Archive for Uncategorized

May
20

How to Perfect the Perfect Presentation

by Cosimina

As professionals we are often called upon to give a presentation to; colleagues, board members or the public. Many people are terrified at the thought of standing in front of a crowd to present. The ability to stand in front of a crowd and present with confidence and conviction will help you build your professional reputation in your industry.

Giving a great presentation is a learned skill. Here are some tips to perfect the perfect presentation.

Personality – Clothes speak for you.

Your clothes should reflect the clients image as well as your own. Consider the type of presentation, location what your audience will be wearing and dress one level one.

Poise - Demonstrate your professionalism by paying attention to the small details that will enhance your overall appearance.

Ensure your clothes fit correctly.
Clothes should be pressed and tidy, your hair neatly trimmed and your shoes polished.

Polish - Colour Texture and complementary tones give a polished finish to your appearance.

Wear colours that complement your skin tone, hair and eye-colour. Some contrast in your outfit will help you stand out in front of an audience. A contrasting scarf or tie, to help your audience maintain their attention upon you.
Avoid anything too busy or too blatantly bright as it can be visually disconcerting and won’t do much for the content of your talk.
Make-up should be fairly neutral with the object to look healthy and rested.
Try to find out what your backdrop will be. If you are presenting on a stage with a black background, your dark clothes will blend into the background. In contrast bright clothes will seem glaring in an extremely bright room.

Preparation – Do your research and know your audience.

WHO are you talking to? The better you know your audience, the better you can hold their attention by tailoring your material around their needs.
WHAT do you need to say? Write your speech with a clear outline of the points you want to make. Select a few key points and embellish these with examples and anecdotes. Build this into a complete manuscript, and read this aloud to ensure you are keeping your message to the point.
WHERE are you presenting? Arrive at the venue at least an hour early to make yourself comfortable with your surroundings. Check the microphone, lighting, audio-visual and any other factors that may affect your performance.

Practice – Your goal is to deliver a speech with clarity, confidence and passion.

Begin by practicing from your manuscript, and then simplify the speech to note-form.
Your may choose to record or video your speech. This will help you review your energy level, body language, eye contact and impact.

Presentation - Your opening sentence must have impact.

Come out punching with a startling statement, quote or story. Don’t waste precious seconds with “Ladies and Gentleman” and save any greetings or gratitude until you’ve grabbed the audience’s attention.
Deliver your speech with energy and passion.
Maintain your rapport with the audience. Encourage audience participation through questions or personal insights.
Use humour with caution: if your jokes fall flat, you will lose your credibility with the audience. Conversely, your audience will be puzzled if a speech that began humorously, abruptly becomes dry and serious.
Finish with a strong memorable closing statement or with a vivid example.

When delivering a presentation it is essential to connect with the audience both visually and verbally. Giving presentations is a great way to increase your visibility and gain credibility as a professional. People perceive you as being the expert on the topic you speak about. Your presentation message will gain your credibility and respect if the above points are delivered with equal importance and success.

0 Categories : Business Branding, leader, Personal Branding, Uncategorized

Apr
9

Does your office celebrate Casual Friday?

by Cosimina

Does your office celebrate Casual Friday?

It’s a good way to kick off the weekend isn’t it. Not having to worry about a stuffy suit or tie. For many places of employment it can be seen as a corporate response attempting to raise worker morale in a sometimes stifling white collar office environment. But now, it’s under threat. It’s time to leave the tropical shirt for Sunday’s only and suit up Monday to Friday. That’s the message Australian bosses are sending their employees in an attempt to clamp down on work wear that has become a little too “casual”. Corporate image expert Cosimina Nesci works with a number of organisations who are trying to re-establish a dress code in their offices. Emily first asked her what the problem with casual Friday is?

Click here to hear the interview with Rebecca Livingston

So does your organisation have Casual Friday? If so how casual?

