My Little Adventure In The Wilderness

13th July 2009

The production crew, the 12 contestants of gadis melayu and myself the host all gathered at Sri Pentas before departing to Gopeng, Perak by bus to shoot for the second episode of the reality show Gadis Melayu Musim Ke 2.

The shoot began during the journey itself and it went well.

We reached Gopeng and stopped by at a Homestay to meet some of the village people and was greeted by our location sponsors and Tourism Malaysia. It was like a gesture to welcome all of us and we were served local delicacies while the crew took this opportunity to shoot how these girls relate to the old folks and mingled with them. Yes, that counts.

Then we headed to our resort and was transported in four wheel drives because the road to the resort was very narrow and steep and the girls were transported in a small err opened roof ...lorry...in the hot sun. Yes , part of the tests.

We were so excited to get to the resort to freshen up and to start our shoot as fast as possible.

Then finally we arrived at the resort and received a warm greeting from the manager of the resort. Nevertheless I was actually expecting a different type of ambience but it was quite 'laid back' in every sense of it. Then i realized that it was actually an 'eco resort' , everything is 'au naturel' , back to nature.. it was really peaceful and quiet except that you can hear some birds chirping and monkeys on the loose...!

My mind started wondering and wondering and wondering further... this can't be it coz i hate jungles, animals and quietness . Then the manager lead Awin , the make-up artist and myself to our room. It was a chalet very nicely built from bamboos and it looked very traditional and ethnic.. but when we opened the door.. there were only plain mattreses laid on the floor and a ceiling fan and oh ..where's the bathroom..oh no ..no bathroom and guess what it was outside the chalet! By this time both of us were covered with sweat and Awin was supposed to do my make-up and i'm supposed to change into my sponsored clothes to do the hosting .

We just sat at the staircase speechless but we tried to psycho ourselves that there must be another option to this situation and hoping that there must be another air-conditioned chalet . So we just got down to work .

There we were assembling in the hot sun . Imagine me in my Kapas Couture assemble all made up trying to put a straight face with sweat drooling down my face! But you will not be able to see this on the edited version on tv..thats the beauty of it.

After the shoot we were looking for the manager as there were no telecommunication system in the room and the whole entire resort ! I found the manager and asked him whether it was possible to change to an air conditioned chalet and luckily there was one but we had to share it with 3 other production crew of which we happily did coz both of us were not exactly the brave type.. you know. Then suddenly I thought of housekeeping services and asked the manager if he could provide us with towels. He replied ' U girls think you are coming to 5 star hotel is it?..[ with a big laugh]. Then I said 'we don't mind buying towels from you, do you sell any?' . He replied, 'yeah we do at Rm 5 ringgit only you can buy at the canteen'. So we went 'oh great thanks'.

We went straight to the canteen and asked for the towels and you know what....we just couldn't believe what we saw...they sold us 'Winnie the Pooh ' towels half the size of a normal towel and it was so thin!

I had to wipe myself 5 times to get dried up...wow what a challenge. Thought this was supposed to be a test for the contestants but we all had to go through it too!At night if any of us need to go to the toilet we had to go in pairs coz we were too scared to go alone.

Under these circumstances we had to tell ourselves that we have to make the best of the situation and just concentrate on our job tasks. That first night I couldn't sleep till morning coz I was imagining a lot of things that could happen in the jungle.....it was a torture!

The next day the girls did their first challenge which was the 'ala commando' training to test their mental and physical strength. Interesting, lots of drama.

I took a breather at the canteen trying to adjust to the situation and psyche myself that it was not that bad but then.. seconds later came this monkey on the loose towards my direction and of course before he got close I quickly ran ..and it was chasing me all over the resort and I screamed my lungs out till the canteen man realized how scared I was and he chased the monkey and finally tied him back to the tree....phew!!!

The third day was the best that I could remember. We went to a location a short drive from the resort organized by the resort where the girls were given another challenge to do Abseiling at the waterfall and rough water rafting. It was really beautiful when we got there even though I've always had this fear on being in a jungle but this time suddenly that feeling was gone and I don't know how it happened. The best part is I tried the Abseiling at the waterfall and I was not scared or nervous at all... it was an amazing feeling and I couldn't believe myself that I did it.

