Have you ever seen yourself on a videotape? Have you heard your voice on a tape recorder or phone recorded message? Have you examined your photographs? How did you look and sound – to yourself? Were you projecting the type of image you would like others to see? These self-images are very important because they give you an idea of how you come across to other people, either positively or negatively. Projecting an appropriate image to other people significantly hastens the development of trust and rapport with them. With an appropriate image, other people will feel much more comfortable and much more at ease around you, thus making it easier for you to communicate with them. On the other hand, if your image is inappropriate, it will create a roadblock that will severely hamper effective communication.

The success of any personal encounter begins the second someone lays eyes on you

Never underestimate the power of your own image. When you dress in a way that lets people know you have a sense of security, and present yourself in a professional manner, it makes a huge difference. Everyone makes snap judgments about the people they come in contact with every day. Your appearance contributes to others’ opinions of you.

Enthusiasm is magnetic–positive or negative. Enthusiastic people draw others to them; unenthusiastic people repel others away from them. When you outwardly show enthusiasm yourself, the same attitude will rub off on others – and vice versa. The choice is yours. Which will you choose?

From the beginning to the end of every interaction with another person, you are on stage–like it or not. Every word, gesture, expression, and impression that you project will be seen and evaluated, consciously or subconsciously, by others. That image you project will facilitate or impede your success with others. Therefore, go through great pains to make sure that the image you project in each and every transaction is an image that helps facilitate and foster open, honest, and trusting communications. Project a professional image.

Projecting a professional image is one of the factors to business success. It is a major part of corporate image, and therefore important to organizations. Professional image can be enhanced by dressing and grooming appropriately, and by developing a positive self-image and strong group image. Today, people tend to spend more time and invest heavily on their outlook to achieve that success. People become smarter as competition gets stronger. Therefore, packaging is essential in the business world today.

The great American poet and essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson, once said: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” If you want others to show enthusiasm for you and your ideas, you must project that quality yourself. It doesn’t just happen.