0 Categories : Business Attire, Business Branding, Casual Friday, fashion, Grooming, Personal Branding, Professional Etiquette, Uncategorized

Mar
28

How to be voted BEST Boss

by Cosimina

As a boss or manager you have a responsibility not only to your organisation and its shareholders but to your employees. Demonstrating respect, communication and concern for them will benefit you and them.

Where employees are concerned, great leaders don’t take. Great leaders give. So how do you get voted the BEST Boss?

Make yourself available: Strike the right balance between paying attention to those you supervise and knowing when to leave them alone to do their job. Dropping by to ask about any concerns or give constructive feedback can motivate; overdoing it can become intrusive.
Communicate clearly: Make sure each worker understands the duties outlined in there job. A clear job description will ensure there is no confusion as to what is expected. When setting specific tasks ensure instructions are crystal clear.
Delegate responsibility and then trust your people. Micro-managers are never appreciated and shows disrespect toward the team member. Once you’ve trained someone to handle a task, allow him or her to handle it without interference. Different people have different approaches, and someone else’s way of doing something may be just as efficient as the way you would do it. Before you step in and force your way on anyone, give an honest evaluation to the method, and if you find it works just as well, even if it’s different from yours, let it be. Constantly correcting your people undercuts their confidence and does not allow them to exercise their own style.
Remember courtesy: Saying “please” and “thank you” when you speak to workers you supervise is a pleasant reminder that they are valued.
Praise a job well done: Giving compliments demonstrates that you understand the abilities of your workers and the skills required to fulfil the task. But remember compliments work best when they are sincere and well deserved.
Look ahead: Prevent conflicts between workers by ensuring everyone understands who is responsible for what. Be aware of employee relationships and be aware pf any conflicts that may be arising. It is better to resolve an issue before it affects all in the office.
Accept your mistakes: Blaming another person or another department demonstrates your unethical integrity. Always own up to your mistakes just as you expect your workers to.
Don’t delay delivering bad news: Announcing poor earnings, or the start of a project that will require considerable overtime should be done immediately, rather than waiting for the “right” time.
Hiring and Firing Effectively: Your team is counting on you to recruit the best talent for the group. You must hire people who have both the ability and the willingness to do the job well. Every team has a personality and you want to match new hires to the tempo of the team. Likewise, if you have a lazy employee, it is your job to work with him or her to see if improvement is possible. If not, you must replace him or her with a competent person. You must be willing to cut a team member who is unmotivated or not trainable. That will earn you needed respect.

A good boss or manager attracts exceptional staff; they make the organisation a preferred employer; they help to increase market share; add to profits and surpluses, and reduce costs. Their staff are engaged, committed and ‘go the extra mile’. sometimes it is difficult to personally assess if you are a good boss or manager. It is then to engage in a professional who can assess and evaluate your management skills. Many times it is a matter of developing your personal professional skills as a boss.

Do you have a unique key quality that makes you the BEST boss?

0 Categories : leader, management skills, Professional Etiquette, team building, Time management, Uncategorized

Mar
26

6 Secret to looking professional in a man’s suit

by Cosimina

How often do you walk through the city of Sydney and see a mirage of professional men wearing a suit? But have you ever noticed the men in suits just don’t look complete and polished. Just like corporate women it is the finer details that set you apart from the masses. Men generally wear are navy, black or charcoal suit but its the length or the amount of buttons or the colour of their sock that if incorrect can make them look messy and unprofessional.

