You’ve been waiting two weeks to come to this conference staged at a hotel. The presenter is someone that has had a reputation for being fantastic and getting her point across with enthusiasm while being effective in her delivery. Sitting down she gives one hell of a presentation, you are motivated by the power of her words travelling on raw emotion. Being inspired, you leave the conference talking to those around you how she’s changed your life.

Later on in the evening, you see the inspirational presenter again, but in the lobby stumbling and laughing. You offer to help her reach the elevator but she looks at you and says she doesn’t need help and she didn’t get to where she is today because she was not self-sufficient. Smelling of alcohol you step back and think “Wow is she ever drunk; whatever, these things happen, besides this is her time to do whatever she pleases.”

As you walk away, the last image burned into your mind is how fast someone who influences can be crippled by the average means of society. You think “If I was her, I would have conducted myself in a more appropriate manner.”

Statement: The image others perceive of you is proportionate to the actions you take in conducting yourself.

Myth: “Who cares what others think about me when I am outside my professional job, it shouldn’t matter anyway”

Fact: Perception is Reality. Unfortunately, it is not up to you of what your image is to the public or if you believe you are a professional or not. The results are decided by those who surround you anytime and all the time.

Your personal and professional images are intertwined whether we like it or not. With the increase in Web 2.0 applications that link our personal and professional lives together like Facebook, LinkedIn and Google, individuals now have more information to decide who you are and what you represent; whether it is good or bad.

What are some ways to control your personal image and help you “influence” those around you instead of “repel”?

1. Think of yourself in the third person at times when in public. Yes I know, that sounds insane, but if it works and is effective then do it. When around others, pretend you are looking through their eyes at you and adjust your behavior accordingly. Successful businesses look through “the customer lens” in order to improve processes and behaviors, you can do the same with your personal image!
2. Portray a positive attitude. Just came out of a full day meeting in a hotel or conference? Wandering with your head down starts reducing the impact of the most important person in the building: YOU! While with others or walking from point A to B, stand up straight, smile and inject that positive attitude into the atmosphere. I promise you those surrounding you were portray you in a different, and stronger positive light.
3. Interact with those and deliver something of value. Instead of talking about the weather outside and going on with small talk, why not throw in something of value? Maybe you read a fantastic article online or just finished an influential book, use that within the conversation and share knowledge, what makes a bigger WOW impact, talking about how the food you’re eating is good or an impactful message and book recommendation.
4. Be receptive to feedback. Wearing a sharp outfit? Did you try something new? Hairstyle different? People will notice, and when they give you feedback whether it is positive or negative, the individual giving you feedback is looking for how you respond to it. Thank them for their comments and be appreciative that they did, and they will walk away with the mindset that you appreciate others (always a positive).

Maintaining and enhancing your personal image is not about playing tricks on people or putting on a fake face; it is a dedication to yourself to be a better individual and have a genuine caring to those around you. Play smart, be effective, you may not like it but success is not based on what we like to do and not like to do; it is based on effective actions to reach a specific goal. Besides, having others be influenced by your behavior in a positive way can have a huge impact on them and on you!