Colour analysis is never about the swatches!
Hi, Kim, I read the emails you send out and they really inspire me. I recently got my certification as an image consultant.
It doesn’t seem as in demand in the States as it is in European countries. Image consulting was a real big hit in the 80s and it has really faded away. Personal stylists are the revamped version, but is more popular with the Hollywood stars and people with tons of cash.
Although I have the ability to change my clients’ lives with my talent, I have not purchased complete color palettes, nor do I have drapes. I made my own seasonal palettes with small fabric pieces glued onto a larger piece of fabric.
I’m on a really tight budget with starting my own hair salon also. Do you have any suggestions on how to make these items or do you have anything at a very low cost? Thanks, Esmeralda
Dear Esmeralda,
The perception of the image industry may well be that it’s old-fashioned, out-of-date and considered very 80s but if YOU (an image consultant) have those same thoughts about it, that’s going to kill your business before you’ve even started.
I would suggest that you re-think what you’re offering and change the way you describe yourself, if that helps you to think higher of yourself.
When YOU’re confident about what you’re offering, you will attract clients.
There are plenty of ladies out there who need your help
I don’t think the essence of what image consultants offer will ever fade away; people will always want our services and skills but it’s up to us to market ourselves better and explain what we can do to help our potential clients.
Call yourself something different – an image coach, or a wardrobe consultant, or a personal stylist – it’s only a title. The bookings will come because people want YOU, not what you offer.
As for the wallets, offering a home-made version is only going to appeal to low-paying clients. Is that really what you want?
You need to think about what kind of business you really want
Low-cost investment => low-paying clients => low income
If you want high-paying customers, you’re going to have to offer them something much higher value than home made.
Invest in your business
If you’re serious about working as an image consultant, you need to invest in your business with good colour tools:
- My own drapes have been going strong for over 25 years
- I’ve had my seasonal wallets for 20 years
- and my tonal fans for about 16 years
Colour tools or props are a one-time investment that will pay dividends over and over again.
Speak to whoever trained you and ask them to help you source good quality drapes, wallets, etc. for your business. Or take a look at our wholesale catalogue.
Colour analysis is NEVER about the swatches
And remember, this isn’t about the swatch wallets, or the drapes, or your premises, or any of those other distractions.
What we offer to our clients is confidence – confidence in how they look and how they feel about themselves.
The successful consultant has to be totally confident about her own abilities and about the services that she’s offering. If not, the client will know.
You have to believe first and foremost that what you’re offering is worthwhile and that there are women out there who want your services.
And there are absolutely loads of them!
