You know how all those reality TV shows tell women they can change their life by just changing their look? Well, to some degree that’s true. But the REAL change has to start from the inside.

Most of us create a “style story” when we’re very young. We listen to the people in our lives that we admire and try to emulate.  Often what we hear isn’t always positive. We internalize the negative comments and experiences, and sometimes hold on to them well into our adult lives. They come back to us over and over again in that little voice — your inner critic — who tells you you’re not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough … you get the picture.  It’s sad but true that we are usually our harshest critic!  We berate ourselves about any number of things. We speak to ourselves in ways we wouldn’t dream of speaking to anyone else — least of all our best friend.

We are all born with unique gifts and talents. As women, we often fall into the trap of thinking we should be able to do it all on our own. But sometimes we need a little help in specific areas of our lives.  And after years of trying to be and do everything, we’re forced to realize we just can’t — we manifest health issues, depression, exhaustion, and relationship woes. Try as we might to resist, we finally learn to ask for that help.

Let me help you today, by giving you permission to let go of that old (and untrue) style story right now.  It’s time to stand up for yourself and make a decision to create a personal image that you love, which makes you proud to be who you are. Here’s a big secret: You are the one who decides how others see and perceive you. You are the one in control of your own life and experiences. So take a stand and tell your inner critic to take a holiday, you’re in charge now and the new story starts today.

Your appearance matters.

Your image is an outward reflection of your confidence and self-esteem. When you walk into a room standing tall, with a sense of purpose and look people in the eye with a smile, you radiate confidence.  If you’re feeling unsure of yourself and your self-confidence and self-esteem are low, that will show up in your outward appearance too.  Which do you choose? Having a positive self-image is where it all begins. Believe in yourself and who you are. To really live authentically, get to know your unique qualities and gain clarity around who you are.  Once you feel confident in who you are, it is so much easier to accentuate those qualities in a positive way so you can come from a place of authenticity. Isn’t it time to set yourself up for success?

Believe in YOU!

Every woman wants to feel modern, fashionable and creative. But I have never met a woman who felt any of those things without first being comfortable in her self. So instead of trying to copy someone else’s style, why not tap into your own?  Let go of the old story and embrace who you are today.  Allow your image to catch up to the truly amazing woman that you are right now — not after you color your hair, not after you lose ten pounds, not after whatever. You are perfect just as you are.  Believe in yourself and set your intentions. Set realistic expectations and allow your brilliance to shine!

It’s a new year – an opportunity to reflect on what worked for you last year, and what didn’t. If 2010 didn’t quite live up to your expectations, take some time to get quiet and think about what you can do differently this year.

Do you love the image you are presenting to the world? Does it represent WHO you are and WHAT you do? If you can answer a confident YES, good for you! Maybe you just need to freshen things up a bit. Take a look at your intentions for the New Year and how you can bring those elements into your wardrobe for continued success and momentum. If your answer is NO, then we’ve got some work to do.

Here are five ways you can create a Powerful Personal Presence in 2011:

1.     REFRESH – If you’re feeling less than excited about your look, maybe it’s time to hit the refresh button.  Take stock of your existing wardrobe to see what you can do to rejuvenate some of those old standbys.  Adding an exciting new accessory, like a chunky necklace or scarf, can do wonders to jazz up an outfit.  You can completely change an outfit simply by adding a few great accessories.

• Add a pop of color with a scarf, necklace, shoes or handbag.
• Swap out a traditional blazer for a colorful cardigan, and add a belt at the waist.
• Be sure that your clothes are tailored to fit YOUR body.
• Check all shoes and boots, being sure that they are in good shape.  If not, now is a good time to purchase new or take them to the cobbler to be re-heeled and polished.

2.     REFLECT – Take a look at the top three goals for this year. How can you change up your wardrobe to help you achieve those goals and feel ready for any opportunity?  Is your image reflecting the influential, professional woman that you are? Step up your wardrobe by adding some polish and refinement.

• Add polished, shimmering, luxurious and lustrous fabrics such as sateen, silk, cashmere, crepe de shine, dupione and shantung.
• Wear items with little or no pattern.
• Splurge on a few designer pieces.
• Choose high quality, tailored to fit and perfectly constructed garments.

3.     REALIGN – If you are feeling that you’ve lost sight of your goals, now is the time to bring things back into focus.  Set your intentions for the New Year and set realistic goals.  Clear out anything that’s keeping you stuck, and open some space for new opportunities and abundance.

