Customer Reviews

Buff And Polish: A Practical Guide To Enhance Your Professional Image And Communication Style

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Buff & Polish can be read through, as any book might be, or you can treat it as a workbook, taking the suggestions & ideas chapter by chapter to make your personal image outstanding.

I haven't come across a book yet that covers such a wide range of topics. This is not an etiquette book, though the topic is discussed. It's not a how-to-look-good book, but that's included, too. It's not merely an effective communication book, either.

The book chapters cover topics such as:

=> first impressions => the handshake => gesturing for impact => eye contact => body language signals => the power of your voice => self-promotion => making great presentations

DOES CASUAL DRESS DAY MAKE YOU WANT TO CALL IN SICK?

Volin's section on 'casual dress' is the best I've ever come across. For those who hold outside jobs, casual dress days must be a most confusing situation.

I was never quite sure exactly what 'casual' actually was and ended up wearing clothes that were more formal than they needed to be. I figured it would be better to err on the side of stuffiness.

That was OK around clients, but it made my colleagues uncomfortable. I think they felt I was either showing off to the boss or just standoffish.

Buff & Polish explains many different levels of casual dress based on kind of workplace. It ranges from well-pressed blue jeans all the way up what Volin calls 'executive casual'.

ACCESSORIES -- ARE YOU A WINNER OR LOSER?

Do you ever think about the accessories you wear, own, & carry? In 7 packed pages devoted to the subject, here's what's covered:

=> belts & suspenders => cuff links & shirt sleeve length => wrist watches => jewelry => socks & stockings => shoes => fabrics => eyeglasses => pens & pencils => briefcases

IMAGE IS MORE THAN CLOTHING

Some books I've read talk about 'image' as it pertains to your business card, brochure, stationery, and such. And I've read books that cover how to 'dress for success'. But, image takes in so much more.

In the chapter "The Power of Professional Presence" topics include posture, balance, stance, voice inflection, what to do with your hands, & how to sit.

For example, I asked Volin, "On page 38 of the book, you say not to sit with hands resting quietly in the lap? This has always been a favorite position of mine during interviews. In fact, I was told to sit like that. Why do you not like that position?"

Her answer: "Females have been taught to take up less space than males. When sitting in a chair, I recommend resting your arms on the arms of the chair or at least be more expansive with your use of space so you appear more confident & less demure."

Good answer, isn't it? And one I'd never thought about before. It's true that most men take up a larger physical space, and have deeper, louder voices. So they automatically come across as more forceful & self-assured, even if they aren't.

USE COLOR TO MAKE A STATEMENT

This is the only business book I know about that considers color -- it's effect, the proper use of it in clothing & when putting together a presentation, what it says about your personality, & how it influences our emotions.

Buff and Polish suggests you have a 'color analysis' done so you can find the colors that will make you look your best.

There are many great benefits to having your colors analyzed. Wearing the right colors allows natural beauty to shine through while creating a healthier and younger appearance. Knowing what colors look best on you will virtually eliminate costly color mistakes when shopping for clothing and cosmetics. Finally, knowing that you look good will help you feel better about yourself and help you project a more positive image.

Volin takes the discussion of color further. She also discusses the psychology of color and the best way to use color in a presentation.

A book bursting with useful information.

This book really lets you see your blind side. I found that I do several "no,no's" with regard to my professional image when dealing with others. This book really laid things out well in making me more aware of the image I present. I have encouraged others in my work group to read this book as well. A subtle reminder for them on what they could do to change their image when dealing with others. People really do form an opinion of you from what they see. This book will undoubtly save me from losing opportunities as I deal with customers.

When I purchased this Buff and Polished, I expected to be clued on some insighful recommendations to improve and enhance my professional image. Instead, I got common sense every day knowledge all of which I already possessed. This guide did not enlighten me to the point that I thought it would.

To the point and informative with good advice that my mother never heard nor should have told me ... i.e. manners and advice that hasn't come from the 19th century.