health and Beauty related topics. To access more information on laser hair replacement or on man hair replacement, please click on the links.

Teeth Whitening Tooth Bleaching & Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Tooth whitening is a common practice in general dentistry. Many people believe that white teeth are the greatest contribution to a perfect smile. As a person ages, teeth often become darker and stained. This is due to many factors including a change in the mineral structure of the tooth or stains such as coffee and tobacco. White teeth are now becoming more desirable with the spread of American culture worldwide. White teeth are often associated with ‘Hollywood smiles’.

There are two popular methods of bleaching teeth. One is called the ‘office bleach’ which applies a high concentration of oxidizing agents for a short period of time. This procedure generally yields fast results, but can sometimes risk chemical burns. To prevent the risk of burns, the office generally uses a light-cured protective lawyer painted on the gums.

Another popular method of teeth bleaching requires the patient to use a mouthguard or strip to hold the oxidizing agent along the teeth for several hours a day. This can range from a period of 4 - 15 days and can be performed in the courtesy of your own home. This process is slower, but can still have the same risk to the gums.

Discover how a healthy smile can improve your lifestyle by whitening your teeth. Many people never realize how simple and affordable it really is.

To learn more about teeth whitening or cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website at http://www.resource4dentistry.com This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

Eye Allergies Types

Allergic conjunctivitis is divided into several subtypes depending on the nature of the allergen. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, medication reactions, contact lens allergy, giant papillary conjunctivitis, contact eye allergies and toxic papillary reactions are some of the most common type of eye allergies.

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis: Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis as the name suggests are eye allergies caused during the particular season of a year. In it the eyes become red, watery and itchy. Persons affected also have burning sensation and eyelid swelling. During the summer season, it is caused due the exposure to grass and different types of tree pollen. In the fall, it is caused mainly due to the exposure to weed pollen. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is sometimes referred as ‘hay fever eyes or hay fever conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.’ An estimated 25% of American population is affected by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Topical antihistamine, topical decongestants and mast cell stabilizers are the ideal treatments. An ophthalmologist should be consulted, if there is a decrease in vision or excessive pain or thick discharge,

Vernal Conjunctivitis: Vernal conjunctivitis is a severe form of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and is mainly seen in children and youngsters. In it the eye become itchy, red and watery and develops pain. The eyes become sticky due to a discharge and are quite hard to open. The pain intensifies when opening the eyes after sleeping. The inner membranes of the eyelids swell and conjunctiva has change in appearance. Vernal conjunctivitis should be treated immediately as it can lead to corneal damage.

Topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and low dose topical steroids are the most effective form of treatment. The occurrence of the allergy is more common during late spring, when dry and dusty conditions prevail. Using sunglasses can be very helpful.

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis: Perennial allergic conjunctivitis occurs throughout the year and can be caused by both indoor and outdoor allergens. The main causes are house dust mites, pet dander and several other indoor allergens. In it the eyes become mildly itchy, watery and red.

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis: Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is one of the most severe forms of eye allergies. People with eczema are more prone to it. Continuous itching and dry eyes are the common symptoms, which is followed by blurred vision. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis, also referred as eczema eyes, if not treated can lead to corneal swelling and conjunctival scarring. This form of eye allergy is quite rare and is seen mainly in older people.

Apart from airborne allergens, atopic keratoconjunctivitis can be caused by common food substances. Topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers and short term use of steroids are the ideal treatment. This type of allergy should be treated immediately as there have been rare cases which have led to blindness.

Medication Reactions: Eye allergies can be caused by the intake of certain medicines. Conjunctival swelling and itching are the common reactions. The reactions occur immediately and can vary from mild to severe. Anesthetics, bacitracin, topical penicillin, and sulfacetamide are some of the medicines which can trigger eye allergies.

Dan is the owner of Contact Lenses - An easy to use search directory for contact lenses

An Introduction To Natural Skin Care

Research indicates that self-confident people perform well at work and have secure relationships. Great looking skin makes one feel good and adds to self-confidence. While some people are born with flawless skin, others have to work hard to achieve it. Even individuals blessed with a lovely complexion need to take care of their skin regularly.

Natural skin care involves the application of naturally occurring materials to cleanse, refresh, and nourish skin. These materials are readily available, inexpensive, and harmless unless one is allergic to any of them.

Different skin types require different skin care products and beauty regimens. People with normal skin can use a number of natural aids to enhance their looks. A mask made of fresh apple juice and honey can be applied on the face and neck and rinsed off after 20 minutes. A mix of orange-peel powder, oatmeal, and milk can also be used effectively.

Oily skin tends to be problematic, especially during adolescence. A mask of raw egg whites and freshly squeezed lemon juice can help to reduce the oiliness. This mask should be washed off with warm water. A mask made with grated cucumber and rosewater can also work magic on oily skin.

Dry skin tends to get drier with age and to look rough. A concoction of mashed ripe banana, honey, and olive oil can be applied to refresh and nourish dry, tired-looking skin. Ripe strawberries, mashed and mixed with fresh cream can also be used.

Two masks should ideally be applied on combination skin, simultaneously. One mask should take care of the T-zone and the other, the rest of the face and the neck. Alternatively, one can add olive or almond oil to the same mask to take care of the drier areas. A mask made of oatmeal and yogurt can be applied to the T-zone. Honey can be added to this mask, for the drier zone.

To sum up, natural skin care can improve the texture of all skin types, at a minimum cost. However, this care has to be supplemented with a nutritious, low-fat diet, regular exercise, and plentiful sleep to obtain glowing skin that earns praise.

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