• Go into your closet and look at each of your garments to see if they are in alignment with your intentions.
• All garments that are not in alignment with your goals and desires MUST GO!
• Donate those things that no longer serve you, and help someone else — remember to lift as you climb.

4.     RECAPTURE – Have you lost that loving feeling for your business? Take some time to list all of the reasons you decided to become an entrepreneur.  What do you love about your work?  Recapture that feeling in your wardrobe.  Look in your closet for your favorite pieces to see what they have in common.  Are they all a certain color?  Do they make you feel a certain way?  Are they all made from similar fabrics?

• See if you can find a common denominator among your favorite clothes. What are the clothes you reach for over and over again?
• What do those pieces say about you or your personality? Are they communicating what you’d like them to?
• If you feel like you’re doing the same thing over and over and getting the same disappointing result, recapture some excitement by trying something new!
• Step outside your comfort zone and try a new look that will shift your mindset and help you get a better result.

5.     RENEW – Renew your commitment to yourself and your business by investing in yourself and creating a Powerful Personal Presence. Make this the year that you turn things around and really step up to the next level of your success. Be proud of the person that you are and allow the world to see the best version of YOU.  Step into your brilliance and feel the joy that comes with that.

• Write some affirmations to keep yourself on track.
• Post your affirmations in many places where you will see them throughout your day.
• Believe in yourself and envision yourself living the life you dream of.

©2011 Laurie Mandato

Does getting in front of an audience make you feel a bit queasy? One way to help settle those butterflies is to prepare well in advance so you can relax, be yourself, and connect authentically with your audience.  Being prepared is the first step to affirm you’re ready for the perfect opportunity to present itself.  You’ll be able to say yes to all of your ideal opportunities, knowing that you are really ready to step into the spotlight and shine!

Prepare to be seen.  How you do anything is how you do everything!  This is where your essence comes in. Knowing that piece of information is extremely helpful as you prepare to be seen, whether it is in front of a small group or on stage in front of a large audience.  Your essence is who you really are, and it is the place where your Unique Presence™ begins.

• Discover your Essence with a Fashion Feng Shui® Consultation.
• Plan your outfit and be sure it is clean, pressed and ready to go.
• Prepare your signature talk.
• Practice your talk in front of a mirror so you can see your facial expressions and several days before your presentation do a dress rehearsal wearing the outfit you plan to wear so you can be sure you feel comfortable (be sure to include shoes so you can see how they feel for a long period of time, especially if they are new!) .
• Bring along a Fashion Emergency Kit to save you from any wardrobe malfunctions. Click here to download my Fashion Emergency Kit checklist to create your own.

Presence — Discover your powerful Unique Presence™. Do you know how impactful you are?  Everyone has their own unique presence and no two people are alike.

• What makes you unique?
• How do others describe your personality?
• Who are you at the very core of your being?

Putting all that together will help you to discover your Powerful Unique Presence™. Combine your powerful Unique Presence™ with your Essence and you’ll find an authentic sweet spot that will attract your ideal clients to you!

Poise encompasses many things. How you walk, talk and dress are all part of your poise.

Are you ready to show grace under fire?  Are you prepared to answer questions from your audience or the media?  If you feel like you get a bit nervous or stressed under pressure you may want to get some coaching from a professional to help you to strategize how to handle those situations.

• Are you graceful when you walk? Have you seen yourself enter a room?  Practice walking into a room or onto a stage to greet your audience.
• Hire a professional speaking coach to help you be more confident.
• Your words make a big impact. Use them wisely!

Polish it. Your wardrobe and all of your accessories communicate your personal image. Pay attention to the details of your clothing as well as all of your accessories from your shoes and jewelry all the way down to the pen you write with.  Everything should reflect your Essence!

Position yourself for success! As an expert in your field you need to look the part.  Make sure you’re filling your closet ONLY with clothing that communicates your position, your essence, your personality and your brand. However, you do not need to wear your brand colors!

• Give the host of your event a professional Bio/Introduction, and bring an extra copy along just in case.
• Expect the unexpected! If you’re using slides in your presentation be sure to have the presentation on a thumb drive and bring it along as well as a hard copy of the presentation, just in case there are technical difficulties.

The 5 P’s are each a critical piece of the puzzle to feeling authentic and presenting a professional image to match your message. Need help putting it all together? Take the first step and apply for a complimentary Spotlight on Style Strategy Session with me!

