Our “self-perception” shapes the perception others will have of us. Our goal is to be perceived as a confident, caring, engaging and knowledgeable individual who sincerely desires to provide the best products and service possible.

What Does One’s Own Perception Have to Do With It Anyway? 

What caused the current perception we have of ourselves? As previously mentioned, more than likely, it is from all of our past experiences and how other people treated us. For instance, picture someone walking into a place of business who is well groomed and wearing a nice suit. Previous experience says that someone who looks like that is a successful, educated, organized, and intelligent person because that’s what we probably learned to think. This is how we see them whether they are really that way or not. Often, how we see ourselves is also based on past experiences, whether positive or negative.

On the other hand, when meeting someone who, upon first glance, has a disheveled appearance, or looks cranky or shy, we immediately decide he or she does not have anything to say that is worth our time. That perception may be correct or it may be completely false.  However, we may miss numerous opportunities because we do not perceive ourselves as good enough, competitive enough, educated enough, or dressed nicely enough.  You can fill in the blank with any number of reasons. Our energy, manner and appearance will be busy forming impressions that will may be hard to shake.

            A question we should ask ourselves daily is, “Do I send out the message to others that I am the one they want to do business with because I am the best?”  Why or why not?

             Exercise:  Stop! Take some time to really examine the following points and determine:  “What is the most important area that I would like to change as far as the perception I am giving to others?”  ________________________________________________

  • Could it be getting in better shape to appear more energetic and able to successfully handle their business?
  • Could it be working on simple body language changes such as a more confident handshake, erect posture and good eye contact?
  • How about a few changes in grooming to show others that I take good care of myself, therefore, I will also take equally good care of them and their business?
  • What would make me “feel” more confident, organized and ready to take on the big guys?

Your answers will help you lay out the steps necessary to change any perceptions that are not in your favor.  Stay tuned for tips on Giving an Impression That Commands Positive Results!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Rita Rocker is an international published author, life-transforming inspirational and educational speaker, communications and image specialist, and career consultant with Transformation Academy, LLC. She inspires individuals to rise and go forward by providing powerful techniques for victorious personal and professional life makeovers. Clients include teens, adult men and women, and the elderly. She works with individuals, professional organizations, corporations, youth programs, and at conferences and retreats. Rita has appeared on national television and radio talk shows on self-esteem and communication. Her professional background also includes corporate training, human resources and non-technical project management. She is a former Mrs. Nebraska and Mrs. America contestant (whose husband died during her term from cancer), and on the international board for Professional Woman Network.

On a personal note, Rita’s passion to transform lives comes from climbing out of her own deep pit of very low self-worth, domestic violence with physical/mental/emotional abuse, self-sabotaging behavior through fear of failure and rejection, emotional eating, care giving, personal loss, and self-destructive relationships. Rita understands what it is like being stricken with several health issues and eight surgeries in two years including a brain tumor, jaw bone tumor and Meniere’s disease. She is very authentic and transparent while filling her clients, audiences and readers with hope, help, humor and heart!

Expertise:

  • Inspirational and Self-esteem Programs
  • Dynamic Communication Skills for Your Personal and Professional Life
  • Polished, Professional Image, Business Etiquette & Social Skills
  • Career Development and Exceptional Leadership
  • Successful Branding/Networking Techniques
  • Customer Service and Relationship Building

Keynote and Breakout Topics Include:

  • The Whole Enchilada: Creating New Recipes for Your Life
  • Marketing Yourself for Success
  • Attitudes That Overcome: Triumphing Through Transition
  • Get Your Combat Boots on Ladies but Don’t Forget Your Mascara
  • You, Getting Older? You’re Just Getting Started!

Rita is the author of: Hope at the End of Your Rope: Steps to Rebuild Your Life and Guide to Marketing Yourself for Success. She is a contributing international author to: The Professional Woman, Overcoming a Chaotic Life; Sink, Swim or Float: How to Survive the Trials of Life; The Unstoppable Woman’s Guide to Emotional Well Being; Woman Power: Strategies for Female Leadership; The Power of Transformation: Reinventing Your Life; Baby Boomers: Secrets for Life After 50; Tapping Your Inner Vision: Transforming Your Life, Shifting Your Mind; The Self-Esteem Guide for Women: How to Build Confidence; Your Personal GPS: How to Navigate Life’s Challenges and Roadblocks; The Woman’s Book of Empowerment and Confidence Daily Affirmations.