It was a great adventure after all and a great experience of a lifetime. The people at the resort were very friendly, warm and very accomodating towards our needs and planned the whole itinery of our shoot very efficiently and professionaly. The facilitators were very experienced and full of patience with the girls plus they enjoyed their company too heheheh.

Well above are the pics that represents the chronology of the events.

Bergaya sesuai usia?

BAGI Sharifah Shawati, cara berpakaian perlu diadaptasi mengikut kesesuaian masa, tempat dan masyarakat.

Penampilan perlu yakin dengan ambil kira budaya, elak pandangan negatif masyarakat

APABILA wanita berumur tampil bergaya seperti orang muda, khususnya yang memasuki usia 50 tahun ke atas, pasti ramai melemparkan pandangan dengan pelbagai maksud. Sesetengahnya masih boleh menerima dengan terbuka, tetapi tidak kurang juga yang menjuihkan bibir kerana meluat.

Masyarakat sekeliling memang mudah menjatuhkan hukuman apabila ada individu yang ingin tampil berbeza apatah lagi yang bertentangan dengan latar belakang serta budaya. Sesetengahnya mungkin diselubungi rasa ‘cemburu’ kerana kurang senang melihat wanita berumur bergaya mengalahkan si gadis remaja.

Perunding Imej Adamaya Image Consultancy Malaysia yang juga Ahli Pertubuhan Perunding Imej Antarabangsa (AICI), Sharifah Shawati Syed Mohd, berkata tiada masalah wanita bergaya seperti gadis remaja sekiranya mempunyai tahap keyakinan diri tinggi kerana wanita sebegitu percaya bahawa mereka masih mempunyai kelebihan yang boleh ditonjolkan asalkan berasa selesa berbuat demikian.

Lebih-lebih lagi, jika mereka berada dalam persekitaran yang majoritinya tampil dengan gaya sama dan mereka selalunya tergolong dalam kategori kreatif dan gemar berfesyen, namun tidak semestinya apa yang dipakai itu sesuai dengan mereka.

“Terpulang kepada individu itu sendiri kerana ia membabitkan budaya dan cara hidup serta prinsip diri seseorang. Faktor usia dan budaya memainkan peranan dalam menentukan corak pakaian khususnya dalam masyarakat Melayu yang menekankan kesopanan, adat, tatasusila dan sensitiviti agama Islam itu sendiri iaitu pendedahan aurat tidak dibenarkan.

“Pada peringkat umur menjangkau 40-an ke atas, wanita perlu berpakaian lebih tertib dan menghindari daripada masyarakat buruk sangka serta tidak mengganggu perasaan masyarakat sekeliling. Wanita sering diperhatikan berbanding lelaki. Jika tersalah pilih pakaian boleh mengundang tanggapan kurang enak walaupun pada dasarnya ia tidak bertujuan begitu,” katanya.

Beliau tidak menafikan terdapat segelintir wanita tampil dengan gaya berani akibat krisis emosi atau tekanan. Ini mungkin berpunca daripada isu keretakan hubungan dengan suami yang mendorong mereka berpenampilan lebih menarik. Ada juga wanita yang ingin mencuri perhatian lelaki dengan tujuan untuk mencari pasangan.

“Apapun saya beranggapan bahawa wanita berhak melakukan apa saja yang menggembirakan hati asalkan mereka menghormati keadaan sekeliling dan tidak mengganggu ketenteraman orang lain berpandukan situasi yang betul. Apapun wanita perlu lebih berhati-hati bagi mengelak daripada tohmahan dan anggapan negatif yang mungkin timbul akibat pemilihan pakaian yang keterlaluan. Pada saya gaya ringkas adalah paling sofistikated,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, walaupun sesetengah wanita berpegang kepada prinsip bahawa berpakaian adalah hak mereka yang tidak sepatutnya dipengaruhi orang lain, ia masih termaktub berdasarkan situasi berbeza. Ringkasnya, cara berpakaian perlu diadaptasi mengikut kesesuaian masa, tempat dan masyarakat.

Faktor usia juga perlu diambil kira apabila bergaya kerana ia membabitkan perubahan bentuk badan. Apabila umur kian meningkat wanita melalui perubahan bentuk tubuh yang disebabkan oleh graviti dan proses penuaan. Antaranya perut membuncit sedikit, paha dan pinggul hilang keanjalan, manakala payu dara mula mengendur.

