When is Casual too Casual?

Does casual Fridays mean party on the bottom & business on top? Not quite…
Every company varies in their Casual Dress Code policy- the main point to remember when getting dressed for Casual Friday- is that you are an ambassador for your company and what it represents. The dress code for Casual Friday is actually called Casual Smart. “So…” you may be asking “what do I wear?” When you look at yourself in the mirror your outfit should say 70% casual, 30% smart. Here are some examples…

Casual Clothing Cues

Colours are brighter; prints are bigger -bolder; styles of clothes less structured. More detail on garments such as stitching, pockets and pleats. Bolder costume jewellery and lower heeled shoes can be worn. For more cues – see visuals below.

Women: • Capri Pants, paired with a collared blouse; crisp cotton t-shirts or cardi-cami combination with jeans.

Men: •Golf shirt worn with denims; Soft – collared shirt paired with khaki’s.

Both: •Always keep a smart-looking jacket with you in case you need to dress up your outfit at a moments notice. •Should jeans be allowed-choose a dark indigo or black jean in a classic cut.

Casual Caution

These are general cautionary guidelines to ensure you don’t tarnish your personal and company brand.

Women: •Cling-wrap type clothing – dressing one or two sizes too small •Over-detailed and decorated tops – large bows, ruffles, slogans •Revealing clothing items (short skirts, plunging necklines) •Sheer, see-through fabrics •Shoe string, strappy tops or dresses •Vests, cropped, tank tops •Leggings or shorts •Low rise pants/skirts •Gym wear: tracksuits, sweat pants •Revealing/wrong colour  underwear •Too many colours/prints worn in one outfit •Accessories that are too large, too noisy, too plastic •Slip-on sandals– people must not hear you before they see you

Men:•Over the top floral, dramatic shirts •T-shirts with offensive slogans •Shirts buttoned too low •Too long, too oversized untucked shirts •Beer boep hanging out from shirt •Badly mixed colour combinations •Skinny or tight trousers •Bermudas or shorts •Oversized belt buckles •Colourful , mismatched or white socks

Both: •Faded,very skinny, overstressed jeans •No creases, stains, chipped buttons or loose threads •Sloppy, oversized baggy clothes •Gym shoes.

For more information on our corporate image and etiquette programmes visit our website www.profimpressions.co.za or contact us on info@profimpressions.co.za

5 Steps To Interview Dress Success

“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” – Edith Head

Whether you’re looking for work or are seeking a promotion at your current job, dressing the part can make all the difference. Though it’s easy to say that appearances shouldn’t matter and that a candidate should be judged on their merit and accomplishments rather than their chosen style of dress, the truth is that your wardrobe choices do reflect upon you and speak to your character in the professional world. This is especially true in the case of job interviews, where a first impression and a relatively short conversation are all that a hiring manager has to base her opinions around.

Acing the interview

It’s hard enough to land a job interview, let alone get the job – be sure to dress professionally and leave them with a positive, memorable impression of who you are. Follow these 5 steps for interview dress success.

1. Know the code – if you are not sure how to dress, phone up the company and ask them what their dress code policy is. It is better to be safe than sorry. Let’s face it – we all judge a book by its cover.

2. Err on the side of conservatism – it’s always better to be a bit over-dressed than under-dressed.

3. No to novelty! – Skip the kooky ties and socks. Meeting a prospective employer for the first time is not an ideal moment to break out in your Blue Bulls tie or Donald Duck socks you got for your last birthday. Instead, look for something simple and straightforward in a solid color or with a subtle print. The same applies to cutesy pens, notepads, pencil cases, phone covers– really anything that would allow people to not take you seriously.

4. Don’t splurge on the aftershave – Be sparing with aftershave and fragrances. Ladies, tone down your make-up  if it normally includes heavy eye shadow or bright lipstick. Sights and scents can be very distracting and can make you seem frivolous. Always make sure your nails are manicured and your hair is neat and tidy.

5. Do your research – make sure you know a bit of the background of the company before arriving for the interview. It shows that you care and you are interested in the job. Be prepared to answer questions, and also pose questions about the company or position.

For  more information on our Corporate Image and Packaged for Success  programmes click here or Contact us: Tel: 011 469 1396 email: info@profimpressions.co.za

8 Ways To Build Your Confidence

Imagine what you could accomplish if you were confident in any situation? Confidence is something you can achieve but in order to do so you need to proactively develop it yourself, it doesn’t simply happen.You may sometimes suffer from “spotlight effect” a time when your confidence just plummets seconds before you need it most. Try these easy-to-remember steps to getting your confidence back.

