Show Up Confident: The Blog by Michele Charles Gustafson

Your First Impression & The Science Behind It

firstimpressions image professional image Apr 07, 2022

You might think the shirt you put on this morning is just a shirt. But oh, no. Let me tell you!

THE SNAP OF A FINGER! That's all you've got to communicate your best!

In 3-minutes, I shared why the appearance part of your image is CR-I-T-CAL for projecting yourself, so people see you, take notice, remember (and above all else) choose you!

And it's not just me saying it this time - it's...

Show Up Confident For Young Professionals

communication style community+giving back firstimpressions professional image speaking Jan 12, 2022

I always love talking to young people and professionals ready to start building their careers! I always share with them that I started doing what I do at the age of 17, helping my friends create resumes that would help them stand out to get a summer job.

I joke that I do so much of the same thing in my work today.

So when I was asked to speak to the Lakeland College Interior...

Make Your 3 Second First Impression Count | CTV Your Morning

as seen on ctv appearances featured in firstimpressions professional image strategic image Nov 27, 2020

I shared with Your Morning host Anne-Marie Mediwake why first impressions are just 3 seconds long yet mean so much for your ability to show up for your day, goals and life.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

about your personal branding presence and skills! CLICK HERE.

The 5 Influencing Superpowers Of Color

color fashion firstimpressions hue and style philosophy professional image strategic image style Nov 12, 2020

Today, my clients learn how to influence others using color. Best. Day. Ever.

I bet you didn’t know that color can influence others in one of 5 different ways. (Yes, 5)

My favorite one of the five is the influencing ability to negotiate. (Yes, it can help you do that.)

We negotiate everything in our lives, and anything you want that is new in your life requires you to negotiate...

How To Love Talking About What You Do [PODCAST]

confidence firstimpressions personalbranding podcast professional image strategic image Mar 10, 2020

What happens when someone asks, “Tell me what you do?” Your mindset around how you will be judged is a huge indicator of whether you answer the question with confidence that builds connection or if you freeze and find yourself hiding with what you do. Listen as Michele shares how to see what you do as more than an elevator speech or pitch but as an expression of the inner...

The Surprising Essentials For A Better Professional Wardrobe

firstimpressions personalbranding professional image strategic image Oct 28, 2019

Picture it, Ladies. It's the first day of your new job after getting the promotion. You whisk into your closet and effortlessly pull out a fuchsia wrap top and hang it on your dressing hook. You choose navy wide-leg pants, and finally, you choose a dramatic turquoise stone necklace to add the perfect contrast.

You chose it all in 5 minutes.

As you leave the house in the cool-toned taupe trench...

The Scary Truth About Your Personal Branding Strategy [PODCAST]

confidence firstimpressions hue and style philosophy mindset personalbranding podcast strategic image Apr 02, 2019

Today, I’m breaking down the truth about Personal Branding - what it is and what it’s not - direct and in my signature peachy style coming straight from my expert image and marketing background. If you think building your brand means just putting up a website or looking cute at your brand photo shoot, you’ll need to listen. There is far more to it and far more at stake...

The Overlooked But Insanely Valuable Image Elements [PODCAST]

firstimpressions hue and style philosophy personalbranding podcast strategic image Feb 26, 2019

Part 3 of the Image Impact Primer Series. In this final installment of the Series, Michele jam packs two image concepts into one episode (so don’t stop listening after the first part). She shares what most people overlook with their image while they are unknowingly wrong to just focus on fashion.

The Image Essentials That Accelerate Trust-Building [PODCAST]

firstimpressions hue and style philosophy personalbranding podcast strategic image Feb 12, 2019

Part 1 of the Image Impact Primer Series. Learn the reason you build a strategic image is for one central purpose - to build trust at lightening speed. In this episode, Michele explains the powerful advantage you gain when you use all parts of your image to relate to the people around you.

5 Simple & Powerful Ways to Maximize Your First Impression

featured in firstimpressions news+media Sep 25, 2018

Learning to become confident in the image you portray to others is easier when you have a fantastic role model. My Dad, Dr. Gerald Sonson Charles Jr., was my example. He was a significant reason why I do what I do today. He was the sharpest dresser and the first one to teach me the importance of a great first impression, how your image connects to a mindset that creates...

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