“Pada usia 40-an, pemilihan pakaian terbatas kepada yang longgar dan tidak lagi mengikut bentuk badan kerana ingin menutup ‘cabaran tubuh’ berkenaan. Wanita juga harus menyedari semakin berusia, kulit bertukar sedikit gelap dan wanita perlu mengelak daripada menggunakan warna yang terlalu menonjol kerana ia boleh membuatkan penampilan terlalu drastik. Dalam konteks masyarakat Malaysia, wanita berusia sebaiknya memilih pakaian yang versatail dan klasik kerana ia boleh dipakai pada bila-bila masa dan tahan lama.

“Elakkan daripada memakai skirt paras atas lutut atau mini. Pilihlah baju yang berlengan panjang atau separa panjang supaya tampil lebih sopan. Elakkan daripada memakai seluar yang terlalu sendat, hipster atau seluar pendek. Tina Turner masih memakai mini skirt pada usia 50-an, tetapi dia terkenal kerana mempunyai sepasang kaki yang cantik dan sempurna. Jika anda mempunyai kaki yang gempal dan nampak jelmaan selulit, maka tepuk dada tanya selera! Ingat sentiasa serlahkan kelebihan, tetapi tutup kelemahan diri,” katanya.

Pilihan warna sesuai mengikut kulit juga boleh menaikkan seri wajah. Lebih penting, perlu selesa dengan pakaian berkenaan dan orang lain juga selesa melihat anda. Jika anda berasa kurang yakin dengan sesuatu fesyen dan rasa canggung memakainya maka itu adalah tanda ia tidak sesuai lagi untuk anda. Anda boleh berekperimentasi dengan aksesori eksotik atau unik, tetapi perlu mengekalkan pakaian jenis klasik.

Sharifah Shawati adalah usahawan, perunding imej dan penulis buku ‘Imej-Diri Anda Aset Anda’. Beliau boleh dihubungi di www.adamaya.com.my atau layari blog sharifahshawati.blogspot.com

INFO: Panduan gaya Sharifah Shawati

Apapun untuk kelihatan lebih muda sebenarnya bermula daripada jiwa yang gembira dan sihat.

Lakukan senaman dan amalkan cara hidup sihat. Jangan merokok dan jaga pemakanan yang sihat.

Wanita gemuk kelihatan lebih tua daripada mereka yang kurus.

Fesyen rambut lurus dan mempunyai sedikit ‘fringe’ akan menampakkan seseorang lebih muda berbanding rambut kerinting.

Elakkan memakai pakaian yang terlalu besar, tetapi cukup sekadar mempunyai potongan.

Pilih warna ikut kesesuaian kulit untuk naikkan seri wajah.

Oleh Halina Mohd Noor halina@bharian.com.my

Promise.

'Whatever your brand stands for, you have to deliver on the promise. Don't promise what you can't deliver and deliver everything you promise. That's the only way you will ever control your brand. Brands always means something.'- RICHARD BRANSON from his book 'Business Stripped Bare'.

Gadis Melayu

At first I was invited to be the judge for two of the auditions in Kuala Lumpur to select the candidates for a reality show organized by TV9 called Pencarian Gadis Melayu. This second season they are looking for extraordinary urban malay women with multiple talents, great personality and creative attributes and skills.

The auditions started a month ago and the search was conducted all over the states of Malaysia.

I was given the privelage to conduct the one in Kuala Lumpur together with Adam Salleh the Chief Editor from Berita Harian, Izza Saffinaz Ibrahim , the Editor of Cosmopolitan magazine and Nurfarahin Jamsari from the Brand Management of TV3.

I must say that I do have high expectations from the candidates as I believe that we women of the new millenium must be aware of our strengths and use them to our own advantage.

However during the two days audition I found that most of the candidates were truly dissapointing. They came unprepared not only physically but also mentally. I mean , would you turn up to a job interview that you so much wanted in jeans , worn out T-shirt and oh my god.....slippers?! Ok so I could still tolerate the jeans but slippers ...no way. I'm talking about slippers not sandals. Bear in mind that this was an audition for Gadis Melayu of whom will be trained as tv presenters. Is this what Gadis Melayu is all about and is this the message you are trying to convey? And oh by the way ...no make up and greasy hair and complexion. Come on ladies , don't you love yourselves?! So what do you expect from us?

