It seems lately that there is a lot of interest in image makeovers. We see it on television from extreme makeovers to home makeovers. What is an Image Makeover? Why do people want makeovers? What will they do for you?

Image Makeovers can be extreme and include plastic surgery, hair implants, liposuction and dental work. For the lucky few who are chosen, it will make a great difference in their lives. Image makeovers help raise self-esteem and give those who have them an edge in the corporate and business world that they would have not previously had. It may seem unjust but there is a widely held belief that how you look reflects who you are - your social status, intelligence etc. Whether we like it or not we are judged within the first fifteen seconds of meeting someone. This alone would be enough reason to want a makeover.

The good news is you have control over the image you project. For those who don’t need or want extreme work done but would like a more polished image and want to highlight their assets, there are simple steps that can be take that will create a more satisfying look.

The elements to consider when creating a professional look are: hair, makeup, style, body type and wardrobe building, communication skills and attitude.

Hair: Keep your hairstyle up-to-date. Hair has a huge impact on your overall look and an out-dated style will make you appear out-dated as well. If you are working in the corporate world this could destroy any chance of advancement. If your style is from the last decade it may communicate that your ideas and practices are too. If you need an updated look find a hairstylist who knows the latest hair fashions.

Makeup: If you don’t wear makeup now and you are otherwise well –groomed you will not look completed finished. If you are not sure how to use makeup seek out a professional- it will be well worth the time and effort.

Style: When we dress to suit our personal style or fashion personality we feel more comfortable. Sometimes women don’t want to “dress up” because they feel like they are being someone else. When you dress to fit your personal style you can be “dressed up and feel like the clothing belongs on you.

Body Type: We are not all born with the same shape, so, the style we wear will impact the way we look. Have you ever seen an outfit on one of your friends that looked spectacular but when someone else wore that same outfit it lost its pizzazz? That has to do with the body shape of the two people. Both women could be the same height and weight but have a totally different shape. This has a huge impact on how the outfit looks.

Building a Wardrobe: Have you brought home clothes that you really liked and when you looked in your closet you realized that that you didn’t have a thing to go with it? What do you do? Go back to the store and buy something to match. That’s not always a bad thing if you have lots of money to spend. If however, you don’t, you will want to make wise purchases. Making wise purchases means knowing how to build a wardrobe.

Communication Skills: Good communication skills involve more than what you say. We communicate using body language, tone of voice and listening skills. Good communication skills will increase your income, improve your company’s profits, make you more promotable and increase your job satisfaction. If you feel your communication skills are lacking enroll in a communication skills.

Attitude: A person can look as good as possible but will fail miserably if he/she has a poor attitude. Research has shown that the number one reason people lose their jobs is because of their inability to get along with others, in short - a poor attitude. A great attitude is the key element that brings all the others together – it is like the icing on the cake.