I have been watching the current season of Celebrity Apprentice and I especially enjoyed the episode where the teams were asked to do a music makeover for an up and coming country music artist.  Each team was asked to create an image/brand for the artist and get them media ready. It was really fun to see what the teams chose for their artist.  Team Rock Solid consisted of Brett Michaels (Rocker), Curtis Stone (Celebrity Chef) and Bill Goldberg (Actor/Wrestler).  Team Tenacity consisted of Sharon Osborne (Music Manager/TV Star) Holly Robinson-Peete (Actress), Cyndi Lauper (Grammy Winning Singer) and Maria Kanellis (Former WWE Diva).

The task required the teams to create a new image for their performer.  This included new clothes for their photo shoot, hair and makeup, media training (for interviews with magazine/TV people), and a media kit (for marketing). Then each artist would perform sporting their new look.

I was enjoying every minute of the show, but was really quite surprised at the outcome — the all male team won this challenge!  They really paid attention to the details.  One of the things I loved most was when the guys were discussing their artist’s “look” as they tried various shirts on him. The goal was to make him a bit “edgier.” At one point they were trying to choose a shirt and Bill Goldberg (the hulking wrestler) asked the singer what color his eyes were!  I couldn’t believe my ears!  Do guys really get that wearing your body colors (hair, skin and eyes) is a great way to make you shine?  I wonder …

While Curtis and Bill went out to shop for more clothes, Brett Michaels sat with the artist and coached him on speaking to the media while writing his one-sheet to be included in his media kit.  Brett gave him some great tips for speaking to media people from magazines or TV. He told him to be positive and remember that these people are really glad to meet you — so make eye contact and show them that you’re glad to meet them as well.

When Bill and Curtis returned, it was time for the photo shoot.  They didn’t have much luck shopping so they picked up some of Curtis’ clothes at the hotel and did the best they could with what they had.  Brett took off the chain he wears around his neck and asked Luke (the artist) to put it on. At first he was very apprehensive and even said it was a bit out of his comfort zone. But the guys encouraged him to go with it for a couple of photos and he agreed to give it a try. The biggest thing I noticed was how hard it seemed for Luke to make the changes the team was asking of him. It reminded me of what I often tell my own clients – It’s important to feel comfortable with any change and to make sure you are reflecting your essence and how you wish to be perceived. But, it is also a really good idea to be open to at least trying something new and different to see if it might resonate with who you are today. Who knows — you might even like it!

Many women I meet are interested in what I do, but when I tell them that I help my clients match their image to their message as they step into the spotlight I often hear “Oh, I’d like to work with you, but I’m not really stepping into the spotlight.” I think there is a misconception here. You don’t have to be stepping on the stage to perform on American Idol or become America’s Next Top Model to be concerned about your image!

Whether you are an entrepreneur, executive leader, speaker or author you ARE in the spotlight — big or small. You’re being seen when you attend a networking event to promote your product or services, go to conferences as a speaker or attendee, promote your new book with a signing, and the list goes on.  How many times have you attended a conference or networking event having pictures snapped only to find yourself on Facebook?  Every time you leave your home or office you are in the spotlight.  Making sure you’re “media ready” means looking and feeling your best everyday — showing up authentically and confident. This should become a part of the process for achieving your goals. Dressing with intention will help you to manifest your goals and desires even faster.

The truth is … your image impacts your success and your income. Your outward appearance matters! Whether you’re stepping out into the speaking spotlight, showing up on Facebook and YouTube, or hosting workshops and events for your clients, your personal image is key to whether or not you connect with your audience in an authentic way. From professional headshots to casual pics that show up on social networks, to videos you post on your blog, to live appearances — you need to know you look your very best. And guess what? When you have that inner knowing that you look your best, you’re more confident, people react to you differently, and you open yourself up to receive all the abundance you deserve.

As an entrepreneur or an executive leader, your image needs to match your message and brand. As a solo-entrepreneur you are your brand! It should be equally as important to you that you are on target with that message so you’re attracting the clients you wish to work with, as well as being rewarded for your work and expert advice by charging what you’re worth and getting it. How people perceive you comes into play in that process. Your personal image is your unspoken calling card. What is yours saying about you?

If you’re not 100% positive that your public image is rock-solid authentic, be sure to check out my upcoming workshop “Media Ready! Step Up, Stand Out and Rock the Spotlight” on May 6^th in Boston. Register by April 28^th and save $200! If you missed the free preview call I hosted with great tips and information about the workshop, you can listen to it here.