Appearance is one thing but atitude is another issue here...When asked what have they prepared to show us, the answer was, ' Oh I just came to try my luck as I just accompany my friend but i'm interested to be a newscaster or presenter.....'. Hhmmm.....should I say more?

I can still recall back the time when I was preparing myself to go for a job interview with Malaysia Airlines as a Flight Stewardess. I preapared my attire a week in advance and did my research about MAS and mingled with some of the stewardesses to get some hints of their work culture. I prepared my own resume not to mention I re- checked and re-done it several times until I was truly satisfied with what I will be presenting to them. To me , image is perception. I always tell myself be the best that you can be and do the best that you can do then the rest leave it to the almighty.

Nobody knew about the interview as my parents initially objected to the idea but my uncle was the only one who said to me 'Every job is a profession and you will be a professional if you do it professionally'. So i took it from there and of course with much determination , courage and hardwork , I got the job and worked there for 7 years!.

It all comes back to how much you want it and how far would you go to get it. Hard work pays and I never believed in short cuts coz it does not last. So ladies if you are one of them reading this I only have good intentions to share this with you. Never be a victim of your own limited beliefs. Believe in yourself , don't hesitate and show to the world what you've got.

By the way now they hired me to be the host of Gadis Melayu. Thank you Tv9 for the generosity.

To all the 12 candidates chosen to be in the show , all the best to all of you. This is the beginning of an interesting journey and make sure you make the best out of it.

Quote:' Give A Girl The Right Shoe And She'll Conquer The World'- Bette Midler.

Power Rules : Court Attention At All Cost

Everything is judged by its appearrance ; WHAT IS UNSEEN COUNTS FOR NOTHING.

Never let yourself get lost in the crowd or buried in oblivion. Stand out. Be conspicious at all cost.

Make yourslef a magnet of attention by appearing larger, more colorful, more mysterious than the bland of timid masses.

Law no: 6 of 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene.

Power Rules

Humans are creatures of habit with an insatiable need to see familiarity in other people's actions.

Your predictability gives them a sense of control. Turn the tables. Be deliberately unpredictable.

Behaviour that seems to have no consistency or purpose will keep them off-balance and they will wear themselves out trying to explain your moves....

'Keep Others In Suspended Terror: Cultivate An Air Of Unpredictability' - The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene.

special thanks to our great fashion designers Zang Toi & Carven Ong for sponsoring the lovely clothes.!

Shooting For PASSIONS Society Magazine

How To Dress On A Job Interview

The low-cut shirt, fishnet stockings and tattoos won't work here. You have to be a little conservative but sometimes you might not have to wear a suit depending on the job you're going for though you have to consider what you are applying. A pensil skirt with a button -down shirt and nice heels at least 2 inches high will take you almost anywhere.

If it is a fashion magazine or an art studio you can be and allowed to be more creative so you can throw in a trendlier top. It is about mixing and matching but make sure there is a 'wow' factor to it not 'whoops' factor. And the level of polish in elegance between top and bottom must be of the same quality.

At the law firm or a finance or corporate office, you have to toe the line a bit more. Wear a suit that is well tailored and it has to look sharp and amazing. Invest your money here. My favourites will be Zara, MNG or Armani but G-2000 and Nichii might have some nice ones too.

As a general guideline: Choose a conservative base and then put on a piece of personal jewelry, something that says you are alive and not a robot in a suit! Create your personal style and be CONSISTENTLY GROOMED- please.

How To Dress On A First Date

It should be about mystery. It's about making them wonder. A slow reveal is more intriguing than a full reveal. Not a Pamela Anderson but more of a Mischelle Pfeiffer you know..

Focus on the fabrics and not exposing too much skin. Silk, cashmere or anything tactile work well. This is the time to pull out your favourite lingerie [ not for him, for you!!], because even if the date is a disaster.. at least you will feel happy.

Be at ease, be superfeminine and roll with the awkward pauses. Don't reveal too much of your personal background on the first date and never pour all your problems and weather report to that poor guy. It will be your first and your last to see him.

Be happy and interesting and act as if you don't care but at times show deep interest in what he's saying [if you like him!!]and maintain eye-contact at all times.

Remember keep it slow and steady. What's the hurry?

Quote:'Is not the most erotic part of the body wherever the clothing affords a glimpse?' by Roland Barthes

How To Dress On A Plane

This is something I truly agree and I read it in a book by an interesting writer named Nina Garcia.

