ENG: Thursday, January 27

Nurturing influential contacts and carefully cataloguing a successful career's details demand a thoughtfully subdued wardrobe when meeting the hiring authority, Image Analyst Debbie Revenaugh told Executive Network Group (ENG) members during her "Image with Impact" presentation at ENG's January 27 meeting.

Citing John T. Molloy's standard on personal grooming, Dress for Success, Revenaugh playfully enlisted the cooperation of several ENG members to illustrate how conservative dress is the best choice for an interview. While none of ENG's obliging mannequins chose a Nehru jacket to augment tastefully flared bellbottoms, the skit charted the course to follow to achieve a classically understated appearance.

Using specific examples ranging from shoe selection (Leave the loafers in the closet) to whether to wear a shirt with a button-down collar (Resist the temptation), Revenaugh declared that studies show 58% of the impression you leave is based on your appearance, 35% on your posture, but only 7% on what you say.

Urging ENG members to adopt a conservatively appropriate blue, gray, or black outfit, Revenaugh said that some industries tolerate fashion excursions better than others do. While an advertising firm might react well to that bright yellow silk tie, a bank might find it inappropriate. Her message: Know your audience.

Revenaugh urged ENG members to adopt The Rule of 12s to forge a positive first impression (see: http://www.winwinselling.com/getthisjob/appearance/indexb.htm):

It takes 12 seconds to make a (good) first impression and the rest of your life to undo (a bad one).
The first 12 words you speak should include some form of thanks.
The first 12 steps you take should project poise and confidence.
The first 12 inches from your shoulders down should be a reflection of the quality of the person you are.

Debbie concluded her presentation with some practical advice about "Business Casual" dress: Leave the jeans and sandals at home; wear a shirt with a collar and either Dockers or chinos; and feel welcome to break out the loafers.

Revenaugh's contact information and presentation outline follow:

Debbie Revenaugh
Independent Sales Director
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Green Oaks, Illinois 60048
Office: 847/367-9246
Mobile: 773/575-3780
e-mail: drevenaugh@marykay.com

-- by R. T. Jones (2/4/2005)

CAREER IMAGE -- by Debbie Revenaugh

Objective
" LEARN TO MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
" DRESS WELL ON A LIMITED BUDGET
" CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOOK FOR YOUR INDUSTRY & JOB FUNCTION
" REAP THE REWARDS OF A GOOD IMAGE

DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE
" MONEY
" RESPONSIBILITY
" PUBLIC CONTACT
" PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
" SKILLS TRAINING
" FEEL GOOD

DRESS THE PART
" RULE OF 12
" BASIC WARDROBE
" GENERAL GROOMING

RULE OF 12
" 12 FEET
" 12 SECONDS
" 12 INCHES
" 12 WORDS

BASIC WARDROBE
" WOMEN - SUITS
" BLUE
" MAROON, GREEN, GREY
" SKIRT LENGTH
" BLOUSES
" JEWELRY
" ACCESSORIES

BASIC WARDROBE
" MEN - SUITS
" NAVY
" GREY, BLACK, PINSTRIPE
" PANT LENGTH
" SHIRTS
" SHOES

PROFESSIONAL IMPRESSION
" PURSE
" TOTE BAG
" BRIEF CASE
" ONE HAND FREE
" PEN & PAPER

GENERAL GROOMING
" HAIR & NAILS
" SHOES & STOCKINGS
" FRAGRANCE
" MAKE-UP
" EYEGLASSES

BEING PROFESSIONAL
" LOOK AND ACT PROFESSIONALLY
" HIGH FASHION DOESN'T WIN!
" YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE

DEVELOP YOUR STYLE
" BEST COLORS
" STYLES THAT WORK
" FASHION MAGAZINES

CASUAL DAY
" WOMEN
" NO MIDRIF SKIN EXPOSURE
" CASUAL PANTS, SKIRTS, BLOUSES
" MEN
" DOCKERS, CHINOS
" COLLARED SHIRTS
" NO JEANS
" NO FLIP FLOPS