Here are the 6 secrets to wearing a suit:

SUIT JACKET LENGTH: It should be about level with your knuckles or long enough to cover your seat. The latter seat rule is especially relevant to men with exceptionally long arms!
BUTTON YOUR JACKET: Two button jacket: button the top button; three button jacket: button the middle button. Unfasten your button only when seated!
SHOW SLEEVE: Show 1/4 to 1/2″ of shirt sleeve out of your jacket sleeve. This is a good rule and a great look!
PATTERNED SHIRTS: Can you wear a striped shirt with a pin striped suit or a check shirt with a plaid suit? YES, but it is important to avoid combining too many bold statements! The more restrained the pattern of the suit, the more creative you can get with your shirt and tie. On the other hand, a bold pin-striped or windowpaned suit is better paired with a more subtle shirt and tie.
SOCK COLOUR: Your socks should match your trousers (or shoes. Personally I prefer trousers).
BELT COLOUR: Your belt must match your shoes! So no, you should not wear a black belt with burgundy or brown shoes.

Regardless of which generation you belong to it is important that you represent yourself and the organisation you work for in the best possible manner. Wearing a suit makes a statement about who you are and what you stand for. It is the details that will elevate you to a professional level that is above all others. With the fashion trends and the expectation to “brand” yourself it can be confusing to know exactly what to wear and how to wear it best. If you are confused employee a professional to help you rather than risk looking unprofessional.

Your suit speaks for you. What is your suit saying?

0 Categories : Body Image, Business Attire, Business Branding, Etiquette, fashion, Grooming, Men, Mens Suit, Personal Branding, Professional Etiquette, Shopping, Uncategorized

Mar
5

How to Manage Your Time Professionally

by Cosimina

Time management refers to managing time effectively so that the right time is allocated to the right activity. Professionally how do you manage your time or not?

As a professional, you may be frequently interrupted or pulled in different directions- deadlines to meet, presentations to prepare while colleagues are depending on your work. While you cannot stop interruptions, you do get a say on how much time you will spend on them and how much time you will spend on the thoughts, conversations and actions that will lead you to success. Managing your time effectively each work day will help you achieve more daily.

A guide to effective time management:

Create a list at the beginning & end of day. Make a to-do list (electronic or paper). Put the most important item first and work down from there. At the end of your day, review what you’ve done and make a new list for the next day, in order of importance.

Prioritise your tasks. Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Be ruthless about setting priorities. Make sure that what you think is important is really important.

Learn to say “No”. Don’t take on more than you can handle. For the distractions that come in when you’re doing other things, give a firm no. Or defer it to a later period.

Urgent vs important. Learn to differentiate between the important and the urgent. What’s important is not always urgent. What’s urgent is not always important.

Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else.

Quality vs Quantity of work done. Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall.

Set time for set jobs. Deal with daily tasks at a set time each day. Checking and responding to emails can be time consuming so set a time of emails each day. If you need to check messages as they arrive, limit your sessions to less than five minutes.

Handle each task once. Aim to handle pieces of paper only once. Same for E-mails. Read ‘em and deal with ‘em.

Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done.

Evaluate how you’re spending your time. Keep a diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you’re spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely.

Limit distractions. Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and email.

Take a time management course. If your employer offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your workplace doesn’t have one, find out if a local community college, university or community education program does.

Take a break when needed. Too much stress can derail your attempts at getting organised. When you need a break, take one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches at your workstation. Take a day of vacation to rest and re-energize.

Ultimately No matter how organised we are, there are always only 24 hours in a day. Time doesn’t change. All we can actually manage is ourselves, and what we do with the time that we have.

Time management is often not taught but presumed to be something all professionals do successfully. How successful are you at time management? Do you need to be taught time management as a professional?

0 Categories : Business Branding, Professional Etiquette, Time management, Uncategorized

Feb
28

How to Read Body Language Gestures

by Cosimina

We all subconsciously give away hints as to our true emotions, through our body language and gestures. As a professional working to climb the corporate ladder the key is to understand the meaning of the gestures. Just as important is being able to read other peoples body language and gestures. This will help you to communicate your message most effectively.