Do not wear a sweatshirt.Not even an expensive one because let me tell you if there is a girl in a sweatsuit and a girl in a cashmere sweater ..and there is the possibility of an upgrade, cashmere beats sweatsuit everytime. The way you present yourself matters.

The nicer you look, the nicer you will be treated. The smile gets more than a frown.

There are some ladies out there who get on the plane in perfect attire, perfect hair, full-on make-up and sunglasses. When they got off the plane, not a single hair out of place! I am not saying that we all need to look this perfect but we should meet halfway between perfection and sweatpants.

One tip I can share with you is that never to sleep with your back of the head lying flat on the head rest.. coz when you get up it will be so flat and not a very good site from the side view. What you can do is to lift up your hair and pin it up before leaning on the head rest. Get your hair blowed curl at the salon and pin it up on the plane. When it lands just let go the pins and you'll have very natural curls and ready to face the world!

Emotional Intelligence

Every time when i meet a group of girlfriends there was never a time I didn't hear any complains about someone being treated badly by the opposite sex either it's their husbands or boyfriends or some are just by their 'casual acquaintances'.

Sometimes the stories seemed so peculiar that it got all of us thinking that these guys must be reading a standard book of 'Guides To Lure Them Then Leave Them...'.
They say the same things, use the same tactics, same words, same modus operandi.It's like the same script but different casts.

The worst thing is women never learn and keep falling for these guys.Why? Aren't there enough nice guys around or we're just not giving them a chance? Another girfriend pointed out that, bad guys are more challenging and fun to be with. Well then who to be blamed for this coz you knew very well what you're in it for so you must be prepared to face the consequences.

This is the reason why we should all have the Emotional Intelligence. The word 'intelligent' means being able to make a smart decision and Emotional Intelligence means being able to make wise decision based on emotions. Have we consciously asked ourselves why did we 'allow' it to happen?

Why did you 'allow' them to treat you in a bad way? Why did you 'allow' them to dump you or why did you 'allow' them to make you cry? The best way to do it is never to 'allow' anything that's below what you deserve.If you don't 'allow' nothing will happen ..at least not the way you didn't want it to be.

So I would suggest for women to set a 'benchmark'[setting a certain standards] in choosing the guys they go out with. NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS and NEVER SELL YOURSELF SHORT! You must remember this! And if they leave eventually , say to yourself ' so what..we had some good moments and I don't really care coz I deserve better and I am worth it'.

Being able to switch your emotions from sadness to psycho-ing yourself with happy things will make you more productive and more attractive. Believe me ,do this and you'll be a happier person.

This is what Emotional Intelligence is all about and all women should master this capability. Another important habit for you to master is the art of being silent.
'Practising silence means making a commitment to just be...' by DEEPAK CHOPRA 'THE 7 SRITUAL LAWS OF SUCCESS'.

Ladies we can do it and again remember set your 'benchmark'!

SYNCRONICITY

Just want to share with you.

Some say, things happen for a reason and some may say that our life journey has been orchestrated by god. My best friend who happens to be a very spiritual person will normally say that 'we owe it to our past lives'and that sometimes someone from the past might come into our lives so suddenly because we have an unfinished business with them in our past lives. Well she does read a lot of Deepak Chopras.....

Nevertheless I did find some truth in what she said after much thought given to it.This is because a person whom I met on the job many years ago came into my life again and initiated something I never thought possible.Then when things started to progress suddenly it turned bad and I was left very dissapointed. If i could recall I did turn the offer down a few years ago and maybe this is the time to get back at me.. but then again I take it as another valuable lesson in life and I thank god for making my life so interesting and colorful!

For the past few months a lot of interesting and wierd things happened to me...some are happy and some are not too happy. I normally would like to just focus on the happy ones and move on. However this time I took the time to ponder a bit on what caused the 'not too happy' ones. I realized that it's all about being able to adjust ourselves in the situation that we're in and be in 'sync' with our environment and the people around us. When I try to relate to 'The Law of Atrraction' written by Michael Lozier again and again...it does make sense and now I believe that it's all about this new word 'syncronicity'. Everything has to be on the same 'frequency'. Like attracts like. If not don't push it.

Utusan Write Up 4th May 2009

RSVP

This word RSVP is a french word that means 'responde seevou plei' [spelling not sure but thats how it sounds]or in english 'please respond'.

