While professionals having hardcore technical skills are a dime a dozen in India – nine out of ten lack soft skills. And the gap in skills is sometimes so wide, professionals end up losing out desired positions to the competition.
So, if you think communication, behaviour, and appearance are your forte, a career in image management could be your precedent to living a highly fulfilling life.
What is image consultancy?
The primary principle behind the practice of image consultancy is this: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Likewise, image consultants are professionals who help clients clearly communicate who they are! In other words, they are soft skill experts who train clients into defining an awe-inspiring “personal” brand, which can set them apart from the competition.
One-on-one image consulting, soft skills training, communication training, style consulting, and etiquette coaching are a few services entailing image consultancy.
In short, image consultants are to a client what a fairy godmother was to Cinderella! Sounds like a stretch? Maybe, but a career in image consultancy is undeniably exciting and immensely lucrative.
Are you thinking of becoming a certified image consultant? Here is a step-by-step approach to learning the tools of the trade effectively.
1. Join an image consultant course in India
Joining a suitable training course in image consultancy should be your first step, preferably from a reputable institute which can mould you into a skilled professional every step of the way.
Pearl Academy’s image consultancy courses house robust curriculum, accompanied by regular workshops and talks with industry consultants so that you can develop vital professional skills on the go. Communication skills, clientele understanding, adaptability, and empathy will also be encouraged through creative projects and course modules for a comprehensive learning experience.
2. Cultivate your skills
Over the training course, you must focus on cultivating and honing your talents diligently so that breaking into the image management industry will not break your back.
Qualities and skills you should ideally perfect to excel in image consultancy include excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, impeccable sense of style, speech eloquence, among others. Keeping abreast with the latest industry trends and building a compelling portfolio brick by brick will surely make you successful.
3. Select a speciality
Remember, image consultancy encompasses a host of services, some of which may not be your cup of tea. So, why not cultivate something that differentiates you from the rest? You may want to develop your communication and etiquette skills to help clients become well-versed or specialize in styling to assist them in showing a refined appearance. This way, you can carve a niche for yourself and attract the kind of business you enjoy the most.
Scope of image consultancy in India
In 2021, you must walk the talk! It is no secret that in today’s day and age, our image and appearance define our place in the social world order. This is precisely why India’s image management industry is growing by leaps and bounds. You’re looking at an earning potential anywhere between 9 lakhs to 8 lakhs yearly as a certified image consultant.
In fact, the industry is incredibly vast and rife with opportunities now. As such, after completing your image consultant course in India, you can dip your toes in any of the following rewarding career options:
- Corporate Trainer
- Stylist
- Etiquette consultant
- Body language expert
- Personal shopper
- Public speaking coach
- Personal coach
- Wardrobe consultant
- Soft skill trainer
- Sustainability consultant
Clearly, once you become a certified image consultant, the world will be your oyster. Sure, you will need to hustle before you can rake in the big bucks. But once you’ve gained the necessary skills and experience, your career will only move skywards.