We are pleased and honored to announce Lori Johnson, image consultant and principal of Your Best Image, Professional Image Development was elected to a 3-year term on the Board of Directors for the South Shore Chamber of Commence (SSCC). The SSCC is a 2000 member organization of business leaders in the South Shore area of Boston Massachusetts.

What does the color red say? When you wear red you are letting the world know you are a confident person who is not afraid to take chances. It is often thought of as the “power color”. Men have long called the tie with a bit of red in it their “power tie”. Paired with black or navy, red sends a striking message. The timid or shy will not be comfortable wearing a large block of red, such as a dress or suit. If you are not comfortable in red, it will not be a good wardrobe choice for you.

There is a red for every skin tone. The question is not can I wear red but what shade of red can I wear. If you are a “Winter” (fair, olive or dark skin with black or dark brown hair) your red is true red with no white, yellow, or brown added. “Summers” (fair skin, blonde hair) you will look best in a softer red more to the pink end of the spectrum. “Autumns” (red or auburn hair, fair skin, possibly freckles) your red should be deep with rich brown added to it. “Springs” (red or strawberry blonde hair, very fair, clear skin) your red is bright with yellow added to it.

Red makes us feel warm. Using red in your interior decorating will warm up your room. Paint a wall red, add a red throw to your couch, or red rug to your floor and feel the room warm up.

Red can encourage passion. Men tell me there is nothing more seductive than a woman wearing red. For this reason, a red dress or suit may not be your best choice for a professional office environment. Save the red dress, shoes, and lingerie for evenings and weekends. A hint of red in a jacket or accessory is perfectly acceptable for the office.

Have fun with red! It is perfect for Valentines Day. Red will add some color and warmth to the cold and colorless winter days of February. Add red candles and flowers to a room for Valentines Day. Add a little passion to your love life, wear something red and enjoy the attention.

A Positive First Impression Is The Key That Opens The Door To A Fantastic Relationship.You have one chance to make a positive first impression. In less than 30 seconds, an opinion is being formed about your financial position, social level, sophistication, trustworthiness, state of mind, educational level, and organizational ability. Because we judge the world by visualization, our appearance plays an important role in our lives. How we relate to prospective mates can make or break the relationship’s initial success. Our appearance will either draw people to us or turn them away.

Arrive on time. “Have enough respect to show up early”. Rick Pitino, Former Boston Celtics Coach. Arriving late sends the message the event has low priority. It gives the impression that either you didn’t care or you are not organized. Arriving early allows you to be in control and choose your seating to position yourself in the best place to meet and pay full attention to your date. You will feel more relaxed and confident.

Be yourself. In the long term, you want the person to like you not a persona you have created. Ultimately, this façade will take too much energy and won’t be able to maintain it. You are a special person with many wonderful qualities just as you are; let that shine.

Never criticize, complain or gossip. Negative comments about group members, your boss, your job, business, ex-mates, etc. doesn’t make them look bad, it makes you look bad. People don’t want to associate with negative people.

Be sure what you choose to wear fits well. There should be no pulls, gaps or bulges in your clothing. You want to feel comfortable and not have to give any thought or attention to what you are wearing.

Flattering colors. Find out what colors look best on you and stick to them. This will also help with your wardrobe budget; you will have less clothing and more to wear by mixing and matching complimentary colors. A good tailor is important.

Clean, pressed, neat. Assess what you are going to wear before the event. If it shows any signs of wear and tear or is soiled, don’t wear it.

Grooming. Check you hands, are they ready for holding? Manicured nails and a little lotion go a long way. Is your haircut clean, fresh, and current? Keep facial hair intact.

Have the appropriate image for the occasion. Know the proper attire for the occasion. If you are not sure, ask the host, facility, program coordinator, or your favorite image consultant. When in doubt dress up not down.

Body language. Smile and make eye contact when you meet. Extend a handshake to a man or a woman. Take your lead from the other person. If they lean forward to give a light hug or peck on the cheek, you do the same. This gesture is acceptable only if both of you are comfortable doing so. Some cultures touch often and some cultures do not. You may need to do a little research before you meet.

Your surroundings. If your date will be in your automobile, your apartment, your office, or any place that represents you, be sure it is also sending the right impression. Clean and neat are key words here.

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