Don’t let your dress get in the way of your success

April 25, 2012 by Who's Who of Southern Africa 

This week’s local branding expert is Alexis Chaffe, online fashion editor at 36Boutiques.com. She shares her top tips on how to dress for success, inspired by her experience at South Africa’s premium online fashion retailer.

Your appearance is what the world judges you on initially, so Alexis urges you to look well put together at all times: sloppy dressing never looks professional!

Alexis cautions you to avoid wearing vivid prints when you are making a presentation. “You want your audience to focus on your presentation, not your dress” she advises.

Because it is important to make yourself heard, she suggests that accessories are kept to a minimum, to avoid “jangling” and potential distraction when you speak.

To keep your clothes in tip top condition, and in tune with your professional look, care for them correctly by following the wash care instructions on the label.

Alexis advises that it’s best to dress your age, and avoid showing too much skin. “Business is about making the most of your talents – not your assets,” she says.

And finally: Don’t forget to take your sunglasses off your head when you go into a meeting. You don’t want to look like you’re off to the beach!

To find out more about the exciting world of online shopping, visit www.36boutiques.com or become a Facebook fan on http://www.facebook.com/36boutiques

Create an inspiring personal brand

April 18, 2012 by Who's Who of Southern Africa 

As our regular readers will know, we’ve asked local branding experts to weigh in with their top tips for making the most of your personal brand. We’ll be posting their insights here over the next few weeks, so watch this space for professional tips and key advice.

This week we’re sharing Sean Willard’s top tips for making the most of your personal professional brand.  After nearly 20 years as a Pharmacist, Sean sold his Pharmacy in Franschhoek to both discover and live his purpose and passion as a Speaker, Life Coach and Author of the book – Have a Life Attack. For Sean, his personal brand is his business so he assigns significant value to branding himself most effectively.

1. If your personal brand is your business, as in Sean’s case, he recommends finding someone who understands brands and personal branding and working with them to create your desired brand that you are proud to market to the world.

2. Sean advises if you are going to personalise your business and brand with your name, be quick and buy yourname.co.za domain and .com.

3. When creating a successful brand, Sean believes that visual elements are vitally important. So be sure to get professional photographs taken that truly reflect your personal brand favourably. Select your best head shot and use it consistently on all social network sites and websites. The more people see your photograph, the more you will remain top of mind.

4. If you have something of value to share and you want to get your name, thoughts and ideas out there, write a book about your area of expertise and passion.

5. Following on from the above tip, don’t limit yourself to print and online exposure. Sean encourages you to get yourself on radio and start adding value!

To be inspired by Sean, visit his website, http://www.smswillard.com/, or become a Sean Willard facebook fan on http://www.facebook.com/seanwillard or http://www.facebook.com/InspiredPurpose

And the winner is…

April 12, 2012 by Who's Who of Southern Africa 

The winner of the Who’s Who SA ‘Be the best brand you can be’ competition is Brenda Leibenberg! Brenda has won an Apple iPad, trendy iPad accessories from Buro, a Corporate Confidence Package by Chata Romano, a working wardrobe by 36 Boutiques, life coaching sessions with Sean Willard, professional career mapping, interview training and a video resume by Executives Online, a professional photo shoot by e image and books from Leisure Books.

Brenda matriculated in Rakoko High School without Mathematics and Accounting, but went on to study and graduate with a BCom degree at UNISA through determination alone. Her career experience now includes HR, Payroll, Debtors, Creditors, Training and Stock Control.

Brenda’s true professional interest lies in Counselling and Life Coaching, and she would like to reach out to young single mothers and assist them in realising and achieving their potential through Life Coaching. Brenda says “With this prize I will be able to overcome the challenges that I’m experiencing, and make a difference in lots of people’s lives.  As the saying goes: When you empower a woman, you empower a nation!”

Our leading experts and the team at Who’s Who SA will lead Brenda through this once-in-a-lifetime career makeover over the next few weeks. You can join us on this journey by following our updates on Facebook, Twitter and right here on our blog.

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