Here are 8 ways to help you start building your confidence right now!

1.  Take chances that take you out of your comfort zone.

Don’t be afraid to feel uncomfortable – doubt often prevents us from trying something new and the result is that we end up not discovering our true potential.  Putting yourself in situations where you are forced to try something new and overcome obstacles will help you build your confidence.

2. Ask yourself the question… “So What ?” Here are some instances where this question might help you break through imprisoning inhibitions: “If I voice my opinion during a meeting, my colleagues are going to disagree with me” So what’s the worst that can happen? Every time you feel yourself hesitating to do something that might impact on decreasing your confidence-ask the question.

3.  Fail fast and fail often.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”  Thomas A. Edison. Failure is part of achieving success. Failure is how you learn what you can overcome and that you are capable of rising above difficulties. Each time you come through a challenge your confidence will be boosted and you will have the strength and the belief to overcome the next obstacle.

 4.  Boost someone else’s confidence.

If someone does a good job applaud them. If someone looks great, compliment them. Refuse to engage in gossip. By looking for the best in others, you bring out the best in you.

5.  Ignore what most people think of you.

Stop worrying about what everyone thinks of you. If you have the trust and respect of your clients, friends and colleagues that you admire, you will have the confidence to achieve anything.

6. Calm yourself

Get rid of nervous energy by walking around the office or the parking lot. Prepare to become focused. Take a few minutes on your own, take a few deep breathes and then walk into the meeting room. Once you have taken your place in front of everyone – take a breath and then smile.

 7. Face your fears 

How many of our fears come from how we think people will perceive us if we do or say something? Talk to a friend / colleague about them – so you can get an objective opinion. Harness them- If they are under your control, you don’t have to worry about them. Ask your fears questions such as: where, what, why, when, and how? Free them – Let them go. Tell them to have fun, but not to come back.

8.  Start right NOW.

There will never be a perfect time to try and achieve confidence. All it takes is one small step and with each step you will grow more capable and confident. Go ahead, start now and see how your life will start to change!

“Confidence is the key. If you don’t believe in yourself, no-one will.” – Unknown

For more information on our business etiquette and personal branding programmes click here or contact us on info@profimpressions.co.za

Twin Triumph

The latest Leadership magazine features a 4 page article “Twin Triumph” sharing my thoughts on women leaders as well as my personal and career challenges and how I overcame these. To view online visit http://bit.ly/1DQ9bXJ and turn to pg 30.

Click here  to find out about our corporate image workshops or contact us on

011 469 1396 or haydee@profimpressions.co.za

Learning Your Lines

Turn to the latest issue of Destiny magazine – page 36 to read my “story” and obtain essential advice on presentation tips.

Here are some of the tips featured in the article:

1. Have a clear structure. Never start by saying: “Thank you for taking the time…” or: “Welcome ladies and gentlemen…” Start with a strong opening statement, followed by two or three “points of wisdom” which expand on your main premise. These points should be fleshed out with anecdotes, statistics, suggestions, etc.

2. Conclude your speech with a powerful statement that leaves people feeling energised and ready to take action.

3. Never begin by asking for questions from the audience. Leave it for after you’ve formally ended you speech.

4. Make it Personal. To connect emotionally with your audience, they have to be moved. Use personal, not borrowed stories.

5. Remember “WIFM” (“What’s in it for me?”) Your audience needs take home value.

 Click here  to find out about our corporate image workshops or contact us on 011 469 1396 or haydee@profimpressions.co.za

Help Miss SA look her Best!

In a fun interactive, personalised consultation, we took Miss SA 2014, Rolene Strauss,  through the secrets of making every wardrobe visit one of inspiration rather than frustration. She also answered some fun questions…

Who is your image, style icon?
As a little girl I was fascinated by princesses, and today Kate Middleton is my image and fashion icon. An image personality analysis revealed that Rolene’s dominant image personality style is “Elegant Feminine”. Interesting to note that the Duchess of Cambridge shares the same image personality style.

