Finding Your Personal Style

Having spent the past few weeks at numerous events and chatting to many men and women it seems as we get older you can fall into one of two categories. You gain more confidence in your style and clearly know who you are and how you want to dress. Or you have lost your way and are looking for inspiration to define your style now. You could be stuck back in a moment of time, yet your lifestyle has changed and your current look does not meet that brief.

The best place to start is to think about the following questions.

1. What is your current life style? How do you spend each day and what do you need or want to wear.

2. What style do you like on others that you are inspired by? It is not about being someone else, it is about idea gathering. Understanding what will suit you and your body shape.

3. What do you want your clothes to say about you? Your outfit will tell a story and you are the author so choose how you are presented.

Then from there take some time to review what is in your wardrobe and select the pieces that match the story and style you want to tell. Create a list of what is missing and then over time and when budget permits start your journey to evolve and update the wardrobe.

This is not about buying expensive designer clothing, unless that is your preference, this is about creating a style you feel stylish, comfortable and your authentic self in. It can be so easy to be stuck in a rut and go to the same pieces every day. We wear 20% of our wardrobe, 80% of the time. Challenge your self to change it up.

I love to find inspiration through people watching, social media channels like Instagram and Pinterest, in magazines (I am old school) and wandering through boutiques. If you need any assistance the personal styling world is filled with talented stylists who can help you along the way.

Finding your personal style might just be the refresh you need.

What Is Your Elevator Pitch And Why Do You Need One?

An elevator pitch is the way you tell someone all of the important details about you or your business in a short amount of time. The name came about as if you were getting into an elevator and you only had a certain number of floors to sell yourself before that person needed to exit the elevator. 

They say the right pitch can make an impact and ensure someone will want to connect and learn more. 

If you only had 30 seconds to sell who you are or your business could you do this in a concise and compelling way?

If you google search “elevator pitch” you will come across ideas and templates that could assist you in drafting your version, although I came across this framework by Cydcor, an American company who specialises in outsourcing sales that I thought was simple and effective to follow. 

https://www.cydcor.com/blog/2019/02/craft-your-best-elevator-pitch/

An elevator pitch in 9 steps;

1. Headline - introduction and brief statement about you or your business

2. Audience - adjust your pitch depending on who you are speaking to

3. Branding - identify your unique value add

4. Rule of Three - stay with no more than three big ideas

5. Benefits - be clear on what are the benefits of your products or services

6. Proof - back up your statements with compelling facts

7. 30-Second Test - stay under 30 seconds with the pitch

8. Call to Action - be clear about what you want the listener to do next

9. Rehearse - practice makes perfect

All critical steps to build a memorable pitch. Step 8 is often forgotten, be crystal clear on what action you want the listener to take. Be ready to share your contact details so they can connect or take theirs so you can follow up. Step 9 is the most critical, pretend you are an actor practicing your lines so you can nail that 30 second sell. Practice in front of your family or friends and ask for feedback so you can hone your pitch skills to deliver that concise and compelling message. 

How To Define Your Personal Brand

Everyone has a personal brand whether you think you do or not. How people perceive you no matter how long they have known you (years versus minutes) is wrapped up as your personal brand.

Think about how you “market yourself” what you say, do and present is your brand. Stop and do some self reflection, think about you and your life and what is important to you. Spend time identifying your core qualities and values - what makes you unique?

Step back and think about your purpose in life - what drives you? Simon Sinek an author and inspirational speaker provides valuable thoughts around starting with our why. If you have not watched the TedX talk called How Great Leaders Inspire Action, it is worth the 17 minutes and 48 seconds of your life. He digs deep into the understanding of the brand and the difference between what, how and why. 

Your brand is not all about how you look or what you wear, although judgements will be made about that. It is deeper than that, what you say and how you say it, is critical. From presenting yourself in an interview, to sending an email that has your signature at the bottom, to the way you treat the barista who makes your coffee - all make up your brand image. 

It is worth spending an afternoon mapping out the above and creating clarity because that also will breed consistency. If you are someone heading into the job market, think about how each interaction you have represents who you are. Stay on brand and be your authentic self. 

Image: Indie Lane