Published on: 29 March 2018
Last Updated on: 15 July 2024
Face-to-face networking is one of the most important communication tools that we have in the modern world. The fact that digital communication is taking over all the aspects of human life does not imply that offline communication has completely lost its place in the modern world. As a freelancer, you can develop a brand and find new clients with the help of networking. The best way to do this is by going into the offline world of live meetings with people. This article puts forward the importance of face-to-face networking for freelancers.
Intro for a self-presentation :
You have a limited amount of time to provide the right impression on people. You will show your confidence, mood, and expertise through face-to-face communication. What you need is a confident handshake, a smile, and eye contact. It’s good to prepare a presentation that will last from 15 to 30 seconds. Your goal is to attract the listener’s attention to your personality and your project. The most important thing is to make sure that the presentation is precise.
Active listening :
It’s absolutely ok if you have some selfish expectations for networking. However, you should realize that you should give people something valuable if you want to get something from them. One of such things is active listening. You will demonstrate that you really care about what someone else is saying to you. Active listening comprises your facial expression, your body position and asking questions. You need to make good use of active listening if you want to take face-to-face networking for freelancers to the next level.
A good portfolio :
Just take it with you to give to other people. If your design site, just prints the best variants. If you ask people to go to a website where they can see your portfolio, they will probably forget about you the next day. It’s easy to do and you will have a much greater effect than just giving your business cards to everyone. Make sure you make a rich portfolio that will showcase your abilities. The portfolio is important because it communicates your capabilities to your target audience.
A good follow-up :
One single meeting won’t give you the result that you aim at. You cannot build a long-lasting relationship at once. One of the easiest ways to keep in touch is sending an email within 24 to 26 hours after the meeting. You can write what you liked and write something that relates to the words you have heard from this very person. Follow-up plays a critical role when it comes to networking for freelancers. It’s the only way to make sure that efforts bear the right fruits.
Get the most from networking :
If you see that there’s a chance to attract a new client or an important person for you, don’t lose it. You cannot predict the result of a new connection, so do your best to get the most from each. You can get exhausted from so many new connections, but we think that it’s worth trying. So, organize a meeting, do the follow-up and keep in touch to reach the goals that you have.
In summary, face to face networking is highly significant for freelancers. The most important thing is to put in the right strategies that will bear the expected results.
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When choosing an image consultant is a decision that will be influenced by a number of factors.
These factors include the age limit for hiring an image consultant, the skill set required to be a good consultant and the goals you want to achieve by hiring a consultant.
Read on to learn when to choose the right consultant for your needs.
1. Skills Required To Be An Image Consultant
Those seeking a career as an image consultant need a number of skills in addition to an education. They must be commercially aware and have a flair for creativity.
They also need to be sensitive to a client's needs and preferences. In addition, they must have excellent communication skills and be confident in public speaking. Whether consulting for fashion brands or other clients, image consultants must engage corporate clients and promote themselves through appropriate media.
The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) offers three levels of certification in the field. Certification will increase your potential to attract new clients and build your own business. Certification through this organization can also help you distinguish yourself from competitors.
Members must also meet certain requirements for experience, pass an exam and obtain a business license. In addition, some aspiring image consultants choose to obtain experience through apprenticeships or other work experience.
An image consultant works closely with a client to improve their personal or professional image. They assess a client's current image and then recommend changes that will make the client appear more attractive and confident.
They may also suggest changes to their communication style or public relations strategy. Ultimately, the success of an image consultant is dependent on their ability to help their clients improve their standing among their intended audiences.
An image consultant must have strong communication and listening skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills. They must be able to analyze a client's weaknesses and strengths quickly and formulate an image enhancement plan. It is also helpful to have training in business management and computer skills if you plan to start a consulting company.
An image consultant must have a strong sense of style, impressive communication skills, and a keen eye for fashion. Image consultants should also have excellent interpersonal skills and the right personality to help clients. It is important to be outgoing, have a positive attitude, and have a passion for fashion.
2. Goals Of Working With An Image Consultant
Hiring an image consultant is an excellent option if you wish to create a better image for yourself. This consultant will provide you with tips and tricks to enhance your image and personality. Your image reflects your personality and the way you interact with other people. They will help you improve your communication and body language.
First, you should know the type of market you are going to serve. A professional image consultant should do thorough market research and choose the right target audience. A good business plan will include costs and pricing details. It also should include your target customer base. A proper business plan can help you achieve your vision.
Secondly, you should be confident in your skills and knowledge. A professional image consultant should have a well-developed portfolio. Ideally, an image consultant has two portfolios - one digital and one physical.
The latter can be used for in-person meetings. The portfolio shows the quality of the consultant's work and should contain testimonials from satisfied clients. Additionally, an image consultant should use social media extensively to reach a wider audience.
Next, you should consider the training of the image consultant. A qualified image consultant should have experience and a degree in image management or another related field.
