On Monday, March 13th, image consultant and self branding expert Margaret Batting will be coming to Boston College to speak with young women looking to upgrade their professional wardrobe in an event co-hosted by Women in Business and your’s truly, Her Campus BC. I was privileged enough to speak with Ms. Batting about her business and valuable advice prior to the event. After my interview, I am more than excited for the upcoming event where Ms. Batting will go into more detail about all of these areas but for now here is a glimpse of the insight this amazing woman has…
Short Biography on Margaret Batting.
After more than 15 years successfully working for Fortune 500 companies, Margaret felt it was time for a personal change. In 2008, she combined her passion for fashion, teaching, health and well-being with her deisre to inspire others to make positive changes in their life and started a corporate image comminications business. With her certified business, she works with different businesses on how to get employees to represent their companies in the best life and for individuals to match their personal image with their professional job. Margaret’s education includes a BS in Mass Communication from BU as well as image consultation certificates from both national and international programs. Margaret is currently the President of the New England Chapter of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), the world’s most prestigious image industry trade association! Margaret has appeared on both TV and in the press giving advice to the public and has an amazing message that she is now bringing to BC.
What first got you interested in the field of image consulting?
“I became interested in image consulting when I decided I didn’t want to work for someone else for the rest of my life. I spent time figuring out what I really loved doing, what my strengths were and what skills would be transferable. I had worked for a long time and didn’t want to start completely over. My experience at Staples actually prepared me for what I am doing now. Advertising and Marketing a product is not that different than Advertising and Marketing a business professional. Plus, I do feel there is a lack of training and guidance when it comes to professional presence in the workplace.”
What is your key piece of advice for women you go out for their first interview? How can we embrace the “look good, feel good” model?
“Invest in quality! Your outfit also needs to suit you, your personality and the environment you’re interviewing in. Wearing your mother’s suit is not going to cut it. It’s important to pay attention to key details like making sure your clothes fit well, jacket sleeves are tailored and your shoes are in great shape. Make sure your “business essentials” like your tote bag and pen complement your image and communicate a consistent message. No backpacks or cheap pens!”
What are 5 pieces you think all college girls should invest into their wardrobe for upcoming interviews? How do you feel about accessorizing? Is it affordable to have a professional wardrobe?
“1. One high quality stylish suit in a dark color like charcoal grey or black- pieces can be worn separately once you land the job.
2. A blouse to complement your suit- color and style will depend on the type of job and company. You have more flexibility if you are interviewing in Retail, Advertising, Marketing, PR or at start up company.
3. A pair of amazing black shoes no higher than 3 inches. Again, quality is key. Shoes speak volumes!
4. A winter coat or trench coat that fits you perfectly
5. A quality tote bag with minimal or simple hardware
Accessories are fine as long as they are not distracting. They should complement your outfit not detract from it. Also, if you can afford to buy an Iphone and drink Starbucks coffee you can afford a professional wardrobe. It’s about creating a plan, prioritizing, budgeting, and making smart purchases.”
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Can you please share a before/after success story that you worked with in helping making a young woman develop her image?
“I worked with two college students who had started a company while still in school. They were in the process of seeking funding to grow their business and needed help conveying a more professional image. The looked young and inexperienced and knew it was important for them to come across as polished, confident and credible when meeting with investors and VCs. As part of the image development process I reviewed their existing wardrobes for outfit options and realized they needed to invest in some new clothes. We then went to Ann Taylor where I pulled together outfits that suited their style, personality and image they wanted to convey. While selecting options I explained why certain styles worked for them and why they didn’t and what details they should look for when selecting professional attire. As a result they felt fantastic and were successful in making the impression they needed.”
How can we get the “complete package?” Isn’t it more than just the look but also about skill and confidence?
“There is no short answer to this question. Creating the complete package could be a full day workshop. The complete package includes more than just a polished presence but your image does play a big role. The complete package includes your attitude, behavior, communication and business skills, talents, strengths, experience, motivation, vision and goals. Developing it is a process that takes time and starts with evaluating where you are today and where you want to go.”
Do you feel our image on social media and Linked In counts? How do you address this?
“First impressions on social media and LinkedIin are critical. A negative online presence could prevent you from landing a job. Your online presence should be professional and consistent with your offline presence. Recruiters search for job candidates online. Your Linkedin profile may be their first and only impression of you. A professional profile and headshot is essential on Linkedin.”
How can we look professional but not that we are trying to hard or clearly out of our normal casual element?
“The goal is to choose clothes that feel right on you, reflect who you are and where you want to go. You can’t put on a suit or outfit that is clearly not your style and feel confident. Developing a wardrobe, style, and professional brand is a process that takes time. You may make a few mistakes along the way but like anything else, it is how you learn.”
What exactly does business casual mean?
“Business casual is a more relaxed version of formal business attire. There are three levels of business casual attire; business casual elegant, business casual classic, and weekend attire. Most professionals struggle with business casual because they make their clothing choices based on how the “feel” or their need to be comfortable instead of thinking about what impression or message they want to communicate.”
Where to get your inspiration?
“I believe everyone has the potential to be amazing. Developing a confident and credible image is not a luxury, but an investment in your success. My inspiration comes from my clients. When I receive emails, cards and text messages from clients sharing their success stories and telling me how great they feel it makes me feel like I am making a difference.”
If you think Margaret’s advice is valuable, make sure to come by our event on Monday March 13th from 5-7pm in the Walsh Function Room to hear Margaret personally speak on the matter in more detail. At the end of the event, a jewelry trunk show with great, professional pieces to purchase and an oppotrunity to have a new LinkedIn photo taken will be available. For more information on the event, check out our Facebook page.
Photo Sources:
http://www.pinterest.com/MargaretBatting/women-in-the-workplace/
http://www.pinterest.com/MargaretBatting/women-in-the-workplace/