Most people hear or see the words "fashion coach" and immediately dismiss the idea as "not for me". The prevailing opinion is that fashion coaches are exclusively for the wealthy or people that are climbing the corporate ladder. However, everyone could benefit from having a fashion coach. Many find it beneficial to have a personal trainer for exercise. Do you use a financial planner or a trusted banker to help you with your finances? Do you rely on the cashier at the local drive-thru to help you determine if your car is operating correctly. No matter the subject, it is always an excellent idea to have an independent viewpoint. If you are going to ask someone for advice, why not ask someone with expertise. Have you, or anyone you know, asked your neighbor, "Should I place my money in a certificate of deposit or buy municipal bonds"? Yet, it is commonplace to ask others, "Does this tie match my shirt?" Allow me to suggest four reasons why a fashion coach is a good idea:
1) They not only know what is currently in fashion, they also know what will be in fashion, and what will always be in style
2) They can help plan and customize a wardrobe which complements your individual lifestyle needs
3) They can, and will, save you money in the long run because they are experts in purchasing clothes from many places (they know where the bargains are!)
4)You can learn from them
As with any profession, some practitioners strive for excellence and others do not. Ask questions. Ask for references. Ask them to give you a demonstration and a proposal. Interview them. Finally, try to find a fashion coach that values a long-term relationship. Make sure they take time to understand your preferences, employment, and aspirations. Doing this will make it far likely that you find a fashion coach that is right for you.
Cortez Concierge offers free assistance in selecting and acquiring clothing that meets your needs. Email us at cortezconcierge@gmail.com or call 970.529.3319.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
The Power of Trust
Trust is one of the most powerful commodities on earth.
Is that statement too strong? No! If anything, the power of trust cannot be adequately expressed. When trust is present, things happen faster. When trust is absent, productivity, effectiveness, and things grind to a halt. Stephen M.R. Covey calls the increase in effectiveness, productivity, and commerce a "trust dividend" and the ineffectiveness and lack of productivity that results from the absence of trust as a "trust tax".
Allow me to share a recent experience:
I realized that my lifestyle no longer needed a large truck (Ford F350). Because of gas prices, family size, and other factors, I needed, and wanted, a car. In a previous life, I was a banker. I had the privilege of doing business with an amazing car dealership. We completed a great deal of business together. I also came to know and respect the CEO of a local financial institution. When it came time for me to purchase my new car, I texted the automobile dealer. I briefly informed him of what I was looking for in terms of style, function, gas mileage, age, etc. A few days later, a driver shows up at my place of work with a car. He dropped off the keys and took my truck back to the dealership. I test drove it for a few days and texted him that we were good to go. He texted back the particulars (cost, trade-in value, etc.). I then texted a one word response: "Done". I also asked him to contact the CEO of the financial institution and set up the loan. The CEO emailed me with my approval and the particulars of the loan. The auto dealer is sending a driver with the papers to sign to complete the sale, as well as my loan documents to sign. Done!
You might ask why I took the time (mine and yours) to relate the above experience. Think of the trust dividend that was realized. I was able purchase a car while taking only minutes from my day. The automobile dealer sold a car (and, yes, made money) without a salesperson or finance person expending any time. The local financial institution was able to gain a100% guaranteed loan (again, from which they will make money). All this was done through texting and email. Reflect on your last auto buying experience. Was it this fast and easy? Were you able to get approved for a loan without applying for it?
The difference is TRUST. Everyone involved in the transaction was a beneficiary of a trust dividend. I knew that the automobile dealer would treat me fairly. I never had a doubt that he would sell me the car at anything other than a fair price. I knew that he would give me an honest value assessment of my truck. The CEO of the financial institution knows that I will repay the loan. He trusts me. I didn't need to "rate shop" with respect to the loan. I knew he would give me the best rate possible. In terms of productivity and efficiency, this transaction was incredibly high for all concerned. That is the power of trust. Trust is evolves through developing relationships. A little time invested now yields huge dividends later.
Is that statement too strong? No! If anything, the power of trust cannot be adequately expressed. When trust is present, things happen faster. When trust is absent, productivity, effectiveness, and things grind to a halt. Stephen M.R. Covey calls the increase in effectiveness, productivity, and commerce a "trust dividend" and the ineffectiveness and lack of productivity that results from the absence of trust as a "trust tax".
