What could these possibly have in common? Read along and I promise you’re going to find a correlation that makes sense.

Last week a very fine piano technician paid a visit to my inherited Steinway baby grand piano. The piano has been sitting in our living room since it arrived from Chicago on the day of my 40th birthday. The piano is in good condition but could be improved before we invite concert pianists to play it and before we start taking lessons on it.

This piano is so special to me. Not an object of some supposed bourgeois middle-class success, this wonderful instrument was the affectionate gift bestowed upon my mother by my great-grandfather. Grandpa Louis was a tailor. On his not so bourgeois salary, but on his love of classical music, and his savings, he bought my mother this instrument hoping she would love classical music, too. From age six, she took a lifelong love of this instrument and of music.

When the piano technician began inspecting the piano, I could tell he was excited to work on the piano. He was thrilled the soundboard was in great condition. The tone is strong and robust, he said. Would I like to have it brought down in tone, he asked? No, I said. My mother’s life was taken too soon, and this piano’s voice represents her strength and love – something never to be muted. And then the piano technician said it, “This piano has a unique soul.” I knew in that moment this piano guy was the perfect professional to handle this project.

As he explained, “Steinways are like people. Each one is different.” As a piano technician, “I have to get to know every piano so I get the most out of each one.” He said there’s nothing wrong with other pianos like Yamahas. They are very reliable. But Steinways are not so “plug and play.” They are human made, full of flavor and sometimes flaws. It’s his job to make them their best possible. When he told me this, it literally brought a smile to my mouth and tears to my eyes. We couldn’t do more different things, but truly we do the same thing.

So let me leave you with this thought during the month of January when I’m asking you to consider your personal image goals. Think of yourself as an amazing Steinway piano and me as this special technician who has the special ability to identify and develop your unique qualities. Are you ready to experience the tune-up of a lifetime? What are you waiting for? Your image consultant is here to help you give your personal image a strong and robust voice.

Designing and managing your image is the secret science of your success.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men, women, and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.

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