A guide to reading body language gestures

Gesture: Brisk, erect walk Meaning: Confidence

Gesture: Standing with hands on hips Meaning: Readiness, aggression

Gesture: Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly Meaning: Boredom

Gesture: Sitting, legs apart Meaning: Open, relaxed

Gesture: Arms crossed on chest Meaning: Defensiveness

Gesture: Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched Meaning: Dejection

Gesture: Hand to cheek Meaning: Evaluation, thinking

Gesture: Touching, slightly rubbing nose Meaning: Rejection, doubt, lying

Gesture: Rubbing the eye Meaning: Doubt, disbelief

Gesture: Hands clasped behind back Meaning: Anger, frustration, apprehension

Gesture: Locked ankles Meaning: Apprehension

Gesture: Head resting in hand, eyes downcast Meaning: Boredom

Gesture: Rubbing hands Meaning: Anticipation

Gesture: Sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed Meaning: Confidence, superiority

Gesture: Open palm Meaning: Sincerity, openness, innocence

Gesture: Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed Meaning: Negative evaluation

Gesture: Tapping or drumming fingers Meaning: Impatience

Gesture: Steeple like fingers Meaning: Authoritative

Gesture: Patting/fondling hair Meaning: Lack of self-confidence; insecurity

Gesture: Quickly tilted head Meaning: Interest

Gesture: Stroking chin Meaning: Trying to make a decision

Gesture: Looking down, face turned away Meaning: Disbelief

Gesture: Biting nails Meaning: Insecurity, nervousness

Gesture: Pulling or tugging at ear Meaning: Indecision

Gesture: Prolonged tilted head Meaning: Boredom

Effective communicators know the importance of mastering body language as a communication tool. It is a critical vehicle for capturing attention ensuring that your audience receives your message effectively.

As a Professional Image Brand Specialist I often need to remind clients that body language can speak louder than words. Most important your body language and gestures need to be in sync with what is being said verbally, otherwise your authenticity and credibility come into question.

So what is your body language saying right now?

0 Categories : Body Image, body language, gesture, gestures, manners, Personal Branding, Uncategorized

Feb
25

Why should employers implement a dress code policy?

by Cosimina

Dress Code Policies are, and always will be, a hot topic. Most people cringe at the thought of someone telling them what to wear. Is it not time employers, multi-nationals through to SME’s, develop a dress code policy that is in sync with the image/brand of the organisation yet allows employees to express individuality?

If employee’s deal extensively with the public, it may be appropriate to require certain standards of appearance. It is the responsibility of the employer together with its employees to establish clear guidelines.

Employers cannot presume that by simply stating the dress code for their employees is “business casual” or ‘informal” every employee has the same definition. In Australia if you ask most employees their office dress code is business casual.

So what is business casual?

There is no strict definition of the phrase. In some cases, business casual attire means pressed business trousers and a button-down long-sleeved shirt. To other, it might mean dress jeans and a polo shirt. Each person has a different opinion and unless it is clearly defined then employees cannot be held responsible for “inappropriate dress” at work.

A clearly defined dress code also allows staff to work together on an equal level. Unless you are in the fashion industry what you wear should not be a topic of conversation. Your appearance should not affect others opinion of you as a professional. By having a dress code policy where all levels of management adhere to allows employees to move past appearance and concentrate more on the task.

Scenario: Imagine you are about to attend a work meeting with colleagues. You walk into a room dress in what you define business casual “jeans and t-shirt”. Your colleagues attend in more formal attire. How would you feel? Underdressed, embarrassed, suddenly your confidence takes a dive and all you can think about what you are wearing.

While there is no one size fits all strategy for having a dress code at work, ultimately the goal is to display an appearance of professionalism to the public and colleagues. What this means is going to differ amongst industries and from company to company. Regardless of what your organisation’s definition is of appearance it is important to develop a policy so all employees know what is expected.

Here are some tips when developing a dress code policy:

Purpose – Define the purpose of the document.
Scope – Define who this document applies to and when.
Responsibility – Define who is responsible for implementation of this policy and ensuring that all staff is made aware of its application.
Requirements – Clearly outline the policy.
Date – Define a start date for the policy.
Follow up - Publish your dress code policy in your company’s employee handbook, distribute copies and obtain signed acknowledgment forms from all employees. Place a signed copy of the signed acknowledgment form in each employee’s personnel file.

