Thanks to the reality shows like, Extreme Makeover, Ambush Makeover and Queer Eye for the straight guy, more and more people are becoming aware of the need to look good and to make a god impression.
The main goal of image consultants and makeovers is to assist their clients in expressing themselves, live their lives with self-confidence, and be content with who they are. Image consultants work hand in hand with their clients to make sure that they bring out the best in the them. But makeovers not only consist of the physical appearance they also involve other aspects that individuals employ to make an impression of a person.
Some of those other aspects are "verbal communication" wherein a person carries a conversation with other people and involves the way they speak and how they pronounce the words; the "body language" which focuses on how the person moves, eye contact, context clues and other non-verbal forms of communication; and lastly, the "etiquette" or "social manners" which revolve around how people carry themselves around others.
But because of the fast paced way we live our lives these days, there's a little time for most of us to make time in our hectic schecules for an appointment with an image consultant. However, the need and demand to look good and feel good is still there, so this need, this demand opens up a whole new market and presents an amazing opportunity for an image consultant with a little forsight and technical ability. They say that necessity is the mother of all inventions and one of the breakthroughs related to image consultation is virtual (online) image consulting.
The internet has made it possible for anyone (with an internet connection) looking to hire an image consultant to find the time and the right consultant.
Virtual Image Consulting Business Overview
It's a very convenient way to look good and understand your style. A virtual image consultant makes it possible for people to go through the changes that they want to make without the hassle of leaving their homes or offices.
Additionally, a virtual image consltant makes it possible for the individual to make the desired changes at their own pace. It's also affords the client a great deal of privacy and comfort. Some people feel very uncomfortable making changes. By remaining in the security, safety and privacy of their own homes, or offices, they have can do so gradually, with a great deal less stress and more confidence.
There's no underestimating the importance of dressing well, on a budget within your range and in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. These days it's not enough to just live a healthy, active life, build a strong portfolio or resume and answer all the questions right. Intense competition dictates that we find an edge, an advantage, and a professional image consultant provides that edge.
Just like a regular image consultant that has an office and a network, a virtual image consultant offers the following personal services:
- Colour analysis. An image consultant, virtual or otherwise, is trained or has learned to understand what colours best suit an individuals eyes and natural skin colour. They know which colours accent and enhance natural tones and highlights.
- Fashion. An image consultant needs to be able to evaluate what a client has available in their closet, what they should keep, what needs to be tossed, and what needs to be acqauired. The fashion knowledge a consultant possesses isn't restricted to just what's fasionable, but also what will flatter the person's body type, colour are needs. If the client is an executive, she won't have much need for revealing dresses and low-rider blue jeans.
- Style. An image consultant needs to be able to assess the client's personal style whereby he/she assesses the client's personality and can find the right image for him or her.
- Personal shopping. An image consultant will need to enjoy shopping. Many clients will require this service of their consutlatn. This service is connected to the fashion skill set. Once you go through your client's wardrobe, you'll more often than not have to go shopping. This could mean hours at the malls or stores going through racks and racks of outfits, looking for just the right style, image and colour.
Anyone can become an image consultant. You just need a few things that will make you excel if you decide to turn this into a full time business.
For one, you must have a background in an area even slightly related so you can use your experience and offer this as advice to the client. If you worked before as a hairstylist, you know what colours or hairstyles work for a certain person. If you've previously worked in the fashion industry, that would be beneficial as well.
You should also be interested in the different services you plan to offer, otherwise you won’t be able to give your all when helping a client with their problems.
Though their really isn't a licensing or certaification board, it would be helpful if you had some type of formal training and/or certification, especially if you're going to specialize in, say, colour consulting or cosmetics.
You should know that there are no set programs offered in colleges or universities that teach students how to become an image consultant, however a bachelor’s degree in psychology, business, home economics or sociology may prove to be useful when you are managing your business or communicating with a client.
The certification you get to be an image consultant comes from organizations that train people to work in this kind of profession. This will make you confident and knowledgeable about the fashion industry should you decide to specialize in helping people choose what clothes to wear. If your client doesn't have time to buy the right clothes, you'll be the one to gp out and buy for them thus you become an image consultant/personal shopper.
In order for you to become an image consultant, you need to gain some experience. Naturally you can’t charge the same rate as other people who have been doing this are charging so offer your services first for free.
After successfully helping a few people, create your own portfolio and your website so people will know who you are.
Tools & Equipment
There aren't really any special tools or equipment requirements for a virtual image consultant, other than the obvious:
- a computer with an internet connection (preferrably high speed)
- a printer
- a phone
- scheduling software
- video conferencing software (and a webcam)
- a website
- style, taste and a love of fashion, shopping, makeup and hairstyles
To expand your business as a virtual image consultant, you have to advertise just like any other business. Put an ad in the local paper, market online and send direct mail invitations to clients. And of course, if you've helped out friends, neighbours and/or relatives, testimonials from them would go a long way in building your credibility and your business.
Once you've established yourself as a professional image consultant, you'll begin getting jobs with companies who'll engage your services to help their employees make some improvements. You'll either be hired to do one-on-one consultations or to hold seminars or workshops to instruct employees enmasse.
Given that almost everybody needs an image consultant, it's no wonder that a lot of people are getting into the game. What you do could help someone land a job, find their true love, get a promotion at work or just make them feel better about themselves.
If you choose to start a virtual image consulting business, don't forget that your website will reflect on your business. Don't skimp on it. If you don't have the skills to design a nice site, it would definitely be worth it for you to hire a web designer.
Well that's today's home business idea. I hope it gave you some inspiration or ideas. Remember, as always, whichever business you choose, have fun with it.
Until tomorrow,
Terry