Colour plays a great role in how we look and feel about ourselves as well as how others perceive us. During Rolene’s colour analysis it was discovered that out of 12 colour categories, warm, clear and bright colours are the best shades to enhance her complexion and give her that special “glow”. Her best accent colours are emerald green, which intensifies her eyes, turquoise, nectarine, poppy red, lemon zest. She needs to avoid dusty, greyed tones as they instantly drain her skin colour.

If you had to describe your life using a colour what would it be?
Peach – it’s a colour that depicts fun, optimism, radiates warmth and happiness. Just how I feel my life is right now.

Her body shape analysis revealed she is a perfect hourglass, with long legs & arms. Her mum calls her “Daddy long legs” she says. Rolene’s challenge is trying to find pants & sleeves of jackets/tops that are long enough. A unique, personalised style booklet was designed for Rolene which outlines in detail what best suits her from necklines, collars, jackets, dresses, and even swimwear and shoes.

From your teeth to your toes, what is your favourite body part?
I’d say my eyes and feminine curves.

What is your least favourite body part?
I have a size 8 feet and sometimes struggle to get shoes.

What would you never leave the house without putting on?
My whole image changes from student-girl to lady the moment I put my high heels on and as Miss SA I would never leave the house without them.

What do you love to lounge around at home in?
It’s an outfit my grandma gave me – my cow-print onecie and my “pantoffels”

After doing her wardrobe analysis we identified she has loads of dresses but not enough blouses, tops. These are easier to create more mix ‘n match options – dresses tend to be more limiting. Also, there were too many black and white combinations and not enough of her ideal colours or prints.

Filling these gaps will help her discover new looks within her current wardrobe. Rolene’s biggest wardrobe challenge is being able to put together different looks as she does not have a lot of time to plan outfits.

To assist her with this we will be designing an electronic lookbook identifying all the items in her wardrobe with great mix ‘n match options – so at a moment’s notice Rolene can refer to this and not have to waste time in deciding what to wear.
I have worked with the Miss SA’s for the last 11 years and Rolene is truly one of my firm favourites.

She is the epitomy of inside – out beauty, authentic and graceful 24/7. Her natural beauty captivates you when you meet her but her warmness and genuine caring captures your soul.

Watch this space – Rolene Strauss is going to become South Africa’s next Charlize Theron!

For more information on our corporate image courses and how to be packaged for success please click here or contact us on info@profimpressions.co.za

13 Secrets to Make An Impressive Entrance

If walking into a room full of unfamiliar people scares you, you have good reason! You only have between 5-7 seconds to make a good first impression and display a professional corporate image. Ever noticed how some people just walk into a room and suddenly fill it with their presence? Their secret? They know how to make an entrance and understand the silent language of first impressions. Making an unforgettable impression as you walk into a room is a powerful weapon in your arsenal, one that gives you an edge, imperceptibly shaping the way that others perceive you.

Secrets to making an impressive entrance

1. Do your homework – know what the dress code is. You don’t want to be dressed in formal attire when everyone else is wearing casual smart.
2. Be on time – being fashionably late has no place in today’s hectic business world. Being late means you do not value other people’s time. You are also likely to make a rushed entrance, which will give others an impression that you are flustered and not in control.
3. Before walking in, put away your mobile, sunglasses, car keys and whatever else you are carrying so you look polished and composed.
4. To manage any nervousness, stop for a moment before you walk in, take a deep breath and visualize making the perfect entrance.
5. Display confident body language. Check your posture – stand up straight, head up, shoulders back. It will help you feel confident and make a lasting impression.
6. Leave your self-consciousness at the door before stepping in.

7.  Walk in with a pleasant smile, relax your body and your facial muscles, and make casual eye contact. To display confident body language click here.
8. Don’t stop or hesitate as you walk through the door. Walk at a casual, steady pace to the centre of the room, as if you know someone. Don’t stand in the door scanning the room for someone you know.
9.  Should you not know anyone – find the PR person/ host of event and ask them to introduce you to someone.
10. Master the art of small talk – click here for valuable tips to do this
11. Don’t head straight to bar or buffet table.
12. Show confidence, even if you have to fake it. If you are uncertain of the protocol at the meeting or function, watch what other people are doing (“mirroring”) and follow suit.

Practice makes perfect

Sound like a tall order? The good news is that as you implement these tips, you will see immediate results, which will boost your confidence and make it easier to make an entrance next time.