For example, a certified image consultant has experience in working with homemakers, students, women on sabbaticals, and people seeking a second career. An image consultant should be a good listener, a team player, and have a high level of expertise in their field.
An image consultant should be passionate about what they do. They must have a passion for helping people look and feel their best. The image consultant should have an excellent sense of style and strong verbal communication skills. They should also be creative and be able to listen to their clients.
The consultant will help you find your personal style and personal brand. They will look at your lifestyle and behavior patterns, assessing your needs, insecurities, and budget. The consultant can also help you build a wardrobe for specific occasions and activities.
They will show you the types of clothing and accessories that look best on you and show you the best places to shop.
3. Career Path For Image Consultants
A career as an image consultant is an exciting and rapidly expanding industry that offers a variety of career options. Sonia Dubey Dewan is the founder of the Indian School of Image Management (ISIM), a world-renowned image consultant, published author, and international keynote speaker. She is also a certified image professional with the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI).
Image consultants specialize in enhancing a client's appearance by recommending the right clothing and accessories. They also assist their clients with hair and make-up. These professionals must have a broad understanding of the latest fashion trends.
Image consultants also help businesses improve their corporate image by helping front-line employees look their best. They also help improve communication and customer interactions.
In addition to having a great sense of style, an image consultant needs to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. They also need to be creative and empathetic. They should also have a love for working with people and enjoy teaching others.
They must also enjoy working with clothes and colors and have a strong interest in psychology. Image consultants may also choose to specialize in certain fields, such as beauty, communication, or fashion.
Image consultants are typically self-employed, working from their homes or studio.
However, they may have to travel to meet their clients. Private clients would typically be in their neighborhood, while corporate clients would require an image consultant to travel to their company's headquarters. In either case, they would dress in a suit or smart casual attire. Having a driving license is also helpful.
The career path for image consultants can include working with celebrities, brands, and influencers. Image consultants must have excellent communication and networking skills to effectively work with their clients.
They must also be able to remember details and connect with clients on a deeper level. Networking with other image consultants and other professionals is a great way to gain experience and build a reputation.
Image consultants are often self-employed, but some join a professional association to get the support they need. The Federation of Image Consultants, for example, has over 300 members and provides support for business development.
While there are no formal requirements to become an image consultant, there are a number of challenges that can be encountered. Firstly, the competition is fierce, and the majority of these consultants are located in the south of England. Nonetheless, this does not prevent a person from working in any part of the country.
4. Age Limit For Hiring An Image Consultant
There is no age limit for hiring an image consultant. These professionals specialize in helping clients improve their self-image. They also help clients improve their non-verbal behavior, interpersonal communication, and professional presence.
In addition to helping people improve their looks, image consultants also assist people with shopping. Personal stylists also serve as image consultants.
Personal image is an essential aspect of a person's life. The way a person communicates will reflect their image and will influence how others perceive them. An image consultant can improve your body language, volume, tone, and pitch. These skills are vital to building a good impression.
While hiring an image consultant is not necessary for every situation, the results can be life-changing. Working with an image consultant is an ongoing project that will benefit you for many years. Your career and personal life will change, and you will need to keep enhancing your image. An image consultant can help you develop your personal brand and create a wardrobe that expresses your true self.
It is essential that you choose an image consultant with the right credentials. Certification shows that the consultant is trained and has advanced education in the field. Be sure to look for a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) to ensure their professionalism. Once you choose an image consultant, it's time to begin the training.
Image consultants can be entrepreneurs or full-time employees. They work in any industry, from premium fashion to media and entertainment to retail.
There is no age limit on who an image consultant can help. With the right training and experience, you can make a successful career as an image consultant. With such a high demand for image consultants, companies have entire departments dedicated to Image Management.
They offer periodic training to staff.
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Entering the job or internship market as a high school student can be intimidating. Plus, writing your first resume can feel overwhelming. Fear not, because free resume builders for high school students are here to help!
These platforms allow students to create professional-looking resumes with no prior experience needed.
Easy-to-use, ATS (Applicant Tracking System)- friendly layouts and modern designs make these the best resumes for showcasing academic accomplishments, extracurriculars, and volunteer work.
Below, I’ve outlined the best free resume builder tools specifically designed for high school students, along with some helpful tips and tricks.
Resume Builder For High School Students Free
Without any further ado, let’s get into the free tools that will help you in your future.
1. Canva: Drag-And-Drop Simplicity
Canva is one of the best design platforms offering many resume templates for high school students.
It is even easy to use with the drag-and-drop interface. In fact, you can also easily customize your resume to fit your style and taste.
You will need no design skills to work through the application features.
A large selection of free, professionally designed templates will appeal to many users.
Allows creative resumes with color and layout variations.
Resume Tips: Use templates that balance creativity and professionalism. The design should not overpower the content of your resume since the purpose is to present your conceptual skills and experiences clearly.
