- Tell us something about yourself?
I am a certified Image Consultant and Director at Avancé Image Management. I have been trained at Image Consulting Business Institute, under the curriculum of Image Specialist Judith Rasband who is amongst the prestigious 8 Certified Image Masters in the world.
Academically, I hold a BMS degree from Narsee Monjee College of commerce and economics followed by a Masters Degree in Management from Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research.
Prior to starting my own venture, I have worked as Human Resource Manager across areas like recruitment and hiring practices, training and development, employee engagement, employee counseling and grievance handling.
During my interactions with people from varied backgrounds I realized that a lot of people were unaware on how to present themselves authentically and appropriately. I felt I could contribute towards this need gap. Combining my management education, professional experience and people skills, I hope to encourage people to reach their potential through Image Management.
- What is Image Management all about?
“First impression is the last impression” is an age old saying. Research proves that within seconds, people make observations and assumptions based on limited visual information and these first impressions can become one’s identity.
Image is all that an individual projects consciously or unconsciously—the way you look, care for, and carry yourself, your personal style, poise, and presence. It’s part of who you are on the inside, your personality, values, attitudes, interests, abilities, uniqueness, roles, and often your goals. Your image leads to perception which results in an impression in the minds of others.
Image Management is the ongoing, pro-active process of evaluating and controlling the impact of your appearance on yourself as well as others. It provides a framework addressing aspects like clothing, communication skills, grooming practices, etiquette, body language and behavioral skills. These elements contribute towards creating the right image for each role that you undertake in your professional, social and personal life.
Given that each person is unique, image management takes into account individuals goals, roles, personal style, physical attributes, personality and values. The techniques of image management help you enhance strengths and downplay weaknesses by making optimal use of available resources.
Image Management, thus, is not just the art of creating a positive impression but a thorough scientific process that can give you precise solutions to improve other people’s perception of you.
- Tell us something about your company Avancé Image Management?
“Avancé” (pronounced: ‘a-von-say’) is a French word which stands for progress.
At Avancé Image Management, evidently, we believe in progress. And progress happens when you project the most appropriate and authentic image from inside out… when you make optimum use of elements like clothing, body language, etiquette, grooming, behavioral and communication skills.
Our objective is to guide, coach and empower our clients using the art and science of Image Management which in turn helps them to progress towards their goals and eventually, succeed.
Avancé Image Management counsels individuals, corporate, retail stores and educational institutes on elements of image i.e.
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Communication
- Etiquette
At Avancé Image Management, we believe that “Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
- How can Image Management help BMS students?
With the increase in number of students graduating every year, there is fierce competition especially for entry level jobs. Research proves that the interviewer would decide whether the candidate is fit for the job within the first few minutes of interaction. You get those few critical minutes to put on display your education skills, work experience, abilities, personality, attitude and values. It is thus important to leave an impactful ‘first impression’.
BMS students have an edge over other streams because of the exposure to as well as practical understanding of business. However, studies show that candidates are assessed on 15% technical skills and 85% presentation skills. Your technical knowledge is just a small component of your success at the interview. A good part of your success depends on how you project yourself. So long as you do not get past this first hurdle, interviewers would see you as unemployable. Equipping BMS students with image management skills will help them project the right visual and behavioral styles to create a positive and lasting impression.
Today’s global economy demands professionalism and continued excellence in every front, at all times. Image management will prepare students with life skills to be impactful during classroom interactions, group projects, presentations, industry interactions, group discussions, etc. The Presentation, Conduction and Interaction of the students will add tremendous value to their social and personal lives as well.
- Is the Name of the Institute from where a student does his/her BMS important while entering into corporate world?
It does matter as a launching pad, but after that what matters is the student’s attitude, ability, presentation, performance and ethics.
- What message would you like to give to the students aspiring to work at management level?
Following are a few tips for students aspiring to work at management level.
- Dress for the job you want to and not the job you have. According to Brian Tracy, author of -The Psychology of Achievement – “Many men and women are disqualified from job opportunities because they do not look the part”
- Make an impression through your resume which is in most cases your ‘first impression’. Invest in professional help if required.
- Ensure professional image on social media. Recruiters will research you; make sure you convey a positive and professional image.
- Make sure you are well dressed and groomed at all times and not just at a class presentation or interview. Remember, you are being watched and judged at all times. You never know when opportunity knocks at your door.
- Always be at your best behavior as it is said ‘Behavior and etiquette can open doors that education cannot.’
- If you are hiring a person for a job, what would you look for?
With my experience in recruitment, the following are the key areas of assessment:
- Self presentation which forms a huge part of the first impression. Approximately 80% of communication is through Visual Elements i.e. Clothes, Grooming, Behavior & Body Language.
- Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely
- Cultural fit
- The interest shown by the candidate by conducting research about the company, asking questions about work environment, etc
- Behavior and body language before , during and after the interview
- Your feedback for BMS.co.in?
BMS.co.in is a great platform for students to share and learn together. It is also a great connect between the industry and management students. All the very best!
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