Practice at home until the right posture and relaxed, warm smile are second nature. Plan your time well so you will never have to make a rushed entrance. Each time you make a successful entrance you will get one step closer to becoming one of those people who command presence when they walk into a room.

Is developing Personal Presence on your company’s list of training programmes? If not, let us assist you and your colleagues to command a professional presence in today’s fast moving world. We look forward to unlocking your unlimited potential!

Click here  to find out about our corporate image workshops or contact us on

011 469 1396 or haydee@profimpressions.co.za

The Art of Managing Your Manager

Having a great relationship with your manager/supervisor is essential towards enhancing your career, corporate image, business etiquette and making your work environment pleasurable. Always try and see yourself and your manager as a team and aim to work towards a mutual win-win relationship.

Moving up your career path can often depend on whether you can manage your manager rather than whether your manager is good at managing you. Learn the skill of “Managing your manager” by following these simple steps:

What type of Manager do you have?

Be adaptable – there will be times where you will need to change your work style to accommodate your manager’s style of working.

• The perfectionist manager- requires order, dislikes interruptions, requires frequent progress updates, very involved in the detail, likes to control all aspects of task at hand. Solution…breathe – allow them to scrutinise your progress and work until they are satisfied and have built up trust in you.
• The volatile manager – prone to outbursts when under stress. Solution…Be assertive, don’t become emotional and don’t take it personally. Wait till he/she has calmed down and then explain, or help facilitate a solution. However, be careful of allowing them to cross personal boundaries, being bullied or letting them use insulting language.
• The never around manager expects you to take the ball and run with it. Solution: Put yourself in their shoes – how would they handle that challenge, situation? Communicate often but quickly. Have very clear and concise requests to get the answers you require to do your job efficiently.
Many times you will have a mix of the above and then you need to have enough savvy to combine strategies.

15 ways to create a win-win situation:

1. Explain how you’re best “managed.” Help your manager understand how he can help you do your best work.
2. If you feel your manager might be making an incorrect decision (maybe he does not have all the facts), suggest a better alternative. However, once she has made the decision, stop second-guessing and do your best to implement it— regardless of whether you agree.
3. Be consistent and keep your promises. This builds trust – send the email when you said you would, make the phone call when you promised, have the report ready before the deadline.
4. Show initiative, save your manager time by anticipating what he/she needs.
5. Keep them informed about goings on in your area, other parts of the company, the industry and competitors.
6. It is important to be seen as someone who delivers and goes the extra mile. To achieve this drop, delay or delegate anything non–urgent if a crisis is looming.
7. If there is underlying tension or hidden conflicts, raise them before the situation explodes.
8. Stop complaining about things that you nor your manager have the control to change. If you bring up a problem – have a solution in mind.
9. Ask for feedback on your completed tasks. Instantly act on a solution if the comments are negative.
10. Keep your manager updated on your latest achievements, courses attended etc.
11. Never disagree with him/her in front of others, unless they have specifically asked for your opinion.
12. If you feel you have unintentionally embarrassed him/her in front of others, apologise immediately. In this way you minimise the risk of them loosing their trust in you.
13. It is positive to show ambition, but take care not to make your manager feel threatened. “I can’t wait to have your job one day” is unlikely to be viewed enthusiastically.
14. Having a manager means they get to delegate, probably the stuff they hate doing! Accept these tasks with positive body language and a smile. Remember “ Your attitude determines your altitude”.
15. If you work for the same person for a long period you tend to fall into established patterns. Take time to regularly asses how you work together. Discuss if your roles and experience has changed and whether you could do things differently.

Essential Principles …
• Discretion is the key. Ascertain how open you can be about certain subjects – they are your superior after all not your best friend, so keep a professional distance.
• Never gossip or bad mouth your manager – it will always get back to them, to your detriment.
• If you work for a manager of a different gender keep remarks of a personal nature to a minimum “Have you been working out?” might be perceived as flirtatious.
• Try and end all discussions with your manager on a positive note.
• It is vital that he/she is aware of your personal goals and aspirations – in order to be able to motivate you. Your goals need to be aligned with your personal values.
• If you feel you need training in a certain area e.g. assertiveness – let him/her know.

Your manager probably has more knowledge and experience than you at this point. See them as a valuable resource of information and connections for your career path. By observing and learning from them you will ensure your own personal growth.

Click here  to find out about our corporate workshops or contact us on

011 469 1396 or haydee@profimpressions.co.za