7 Myths About Image Consulting
7 Image Consulting Myths Busted
Image consulting is a renowned and desirable profession that offers an array of employment opportunities. It is a ticket to a glamorous and balanced life that no one wants to miss. But just like any other profession, image consulting also has certain myths associated with it. So, let's replace them with facts.
Myth 1: Image consulting is a new profession.
Image consulting as a career has gained popularity in recent years, but it has been around for centuries. For ages, people have been taking care of their body language, the way they dress, the way they talk, and other aspects of their personality. And this is what Image Consultants do. The only difference is that Image Consultants are experts at what they do and can dress any body type. They help people dress up and show up confidently at various events such as interviews, celebrations, weddings, press conferences, etc. However, they don't work just on the dressing; they also work on the demeanour and help their clients become the best versions of themselves.
Myth 2: The profession of image consulting is only for high-profile people.
The image consulting industry is huge. And to this industry, contribute people from all walks life with a common passion – transforming lives by enhancing personalities. Though you may be familiar only with popular and renowned Image Consultants, there are hundreds and thousands of them working with corporate professionals, homemakers, brides and grooms, politicians, etc. Depending on their backgrounds and the network, these image professionals choose their domain and offer services such as wardrobe consulting, wedding styling, personal shopping, etiquette training, etc.
Anyone can become an Image Consultant; all that is needed is the passion for training and the right image consulting skills such as:
- The ability to communicate effectively
- Good sense of dressing and styling
- Great interpersonal skills
- Networking skills
- The knowledge of latest fashion trends and brands
Myth 3: Only the elites hire Image Consultants.
From high net worth individuals to people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, from the CEO of an MNC to a working-class person, everyone needs image consulting. And this is why the thousands of crores huge image consulting industry is growing exponentially. Moreover, with the competition growing everywhere, image consulting is no more an affair of the elite. To project a positive image and make a powerful impression, people hire image consultants for various occasions such as:
- Job interviews
- Marriage events
- Award shows
- Client meetings
- High-end birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations
- Moving to a metro city or another country, etc.
Myth 4: Image consulting is ideal only for women
With their inherent nature of nurturing those around them, women make natural candidates for image consulting. However, this profession is a perfect choice for anyone with a passion for the domain, be it men or women. In fact, many men leveraged their corporate experience and switched to image consulting to become full-time corporate consultants. Men have also been acclaimed for their contribution in the field of fashion; take Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherji, Tarun Tahilani, and other renowned personalities, for example. Hence, with the right training, men who have a knack for image consulting can perform well and be hugely successful as Image Consultants.
Myth 5: Image consulting is not for youngsters.
This world, especially India, is in flux. It requires people to respond actively to the constant demand for change. Hence, people who are still caught in the traditional notions of dressing, grooming, body language, etc. may not be the right fit for image consulting. On the other hand, youngsters always bring something fresh and innovative to the table. Despite the changing trends, they are usually in tune with what would best suit their clients. Their ability to look beyond the ordinary and the willingness to experiment is what gives them an edge over traditional image consultants. So, it's safe to say that youngsters have a glorious future in the image consulting industry.
Moreover, an image consulting course can be opted for at any age and doesn't require you to have any degree. This is another reason to start early and make the mark.
Myth 6: Image Consultants do not find full-time jobs.
There is a world full of opportunities for an Image Consultant. An Image Consultant is also a corporate trainer, a communications trainer, a style consultant, a soft skills trainer, and much more. This said they could take up a full-time job or become an entrepreneur. Media & Entertainment, Airlines, Fashion, Hospitality, Client Servicing, or Marketing – an Image Consultant can choose to work full-time in any industry where professionals require image management. They can become corporate trainers, in-store consultants, personal celebrity stylists, personality development trainer in a college, and much more – the opportunities are limitless.
Myth 7 – Image Consulting is all about fashion and clothes
Styling and clothing is just one aspect of the full image consulting spectrum. Yes, Image Consultants are in tune with the latest fashion trends and can dress up any body type in the most flattering way. But that's not all of it. An Image Consultant works to enhance the overall personality of their clients - that includes the way they walk, the way they communicate, their body language, etc. They ensure that each component of a personality is synchronised with the other and help people project not just a good-looking but a powerful image. They are experts in the finer components of an image and cater to the different needs of their clients.
Identify your strength, and don't let these myths hold you back. If you feel you are the right fit, you can choose to become an image consultant today.
Author Bio: An award-winning Image Management Professional, Suman Agarwal has helped students, home-makers, women on sabbatical as well as people seeking second career alternatives to explore Image Management and Soft Skill Training as a vibrant professional choice. She frequently writes blog posts about the urgent need of image consulting professionals and soft skill trainers in the 21st century and loves guiding people in exploring lucrative career options. Write to her at sumanagarwal@imageconsultinginstitute.com to seek advanced career guidance.