This word has been widely used and printed in invitation cards but not many understand or choose not to understand or pretend not to understand what it means.

Most oftenly the invitation card also states 'RSVP before...the date but most oftenly what happens is that either the invitees reply the last minute on the day of the function itself and expect to be given a seat or never reply at all but just turn up at the function or replied to turn up to the function but never came!The most common one will be 'I was not well'. This is the culture in Malaysia.

By doing all of the above we are showing disrespect and being inconsiderate to the host. It means that the host is not important and you can't be bothered with whatever inconviniences that will happen to her as a result of your doing.Unless you are really genuine then your conscience is clear. Ask yourself how would you feel if it happens to you at your function?

Lets start making a conscious effort from now on.

My Book Launch 18th April 2009 PWTC!

My dream came true finally. It's true what i believed that it's not God's denial but God's delay. My mom always say to me that whatever you wish for just ask from god and he'll give it to you. And he finally did.

I started writing four years ago about my experiences and then I took up a course in Image Consulting in Singapore & London. I found that the techniques and what they have taught me would be a waste if not documented. I owe it to Ms Christina Ong the Principal Consultant from Academy of Image Mastery, Singapore. A very charismatic lady full of grace and a person with a big heart who's willing to share with me her knowledge an expertise in this book as my guidance.

I finished all the chapters 2 years ago but could not publish it because I could not afford it. I looked for sponsors from individuals, companies, ministries and also entrepreneur development organizations but there were only empty promises.
There was a time when I just wanted to give up on the book and just forget about it. I felt as if there was no point initiating anything good in this country. People will only give you the attention if you are somebody important to be associated with...like the Prime Ministers wife...etc.

One fine day I was invited to do a talk for a bank organized by Karangkraf Publication house in Kuala Lumpur. It went really well and after that I was approached by the publication house Buku Prima a subsidiary of Karangkraf . She asked me if i was interested to write a book on Image as there is a demand for it in Bahasa. So far there wasn't any book about Image in bahasa. When i heard that, my heart was pumping really fast and of course I said yes and we got into a discussion and i signed the contract right away!

We started the project right away because I had completed all the chapters and did the shooting in October last year. The lay out was completed only in early March because Buku Prima had to finish up their novel books first. There were many postponement on the date of the launch due to Umno assembly that was going on.
And also it was also due to the change of My vvip guest to launch the book.
Call it ambitious..but if don't try you'll never know... I wrote to the Permaisuri Agung to invite her to launch it and was supposed to be in a hotel..but of course she couldn't make it because she was supposed to leave to Argentina. Then I wrote to Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen the Womens minister then but she too could not make it due to her travelling schedules.

I tried my luck to invite Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and without much hassle or delay her PA Dato Yasmin called me to confirm that she agreed to launch my book. I always knew I could count on Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz. She is a woman with high integrity in everything she does and I truly respect her for that. After all it was also she who launched my salon Adamaya 5 years ago.

The launch went really well and Tan Sri Rafidah was the perfect choice. Everybody loved her and her speech was awesome.!We took the opportunity to launch it at the same time of the book fair that is being held in PWTC. We also have a booth there.I was told that the book is currently selling very well by the publisher thank god!!

It was indeed a memorable day for me and what more all my family members were there to support me. Most of my close friends turned up.

On top of that i consider myself very lucky to have a team of committee members who were so dedicated to make the event a successful one. I am also grateful to my BFF Marianne Liow for her endless effort to assist me and be there for me in my most trying times and happy times.

As a conclusion, i believe that you have to have faith in whatever you do and never give up. Stay away from toxic friends because the are just.. well toxic to you. Never forget your family and of course the almighty -God.

Anyway we are giving a 20% discount on the book from 17th - 26th April during the book fair. So get a copy for yourself now!

Thanks for sharing my joy!

'Thats mean' ?

What's with this 'thats mean' thing?

That's it . I've been hearing too much of this 'thats mean' and i can't stand it anymore.

To my amusement the people who used these words were from the high ranking post in an international organization and nobody dares to correct them.

I think it's about time these people are told and corrected because it reflects on your Image and the company that you work for. I mean.. here you are smartly dressed in your most expensive suit but you are not being 'Congruent' with your corporate Image when it's not in sync with your verbal communication. So I am suggesting that , all the top people in the company must attend the Image Workshop on Communication Skills first before sending us their staff.