While individuals have a right to express themselves, so to do businesses, and the way your employees dress definitely sends intended or unintended messages to your markets.

Employers should always respect each person’s unique character, style preferences and budget. Asking employees to buy clothes specific for their work is not always ideal, however sometimes a necessary evil.

Employees should embrace the dress code and use it to maximise their image within the organisation. Following a dress code can be a stepping-stone to career success.

As a personal and professional image brand specialist I can not understand how employers, multinationals through to SME’s, can expect their employees to represent their brand successfully when they are not given any guidelines.

Does a dress code policy exist in your workplace? If not why?

0 Categories : Body Image, Business Branding, Etiquette, Men, Personal Branding, Professional Etiquette, Uncategorized

Jan
31

Has Julia Gillard had a makeover?

by Cosimina

Love her or hate her Julia Gillard has changed politics in Australia in so many ways. She was the first female prime minister, she led the first minority government in the post-war period and last week appointed the first female senator from an indigenous Australian background.

Yesterday while children were starting the school year and many of the working public were having lunch Julia Gillard dropped a surprise announcement – the federal election will be held on Spetember 14, 2013. I turned on the news to hear what and why – what was the major question everyone was asking?

“Has Julia Gillard had a makeover?”

As a professional people watcher I can say that she has not had a makeover but instead has chosen to pay more attention to detail.

Julia has chosen an outfit very similar to every other suit she wears. Neutral in colour but with detail trimming.
Julia always looks much more approachable and professional when she wear visible make up (middle picture). So many times we see her with no make up and so her features, in particular her eyes are not defined (view picture one, far left). in the picture on the far left she is smiling yet we can not read her eyes and she just looks unfinished. On announcement day her make up was impeccable, she had the complete package.
Julia Gillard also worn delicate unassuming earring, that helped draw attention to her face, again paying attention to the little details that complete the look.
In a surprise look Julia Gillard chose to wear a pair of classic design glasses. When you are trying to make people believe what you are saying and build credibility it is important that they clearly see the eyes. When Julia wears no (or little) makeup her eyes are lost and undefined (view picture one- far left) thus the public find it difficult to believe her. By wearing glasses Julia Gillard have given the public a focal point to look at.

As a politician your job is not to wear “trendy”, “fashionable clothes” but to build a nation. Julia Gillard should not be known for her fashion and style but her policies and the success of the nation. If we study other female world leaders such as Hillary Clinton we very rarely read about her appearance. Hillary Clinton is known for tough consistent policies. We do not talk about Hillary Clinton’s fashion and style because it is always sophisticated, understated and detailed. Julia Gillard has not had a makeover but instead chosen to develop her credibilty, authenticity and likeability but paying attention to details.

If Julia Gillard wants to be remembered for her political measures then she will need to make the public forget about her regularly changing appearance and stick to one look.

Julia Gillard needs a look that is consistent, sophisticated, understated style and polished – pay attention to detail. If Julia Gillard keeps to these rules then the public and media will have no option but listen to what she is saying rather than comment on her appearance.

4 Categories : Business Attire, Business Branding, Etiquette, fashion, Grooming, Political branding, Professional Etiquette, Uncategorized, Women

Jan
31

Are you a GOLD or SILVER person?

by Cosimina

Have you ever wondered if you look better in gold or silver?

Basic steps to determine if you look good in gold or silver:

STEP 1: You need

Good natural lighting
Large mirror
You should not be wearing makeup
Two pieces of equal size and shape jewelry
1. Silver (not pewter)
2. Gold (9 or 81crt is best or gold that is not too yellow)

Step 2: Directions

Have hair away from face.
Hold the two pieces of jewelry up against your face and observe the change each colour affects your complexion colouring.
Studying each colour, gold & silver individually up against your face ask yourself
1. How does my complexion look?
2. Do you look healthier? Notice the quality of your skin, eyes and skin tone
3. Does the metal make you look bland, or just ok?
4. Does the metal create or accentuate dark eye circles?
5. Do you see any unflattering shadows? (specifically under your chin)
6. Does it make your teeth look yellow/more yellow?

