April 28, 2018

Is there evidence that image consultants improve outcomes for clients?

The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) is the peak body for a professionally trained image consultant.  The AICI commissioned a study by Central Michigan University to look at the effects on clients who use image consultants across ten countries.

 The study showed the effect of the work of an image consultant was more than superficial and led to a client either realising and/or appreciating her or his own worth. 

There was a significant impact in other areas of the client’s life including self-confidence, career promotion and reported improvement in interpersonal relationships.  Hence, my work involves both an interplay between both the outer and inner self.

Whilst, we have all seen entertainment programs that involve extreme makeovers of individuals. The work of an image consultant with their clients is far less extreme, involving an average of 2.18 sessions with each session ranging in time from only 1 hour up to a maximum of 12 hours.

Therefore, investing in the use of me or any other trained consultant is a good investment as a significant impact can be made in a short period of time and anyone including myself can improve their “attractiveness.”

Reference

Study commissioned by the AICI at the request of Lynne Marks then President of the AICI during 2004.