I believe if you want change then you have to change first.

Yes , clothes do communicate messages but how you communicate and the choice of words you use tells a lot more about you - educated or not?

So for goodness sake it is 'that means' not 'thats mean'.

What is Image Consulting?

'So you're an Image Consultant...interesting...but what actually do you do?'- this is one of the questions frequently asked to me at social functions and gatherings. I had to keep repeating myself over and over again untill i get to the last person I just said 'Oh I dress naked bodies!' and they go 'ooooohh' with mouth wide open. Hahahaha love doing that sometimes..

You can't blame them because even though Image Consulting services have been around for quite some time but not many people understand what it is all about and the importance of potraying the right image for individuals, companies and organizations.

In the United States, Image Consulting has gone beyond recognition. Almost everyone in various industries admit that a professional image that represent oneself and an organization is crucial as far as branding is concerned.

I would like to quote Donald Trump for saying ' in order to be successful you have to look successful first', in his book 'Think Big and Kiss Ass'. He managed to close a deal just by dressing the best that he could be. First Impression is very very important.

Yes  clothes do communicate messages. What you wear says a lot about you in the first 15 seconds. After that , what you say, your topic of discussion, your body gestures, the verbal and non-verbal language, your posture, your manners, courtesy ,etiquette ...all will create a significance in peoples minds. You can control what they see but you can't control what they feel.
To control what they see, you have to play the part but to control what they feel you have to have the right tools and knowledge.

This is what Image Consulting is all about. We coach you to have the right attitude, tools and skills to build the right image that potrays professionalism and finesse for individuals and organizations.

When we teach you about Body Language, you will be able to connect with the people around you effectively just by reading their body gestures . This is especially a very important skill in Marketing, Public Relations, Customer Service Industry and Job interviews.

Then we teach you about Social Etiquette ,Dining and Networking. When you are entertaining your clients, do you pay or you make them pay and who orders first? As a lady is it graceful for you to extend your call card to a man first? For the men out there, is it ok for you to ask a woman her age? Simple things like this could represent your mentality , social and education background and lack of sensitivity to the other party.

And for the ladies do you wear mini skirts at the workplace and expect to be taken seriously?

There is more to it than i could explain but what i can tell you is that it is very important to have the right image and potray it the way you want to be perceived by others. A professional image could lead you to a higher level in your life be it your career advancement or personal relationships.

If everyone in the community is being 'CONSISTENT and CONGRUENT' with their image then we will be able to increase the standards of professionalism and be more relevant and effective in what we do.

All the topics that constitutes to Image Building are all incorporated in my book 'IMEJ- DIRI ANDA ASET ANDA'. It is a an interactive reference coffee table book that gives you tips and guidelines towards self-branding and knowing your self attributes. Through this book I would like to share with you my experiences and knowledge towards recognizing your best asset which is -yourself.

If you would like to get a copy of the book please kindly place an order by emailing to adamayaconsultancyservices@gmail.com.or by ordering it at MPH bookstores.

Thank you for reading!

Basic Courtesy- What happened?

I took my son Adam and daughter Letisha to have dinner at Pizza Hut. We were given a table of five. There were another group of family of which i notice this particular lady was very immaculately dressed seated next to our table.

While we were enjoying our dinner suddenly that lady stood up from her table and crossed over to ours to grab a napkin from the unoccupied seat at our table. Stunned.. i just looked at her and she looked back at me without saying a word. At this time my daughter was having a funny a funny grin on her face.

So she wanted a serviette. Perhaps she could have asked one from the waitress or she could have politely asked my permission to take the napkin away from our table! Still I think it is so unethical of someone to just invade other people's privacy like that. It's called invading a 'personal space'.

What happened to the word 'excuse me', 'may i' , 'sorry'or 'thank you'? I thought it is our culture to be polite.

Then my son whispered to me, 'Mom why did that lady take the napkin from our table and she never asked you first?'. So I said to him maybe she forgot her manners....

This is what I am really concerned about. How can we expect youngsters of today to have tact when they are being brought up by parents like that. We have to lead by example and i believe it starts from home.

You can be so immaculately dressed from head to toe but if you don't have the manners you don't have a good package.

That is why Image Building is essential to everyone and it is crucial to have it nurtured from an early age.

Lets think about it.