TIPS:

If you look better in the colour blue than orange you probably look better in silver.
If you look better in brown rather than blue or black you probably look better in gold.
If you wear warm colour clothing you look better in gold.
If you wear cool colour clothing you look better in silver.
Rose gold and pewter look great on all skin tones.
If the veins in your arm appear blue you are cool toned and look better in silver.
If the veins in your arm are greenish you are warm toned and look better in gold.

Step 3: Evaluation

Do you notice any differences when switching between gold and silver?
If the gold metal makes you glow and you feel fresher and look more alive, then you’re a gold!
If the silver metal lights up your face, making your coloring look more luminous and healthy, then you’re a silver!
However, if you can’t decide because both metals seem to look equally well on your face. It may be that you look fantastic in both, or just good, then you might be a Neutral!

If you find it difficult in determining your best metal, gold or silver, then you may be best to have a professional image consultation. Feel free to contact me.

0 Categories : fashion, Grooming, Personal Branding, Teenagers, Uncategorized, Women

Jan
29

How to take criticism professionally

by Cosimina

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary.”   ~ Winston Churchill

We live in a world where we are encouraged to speak our thoughts and opinions. During our working day colleagues comments about us can be cruel, negative – some may say border on bullying. But is it negative opinion or just criticism? While criticism can be discouraging, it’s important to remember that negative feedback can contribute significantly to faster personal growth and higher performance. So take the criticism as a means of learning about your professional communication and behaviour.

Here are a few pointers I have found useful when dealing with criticism.

DO stop & listen – It’s important to always maintain your composure and professionalism. Take a moment, stop and listen to what is really being said. The pause will help you compose yourself and gather your thoughts demonstrating self-control and poise.
DON’T listen to criticism from people you don’t respect- Only listen and take the time to consciously evaluate the criticism if it comes from a colleague who you respect. If the critic has a poor professional reputation and lacks authenticity and credibility simply stay silent. If you can’t respond with grace then it is better to remain silent.
DON’T be defensive – It is important to take emotion out of the situation and approach the criticism objectively. Accept the criticism as valuable information that you can use to improve your professionalism.
DO acknowledge your error – Its ok if the criticism is actually true – sometimes the truth hurts. It is better to acknowledge your error and learn from it than ignore it.
DO take action – Whether the criticism was wrong or right take time to self evaluate the incident. This colleague wrongly or rightly made the criticism for a reason. Think about what you did to provoke the comment. As a professional it is up to you to continually work on building credibility, likeability and authenticity. For a colleague to criticise you one or more of these elements are in repute. Determine which one and work on bettering it.
DO acknowledge the colleague - If you need to apoligise and offer a reason for your behavior then do it as professional as possible.
DO avoid responding via email or texting – So much of our daily communication is done via texting and email. If there is one situation when you should not email or text is responding to criticism. It is much better to speak to the critic in person. This can help you to avoid creating misunderstandings.

No one likes criticism. It reflects negatively on us, implying we are lacking in some way. Taking criticism is a skill — and being able to learn from harsh criticism demonstrates self-awareness and ability to change and grow as a professional.

0 Categories : Body Image, Business Branding, Etiquette, Personal Branding, Professional Etiquette, Uncategorized

Archive for Uncategorized

How to Perfect the Perfect Presentation

Giving a great presentation is a learned skill. Here are some tips to perfect the perfect presentation.

Does your office celebrate Casual Friday?

Does your office celebrate Casual Friday?

So does your organisation have Casual Friday? If so how casual?