Note from Laurie: This post is a Daily LaunchTip from Victoria Colligan, Founder of Ladies Who Launch. She understands the power of your image and that we are all our own walking business cards.  Be sure you are sending the message that you intend!

You have two business cards. There’s the impressive, pocket-sized work of graphic art that you proudly proffer at every opportunity, and then there’s you. The most successful entrepreneurs I know literally look the part of the brand they are building. Most importantly, they understand their brand which informs their “look”. This may be easier said than done. For us time-starved, harried entrepreneurs, “looking the brand” may seem like another thing we have to do, among all the other things on our “to do” lists. Yet representing our brand from the inside out can make all the difference. It lends credibility to what we are doing and conveys passion around our venture. At the end of the day, passion and credibility are key components of closing any sale or entering into any negotiation. You are a walking business card. You represent a brand. Whether you’re detail oriented, creative, artistic or a strong communicator, customers are only human and they will subconsciously judge your inside by what they see on the outside. It’s worth it to spend a little extra time to look clean, crisp and put-together. Whether you choose cotton or cashmere, it’s all marketing material. And as you keep clarifying and evolving your business brand, the nuances of how to best represent it on the outside will continue to become more clear as well.

Sign up for your own FREE LaunchTips.

I’ve been preparing for my brand new workshop MEDIA READY! Step Up, Stand Out and Rock the Spotlight that I’ll be hosting in the Boston area on May 6th.  I’m getting some great feedback about content and I’m really excited to pull it all together for an exciting, fun and powerful day. This will be a small, intimate workshop and we’ll be opening registration soon — but first I’ll be sharing some juicy bits of the workshop and answering your questions on a FREE PREVIEW CALL, Wednesday, April 21st at 1:00 pm Eastern. I’d love it if you attend my workshop, but just being on the call will give you some great tips and ideas to get you “media ready” so you can step up, play BIG and be seen … with confidence, ease and grace.

Maybe you’re right at the edge of big success, but a little scared to take the next step and be SEEN. Or maybe you’re already in the public spotlight, but frustrated that you’re not seeing more success faster. Either way, your image is impacting your success. The image you present to the world matters!

If you’re not 100% positive that your public image is rock-solid authentic, be sure to join me on this live call!

For all the details, and to get registered for the preview call, visit www.lauriemandato.com/previewcall.

It’s going to be a fun and informative call … I hope you’ll join me!

Did you watch the 2010 Winter games?  I find it fascinating to watch these accomplished athletes pushing the limit every single day to become the BEST at what they do.  It is admirable to see the dedication to their sport, and how that trickles down into all areas of their life.  They start with the passion that makes them want to get out there each and every day to practice.  They often have a grueling schedule to get their practice in very early in the morning before they head off to school and then when they get home they need to study and do homework, then they get up and do the same routine again day after day.  They start competing and with each step they move a little closer to their dream of becoming an Olympic athlete!  They often have to give up doing the things that most kids their age are doing and they do so because of their commitment to their goal.

My favorite event is figure skating — Men’s, Women’s, Pairs and Ice Dancing.  I love the costumes, the creativity and the amazing routines they are able to execute on the ice with such elegance and grace.  I would be lucky to stand on skates!  They also are often performing while overcoming injury or difficult circumstances as we saw this year for Canadian skater Joannie Rochette.  Her mom passed away just days before her performance and she decided to skate anyway, because she knew that her mom would have wanted her to. She won a bronze medal.

How does all this relate to what you do? What I’ve noticed is that many of us are doing work we love and are dedicated to.  We put in many years getting to the point of being known as an expert. That transformation does not happen overnight.  We take baby steps and keep moving in the direction of our dream.

This is the same process we use in perfecting your image.  First, we begin to shift your mindset, make small changes to start honoring who you’ve become.  Just like an athlete, it takes time to perfect.  We are always evolving and changing.  We are always a work in progress. Enjoy the journey in getting to know yourself!  Savor the experience of trying new colors or styles of clothing that might push you outside your comfort zone a bit to see how it feels.  As you take these steps you will notice that your mindset will shift and you will feel more confidence in trying new things.  You may begin to notice shifts and changes in other areas too – maybe the weight that was so hard to lose is all of a sudden coming off easier or that new book project you’ve struggled with seems to flow more easily. It’s all because you have started to care for yourself in a new way with new eyes – one little step at a time.

So what will your baby step be today?

Your personal image speaks volumes about you before you ever utter a word. What is yours saying about you? Watch as Laurie talks about finding an authentic image to match your message.