Allow me to share a recent experience:
I realized that my lifestyle no longer needed a large truck (Ford F350). Because of gas prices, family size, and other factors, I needed, and wanted, a car. In a previous life, I was a banker. I had the privilege of doing business with an amazing car dealership. We completed a great deal of business together. I also came to know and respect the CEO of a local financial institution. When it came time for me to purchase my new car, I texted the automobile dealer. I briefly informed him of what I was looking for in terms of style, function, gas mileage, age, etc. A few days later, a driver shows up at my place of work with a car. He dropped off the keys and took my truck back to the dealership. I test drove it for a few days and texted him that we were good to go. He texted back the particulars (cost, trade-in value, etc.). I then texted a one word response: "Done". I also asked him to contact the CEO of the financial institution and set up the loan. The CEO emailed me with my approval and the particulars of the loan. The auto dealer is sending a driver with the papers to sign to complete the sale, as well as my loan documents to sign. Done!
You might ask why I took the time (mine and yours) to relate the above experience. Think of the trust dividend that was realized. I was able purchase a car while taking only minutes from my day. The automobile dealer sold a car (and, yes, made money) without a salesperson or finance person expending any time. The local financial institution was able to gain a100% guaranteed loan (again, from which they will make money). All this was done through texting and email. Reflect on your last auto buying experience. Was it this fast and easy? Were you able to get approved for a loan without applying for it?
The difference is TRUST. Everyone involved in the transaction was a beneficiary of a trust dividend. I knew that the automobile dealer would treat me fairly. I never had a doubt that he would sell me the car at anything other than a fair price. I knew that he would give me an honest value assessment of my truck. The CEO of the financial institution knows that I will repay the loan. He trusts me. I didn't need to "rate shop" with respect to the loan. I knew he would give me the best rate possible. In terms of productivity and efficiency, this transaction was incredibly high for all concerned. That is the power of trust. Trust is evolves through developing relationships. A little time invested now yields huge dividends later.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Focus on Your Strengths
There has been a long-standing debate regarding how one's time should be split between developing your strengths and weaknesses. For many years, I was of the opinion that I should spend a large amount, if not the majority, of time developing my weaknesses so that I could be more well-rounded. I liked the idea of being a "business renaissance man". Several years ago, I came across research, originally done by the Gallup organization, in conjunction with Marcus Buckingham, which very clearly set forth environmental and physiological factors which suggested that focusing almost exclusively on one's strengths is the path to greater success. I read as much as I could on the subject. I decided to put the research to the test. In a number of positions which I held (community, professional, personal), I focused on doing those things which I do best to achieve desired outcomes. The results: when I spent time developing those skills which come naturally, I constantly felt engaged, satisfied, and ready to make things happen. When I spent time attempting to work and "develop" my weaknesses, I quickly became frustrated and lost sight of my end goals. My interest waned, I became complacent, and willing to accept whatever results occurred.
From my anecdotal experience across several disciplines, I have concluded for myself that time spent becoming better at what you are already good at yields exponentially more, in terms of productivity, than time spent developing weaknesses.
Allow me to suggest work done by Marcus Buckingham (no, I am not receiving any type of benefits, monetary or otherwise, from his company). His website is http://tmbc.com/ Check it out!
From my anecdotal experience across several disciplines, I have concluded for myself that time spent becoming better at what you are already good at yields exponentially more, in terms of productivity, than time spent developing weaknesses.
Allow me to suggest work done by Marcus Buckingham (no, I am not receiving any type of benefits, monetary or otherwise, from his company). His website is http://tmbc.com/ Check it out!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
It's Not Who You Know But Who Knows You
Many people say, "It's not what you know, but who you know" that determines success. This is true if one is speaking about climbing the ladder of a corporation. However, if you are a sales person or a small business owner, your ultimate success depends far more on "who knows you" than "who you know". How do you help others get to know you? Allow me to offer a two suggestions. First, practice the 50 BITS rule. Wherever there are 50 or more BITS ( Butts in the Seats), you would do well to be there also. Be involved! It's called networking! Networking is a great deal more effective than print media, mailing flyers, or, horror of horrors, the cold call. Don't just show up with the expectation of gaining customers. Pick a cause that you are passionate about and work to help forward that cause. Doing good is always good business!
Second, Develop a 30 second commercial. I have a friend that manages a temporary staffing business. Many of his competitors, if asked what they do, will say "I manage ABC staffing..." If you ask my friend, he says "I provide comprehensive, ongoing solutions that helps companies like yours maintain their high level of customer service and productivity when their regular employees are sick, in training, or on vacation.." Now that's a 30 second commercial. Then he follows up with a power question like, "What programs do you have in place to maintain your level of service when you are short-staffed?" It sticks in people's minds and they will remember you.