How to be voted BEST Boss

Where employees are concerned, great leaders don’t take. Great leaders give. So how do you get voted the BEST Boss?

Do you have a unique key quality that makes you the BEST boss?

6 Secret to looking professional in a man’s suit

Here are the 6 secrets to wearing a suit:

Your suit speaks for you. What is your suit saying?

How to Manage Your Time Professionally

Time management refers to managing time effectively so that the right time is allocated to the right activity. Professionally how do you manage your time or not?

A guide to effective time management:

Time management is often not taught but presumed to be something all professionals do successfully. How successful are you at time management? Do you need to be taught time management as a professional?

How to Read Body Language Gestures

A guide to reading body language gestures

So what is your body language saying right now?

Why should employers implement a dress code policy?

Here are some tips when developing a dress code policy:

Does a dress code policy exist in your workplace? If not why?

Has Julia Gillard had a makeover?

Love her or hate her Julia Gillard has changed politics in Australia in so many ways. She was the first female prime minister, she led the first minority government in the post-war period and last week appointed the first female senator from an indigenous Australian background.

“Has Julia Gillard had a makeover?”

Julia Gillard needs a look that is consistent, sophisticated, understated style and polished – pay attention to detail. If Julia Gillard keeps to these rules then the public and media will have no option but listen to what she is saying rather than comment on her appearance.

Are you a GOLD or SILVER person?

Have you ever wondered if you look better in gold or silver?

Basic steps to determine if you look good in gold or silver:

If you find it difficult in determining your best metal, gold or silver, then you may be best to have a professional image consultation. Feel free to contact me.

How to take criticism professionally

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary.”   ~ Winston Churchill

Here are a few pointers I have found useful when dealing with criticism.

No one likes criticism. It reflects negatively on us, implying we are lacking in some way. Taking criticism is a skill — and being able to learn from harsh criticism demonstrates self-awareness and ability to change and grow as a professional.

Register For Newsletter & Updates

Your Image Specialist

Connect With Cosimina

Archive for Uncategorized

Giving a great presentation is a learned skill. Here are some tips to perfect the perfect presentation.

Does your office celebrate Casual Friday?

So does your organisation have Casual Friday? If so how casual?

Where employees are concerned, great leaders don’t take. Great leaders give. So how do you get voted the BEST Boss?

Do you have a unique key quality that makes you the BEST boss?

Here are the 6 secrets to wearing a suit:

Your suit speaks for you. What is your suit saying?

Time management refers to managing time effectively so that the right time is allocated to the right activity. Professionally how do you manage your time or not?

A guide to effective time management:

Time management is often not taught but presumed to be something all professionals do successfully. How successful are you at time management? Do you need to be taught time management as a professional?

A guide to reading body language gestures

So what is your body language saying right now?

Here are some tips when developing a dress code policy:

Does a dress code policy exist in your workplace? If not why?

Love her or hate her Julia Gillard has changed politics in Australia in so many ways. She was the first female prime minister, she led the first minority government in the post-war period and last week appointed the first female senator from an indigenous Australian background.

“Has Julia Gillard had a makeover?”

Julia Gillard needs a look that is consistent, sophisticated, understated style and polished – pay attention to detail. If Julia Gillard keeps to these rules then the public and media will have no option but listen to what she is saying rather than comment on her appearance.

Have you ever wondered if you look better in gold or silver?

Basic steps to determine if you look good in gold or silver:

If you find it difficult in determining your best metal, gold or silver, then you may be best to have a professional image consultation. Feel free to contact me.

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary.” ~ Winston Churchill

Here are a few pointers I have found useful when dealing with criticism.

No one likes criticism. It reflects negatively on us, implying we are lacking in some way. Taking criticism is a skill — and being able to learn from harsh criticism demonstrates self-awareness and ability to change and grow as a professional.

Register For Newsletter & Updates

Your Image Specialist

Connect With Cosimina

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary.”   ~ Winston Churchill