Why More Companies Are Turning to Image Consultants

In this hotly competitive marketplace, more companies are turning to image consultants as a cost-effective tool to differentiate their products and services from others in the marketplace. Image consultants increase value by enhancing a company's most valuable asset - their employees.

Firms such as Ernst & Young, are turning to image consultants for basic "dress for success" workshops.

Law firms, credit unions and life insurance companies also are among those in the corporate sector seeking to refresh the personal brand of their core assets - from top executives to their newest hires.

In a battered economy, the services of image consultants can help companies strengthen their position and appeal to either a new client niche or wider target customer base to build their bottom line.

Appearances do count, and professional advice on how to improve the appearance of a company’s employees can change and polish the image that is presented to the public.

At the same time, an investment in this key ingredient to successful professional development creates confidence among employees and in the leadership of the company. The bottom line advantages are increased productivity and a stronger commitment to corporate goals. Essentially, image becomes a business strategy.

A professionally dressed workforce that reflects the values and goals of a company becomes a powerful marketing tool to potential clients and consumers from the reception desk to the boardroom.

Image consultants can recommend specific ranges of wardrobe styles and colors that promote trust, value, care, and professionalism. It’s not about uniformity, but about choices that best enhance an individual’s look while also reflecting a collaborative standard of style and appearance.

While image consultants are still engaged by top executives as personal consultants, a growing trend is to employ their services for workshops or seminars as a holistic approach to enhance a company’s overall image.

Surveys such as a recent report from the data experts at Yell.com found that online searches for the professional services of image consultants increased by 206 percent over just the summer of 2008.

How to choose the right image consultant is a matter of finding one with the experience, top credentials and the kind of services that can most effectively address your company’s needs.

Consultants who promise to "do it all" are not necessarily the right choice. Look for an image consultant with experience serving your industry or similar industry, and ask for references, also referred to as testimonials.

Can the image consultant provide workshops and seminar services, versus more expensive one-to-one consulting only? Express a goal you want to achieve, and ask how the consultant’s services can specifically address that goal.

In this competitive marketplace, image consulting can prove a smart tool to add value to your brand and bottom line.