Source: www.anntaylor.com
I’m having a cultural collision moment this week. Normally, as Cheryl has pointed out, I work in a “hygiene optional,” pajama-wearing environment. My go-to wardrobe with 2 small kids leaves me ready for action at a moment’s notice, if you’re talking signing a child’s permission slip or mountain climbing (my running shoes have traction!). For dash out the door work meetings, not so much.
So what do I, who usually has only 1 or 2 suits, an active casual wardrobe, and a couple of frilly dresses, do when attending a (gasp!) week long meeting?
I decided to tackle it in a “natural planning way,” described in the excellent book by David Allen, Getting Things Done.
Define your purpose and principles: To enhance my professional image at our industry conference, I needed a comfortable but professional career casual/career formal wardrobe that would last me 3 days (for the plane, jeans only!). I had a limited budget.
Outcome visioning: not being burdened with an excessive interest in style trends, I did research in clothing catalogs to find key purchases to update my wardrobe, “seeing” myself in various outfits.
Brainstorming: the challenge was looking more professional with a limited current work wardrobe and budget. I decided to start with shopping my closet, which has work clothes in a variety of sizes and colors. Channelling my inner costume designer, I was able to pull together 2 on-trend outfits using what I already had.
Organizing: Knowing what I had, I was able to make purchases to supplement my wardrobe, without going broke.
Next actions: Finally, once the stuff arrives in the mail (internet shopping: the freelancer’s friend!) I will check the supplies against the vision, to ensure I’m ready to go. I will also be more aware of the ongoing need for “image clothes” for the future, so will update the goal to: maintaining a professional image wardrobe.
The good news is, it will be small!
–Andie
Tags: Add new tag, Goal Setting, Home-Based Business, professional image, Stress, Telecommuting