Second, Develop a 30 second commercial. I have a friend that manages a temporary staffing business. Many of his competitors, if asked what they do, will say "I manage ABC staffing..." If you ask my friend, he says "I provide comprehensive, ongoing solutions that helps companies like yours maintain their high level of customer service and productivity when their regular employees are sick, in training, or on vacation.." Now that's a 30 second commercial. Then he follows up with a power question like, "What programs do you have in place to maintain your level of service when you are short-staffed?" It sticks in people's minds and they will remember you.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Dress to Impress
How you dress says so much about who you are! In the past, when you had a BIG job interview, or were meeting with a potential client, do you just put on whatever clothes fell out of the closet? Of course not. You probably planned each part of your attire with extreme care. In fact, it is likely that you changed ties several times, or tried five different pairs of shoes to determine which pair would go best with your dress. You were dressing to impress.
Every day, you will be meeting new potential clients that could make a HUGE difference in your income potential (even if you don't know it). While first impressions may not always be correct, the certainly last a long, long time. If you make a poor first impression, you will likely not be given the opportunity to make a second or a third. Your appearance is important.
I'm not suggesting that everyone needs to wear a three-piece suit (though doing so will never hurt one's reputation) or a business dress. However, whatever your choice of clothes, your appearance should still be planned and chosen with care. A local automotive technician I know always keeps a clean, pressed shirt in his shop. Why? Accidents and spills happen. He believes, and I concur, that wearing a clean shirt leads to his clients taking his recommendations more seriously. Picture these two scenarios:
Scenario 1
You take your new car to a mechanic. He greets you with a smile. He is dressed in a clean pressed shirt, neat trousers, and shined shoes. You hand him your keys. He puts a paper mat on your floorboard before getting in. Later, he calls you at work and provides several recommendations. He even emails you the recommendations for your review.
Scenario 2
You take your new car t a mechanic. He comes out wiping motor oil from his hands using his already stained shirt as a towel. His shirt, along with the aforementioned stains, is crumpled and appears to have last been washed just prior to President Obama's first inaugural address. He jumps into your car (no paper floor mat this time). Later, not having heard from him, you return to the shop, to be presented with a wrinkled carbon copy which provides your recommendations.
In scenario 1, the mechanic's professionalism and appearance lead you to believe that he will adequately perform the services and, to be honest, that he appears to know what he is doing. In the second scenario, you likely wonder if your car would survive a second encounter with this mechanic. Even if you felt the recommendations were accurate, you would likely take your car to another mechanic (probably the one in scenario #1). Are all individuals who dress well competent? No. Do sloppy clothes mean sloppy service? Certainly not. However, if you only have a moment to make a decision, does the way someone dresses affect your judgment? Absolutely!
TIPS
Below are a few simple tips that can make a big difference (no matter what you wear):
Every day, you will be meeting new potential clients that could make a HUGE difference in your income potential (even if you don't know it). While first impressions may not always be correct, the certainly last a long, long time. If you make a poor first impression, you will likely not be given the opportunity to make a second or a third. Your appearance is important.
I'm not suggesting that everyone needs to wear a three-piece suit (though doing so will never hurt one's reputation) or a business dress. However, whatever your choice of clothes, your appearance should still be planned and chosen with care. A local automotive technician I know always keeps a clean, pressed shirt in his shop. Why? Accidents and spills happen. He believes, and I concur, that wearing a clean shirt leads to his clients taking his recommendations more seriously. Picture these two scenarios:
Scenario 1
You take your new car to a mechanic. He greets you with a smile. He is dressed in a clean pressed shirt, neat trousers, and shined shoes. You hand him your keys. He puts a paper mat on your floorboard before getting in. Later, he calls you at work and provides several recommendations. He even emails you the recommendations for your review.
Scenario 2
You take your new car t a mechanic. He comes out wiping motor oil from his hands using his already stained shirt as a towel. His shirt, along with the aforementioned stains, is crumpled and appears to have last been washed just prior to President Obama's first inaugural address. He jumps into your car (no paper floor mat this time). Later, not having heard from him, you return to the shop, to be presented with a wrinkled carbon copy which provides your recommendations.
In scenario 1, the mechanic's professionalism and appearance lead you to believe that he will adequately perform the services and, to be honest, that he appears to know what he is doing. In the second scenario, you likely wonder if your car would survive a second encounter with this mechanic. Even if you felt the recommendations were accurate, you would likely take your car to another mechanic (probably the one in scenario #1). Are all individuals who dress well competent? No. Do sloppy clothes mean sloppy service? Certainly not. However, if you only have a moment to make a decision, does the way someone dresses affect your judgment? Absolutely!
TIPS
Below are a few simple tips that can make a big difference (no matter what you wear):
- Shine Your Shoes- people notice without realizing they notice
- Iron Your Shirt- a wrinkled shirt gives the impression of sloppiness and slothfulness
- Match Your Accessories: if you wear brown shoes, wear a brown belt; if you wear silver earrings, wear a silver watch, etc.
- Overdress 1 level- business casual should include a sports coat or a tie; being underdressed looks amateur and gives the appearance of indifference
Saturday, April 13, 2013
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