I’m embarking on a program to provide image education late this summer, and in a way you may not expect…

Private clients know the experience of working with me on developing your visual brand and image is about more than producing the final result. They know that the pace of our work is tailored to educating you about yourself and how you communicate through your image. This approach sets you up for success because the educational component helps to sustain transformational change.

Participants of my corporate seminars also know the attention I pay to education. When employers see the cost-benefit of having me to talk to your employee group, you know the value your employer places on professional development. Every business culture and industry is a bit different. That’s why I research your workplace culture and customize each presentation, so what you learn is pertinent to your work life and not a 1950’s era notion.

Peculiarly, I’m one of the only men practicing as an image consultant, and I’m one of the only image consultants dedicated to working with male clients. It feels natural and normal to be in that peculiar, odd place. I’m used to it!

However, I decided a while back to create a program to provide education to other image consultants who want to work with men but lack the skills and insight to do so. Education dedicated to the specialty of working with men has barely existed. Until now.

So, I’ve created such a program, which has been reviewed and approved by AICI [the Association of Image Consultants International] and provides continuing educational credits [CEUs] to participants who complete the program. One significant program highlight experience participants will have is to work with an actual client of mine in a retail setting to help him with his wardrobe procurement based on his current needs and goals. They will have autonomy to select what they deem is appropriate with my oversight. This experience will culminate in the client making final selections with my guidance. The consultants will be on hand to experience this selection process.

Some image consultants turn to “training” [I prefer the word “educating”] because they stop working with actual people and businesses but contemplate their legacy. Yes, they consider how to hand down their knowledge to others so they live on somehow.

My reason for turning to education within the image consulting industry is totally different. I’m not going anywhere, for one thing! As I turn 40 later this month, this is prime time to start sharing the knowledge I have amassed over my career. Sounds nutty, in a way. But the truth is I’ve been dressing men and addressing their image issues for more than twenty years. Yes, it’s time to share what I know with other image consultants so they can offer their male clients the high level consulting for which I’ve become well known, but in a way that works for them.

The approach is to help other consultants get the knowledge they need to ehnance their own methodologies so they have more successful results with their male clients, or so they can work with men. The point is not to have them mimic or mirror the precise ways I work with clients. I’m so excited about this new adventure because teaching your own colleagues is full of its own challenges, but one I’m up to. After all, like I said, I’m used to being a stand out in my field, and I help each of my clients learn how to become a standout with their image, too.

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

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