Have you heard the phrase “it does not matter what you look like, it is what is on the inside that counts”?

In theory, it is a nice ideal. However the fact is that we communicate so much visually and non-verbally that we cannot ignore the importance of our overall visual message and first impressions.

In the first 5 seconds of a meeting, we make an assessment of sex, age, size health, culture and socio-economic status. We then make a decision if we like and trust a person enough to get to know them better.

Whether you are going for a promotion, having a corporate photo taken, being photographed by the media or simply wanting to present with Style and Confidence.

Check, check and double check your appearance from your hair, down to your shoes, and then check in the mirror what the back looks like as well, just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need as much attention. What do people see when you walk away?.

Ondina Communications will be helping business owners learn from Ondina’s experience in developing business systems, focus on nuturing and building productive client bases and work closely with teams of staff to create the winning edge.

What’s in a name?  Ondina Communications provides business strategy development, training through public workshops and in-house events and mentoring to business owners and managers on driving results in their businesses.

Don’t you find that when you have an idea in your head, all of a sudden you see things that relate back to your idea. It’s like needing a new bathroom, you suddenly see all the advertising for bathroom accessories.

Well I have been wearing a lot of dresses lately, my pants have been given a rest, mostly because I have been over indulging and they are that little bit firm around my middle…….

While I was flicking through the June/July Harpers Bazar, I came across a lovely article “LEARNING TO DRESS” By Belinda Lacombe, who is married to Leona Edmiston’s brother.

Belinda talks about going against tradition and wearing pants on her wedding day because dresses were not her thing, she didn’t see herself as feminine, they showed her legs, they looked like school uniforms, but she had married into frocks and Leona kept sending them to her. Belinda finally gave up and started wearing dresses and realized how easy they actually are to wear.

“I caved and here is what I learnt. Dresses are not a problem. They’re a solution. You put one on. You put on a pair of shoes. You’re done. There’s almost no occasion for which they are the wrong thing to wear. Their fly is never undone. They never show your undies or give you crotch burn. The top always matches the bottom. If you get nostalgic for crazy dressing, you can wear them with eccentric tights. Lolly probably could have explained all this to me. But that’s not how the Edmiston’s roll, they just make stuff.”

The article particularly interested me because I talk to clients every day that would love to wear a dress, but say it is too much trouble. Reading Belinda’s article re enforced in my mind how easy they are to wear, you don’t have to worry too much about what goes with a dress, other than a cardi or a Jacket.

Finding the style that your comfortable in is the tricky part.

A lot of people have been asking me, “What’s next Ondina?”

One area that I will be working on is “Personal Branding” for individuals and Professionals.

If you’re not familiar with the term “Personal Branding”, get ready, you will see and hear about it for a long time to come.

Up and coming business professionals, entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to differentiate themselves in order to stand out from their peers and competitors, understands that in order to succeed it is essential to build your own Brand.

You need to be known for your unique qualities, and that means being recognized.

Just remember: quality in all things, and less is more.

From the beginning of August I will be running workshops on “Personal Branding & Professional Image” for individuals and Corporate organizations.

If you would like to make any enquiries regarding a workshop for your organization, or attend a workshop as an individual, please don’t hesitate to contact me.