The Promise of What’s Inside

As a book publisher, I looked at hundreds of suggested book covers. Sometimes the most well-designed were the ones that got turned down immediately. They might have been beautiful, but they didn’t do the job.

The cover’s job is to communicate what’s inside. It makes a promise of what you’ll find if you explore further.

People say “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” But we we’re not wired right, nor do we have time, to do an indepth study of everything and everyone before we decide.

I know that this can seem controversial, but to me how you look speaks volumes to someone who might be your next client. — William Love, VividlyDrawn

The one who visually communicates what he or she offers
is far more likely to get an offer. The connection happens before a word is said.

Disconnects, Visual Authenticity, and First Impressions

Yesterday, I had two meetings at The Image Studios. the professional image communication consultancy in Chicago. We accomplished several things.

Kristin, Colors, Clothes

Meet Kristin Evans wardrobe consultant. Kristin and I sat for about an hour discussing what I do, how I live, and how much time I like to spend on things like clothes. We took a phrase from my friend RoxanneDiana. I want “a high maintenance look with low maintenance management.”

Then we went to a three-way mirror. Kristin pointed out the shape of my face, the width of my shoulders and my waist, the length of arms, my torso, and my legs. Then she explained how to use clothing pieces to get the best look for what I’ve got — to draw the eyes up, to even out my height, to make the mathematics work.

We covered my hair and clothes and put colors around my face to find the color palette that works best with my skin tones … I’m delighted to report the colors I’ve chosen for my new blog design are in that group.

Kali, Diversity, and Reversity

Meet Kali, the founder and passionate entrepreneur. Kali and I talked about my goals and her goals for several hours. She talked hair and took photos use the computer imager to choose the hair style that suits my personality — the authenticity words I’ve chosen to describe myself, when no one’s looking. We’re not there yet … keep watching.

We also talked about diversity and “reversity.” We explore the idea that by teaching diversity, we’re focusing on the wrong thing. We’ve built a culture that teaches us to “allow for” differences, but don’t teach folks the skills they need or enough avenues to acquire them.

For example: We say that men, women, people of various colors and cultures, Boomers, GenYers, you and I should be understood. But any amount of diversity understanding for me — that I only sound uncertain, that I never learned to small talk, or that I only look as if I don’t care — won’t change the fact that those “differences” make it harder for me to succeed. What I need is the skills and information to reverse those perceptions.

First Impressions, Mixed Messages and Trust

First impressions are made of context and trust. If people see one thing and hear the same thing, the impression resonates with trust. If what they see and hear don’t match — I say “yes,” but shake my head “no.” — they have to reconcile the differences.

It’s hard to trust mixed messages.

When we offer visual and verbal authenticity — communication is easier for all of us. It’s a great promise we deliver on. Like the book and cover, what’s inside starts the process.

I’ve started with a new t-shirt.

How do you show your promise? I’m working on it and I’d really like to know.

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!