2. Zety: ATS-Friendly Templates
Among the free resume builders for high school students!
Zety provides templates that will get through the ATS, which is important if you apply to larger corporations.
ATS is an applicant tracking system that could get some of them to use this software to filter resumes. So, your resume needs to be ATS scannable.
Do not worry! With Zety, your resume comes out already ATS approved. They also provide real-time tips as you build your resume, so you do not doubt what’s expected.
Why It’s Great for High School Students:
Provides ATS-compliant templates.
Gives you comments for each part as you are writing it.
You get the resume free when finished.
Resume Tips: Avoid overly creative designs if you apply to corporations or internships with strict ATS systems. Stick to clean, simple formats that highlight key information.
3. Resume.com: The All-Rounder
If you're looking for a free online resume builder for high school students without experience creating one, we've got you covered!
These templates are downloadable and easy to use, so you can spend more time doing what you love. The best part is that each download comes with expert advice on creating an effective high school resume.
It's free, and there's no charge at any time.
Simple interface, perfect for beginners.
Real-time previews as you type so you can see exactly what your resume will look like.
Resume Tips: The first section of your resume should introduce you to the reader positively and enthusiastically. If you are a high school student, this is usually not an issue, and you can move on to the next section.
4. Kickresume: Customization With Real-Time Tips
Kickresume is a resume builder that enables you to create, edit, and share your resume. All in one!
It also offers customization resources with pre-written real-time tips and samples. For people who have never created a resume, this application also has them covered.
Yes, you will get a quarter of a million resumes for inspiration.
Why It’s Great for High School Students:
Customizable templates with real-time suggestions.
Access to templates for various fields.
Free option but only with access to basic tools.
Resume Tips: List your extracurricular activities and volunteer experiences. These are valuable when you don’t have much job experience. Tailor them to reflect relevant skills like leadership or teamwork.
5. VisualCV: Portfolio And Resume Combo
Want to send a CV alongside the cover letter? This free resume builder for high school students is the one for you!
VisualCV allows students to build a resume/portfolio hybrid, which is great for creative fields like design or media. You can craft a PDF visual resume or build a portfolio from scratch.
Ideal for students with creative projects or personal websites.
A free version is available and has basic features.
Resume meets portfolio all in one place.
Resume Tips: If you’re applying to creative fields, use VisualCV to share your school projects or other work outside of class. You can even include a link to your website or portfolio.
6. Indeed Resume Builder: Built For Job Seekers
While primarily a job search engine, indeed also provides its users with a resume-builder tool. Plus, it is very helpful for high school and college students.
In fact, their resources are simple to use. Once you are done creating your resume, you can also apply for jobs with just a click of the mouse through the same application.
Why It’s Great for High School Students:
Quick and easy interface.
Resume Tips: Use the resume builder to make a resume with a foundation for jobs.
8. Novoresume: Professional Templates With Extras
Novoresume offers premium and free resume templates. However, you do not need to pay for the advanced features if you are new to resume-making.
Because whatever you need as a student, you don’t need to pay to get access to good-looking ATS-compliant templates.
Why It’s Great for High School Students:
ATS-optimized, modern templates.
Step-by-step instructions on what to include.
The free version contains all the important features.
Resume Tips: Be sure to add in any special skills you have, such as being good with software (i.e. Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite). High schoolers usually forget this section and it’ll make you different from others applying.
8. ResumeGenius: Step-by-Step Guide
ResumeGenius will walk you step-by-step through the resume creation process. Therefore, ensuring you do not miss anything when creating your first resume is particularly useful.
Because It’s Awesome for High Schoolers:
Simple step-by-step.
Pre-written bullet points you can customize.
ATS-friendly templates.
Resume Tips: If you’re having trouble writing your experience or skills section, ResumeGenius has many pre-written examples. This can help you tailor your resume. In fact, it's particularly helpful if you don’t know what to write.
9. MyPerfectResume – Pre-Written Examples
For starters, MyPerfectResume, a free resume builder for high school students has one of the largest pools of pre-written examples on the internet.
If you don’t know how to put your skills or experience into words, it gives you ideas by sending lists of phrases everyone uses. However, do not overdo it because it will make your resume sound too cliche!
Why It’s Great for High School Students:
Offers examples you could use right away.
Possibility to easily alter the patterns.
Download resumes in several formats.
Resume Tips: Use their examples as a starting point, but always personalize them to reflect your ideas and experience. Even if you’re using a sample, ensure it’s for the same reason as your intended role.
Enhance Template - For All the Fancy Resume
If you are one of those who wants their resume to look close to perfect, then this is for you!
Enhanced templates are visually appealing without compromising professionalism.
You’ll get basic templates as a free user, but they are more than enough for a student entering the professional arena.
Why It’s Great for High School Students:
Free templates that have basic features.
Drag-and-drop sections.
Customizable layouts that are still professional.
Resume Tips: Choose a design that reflects your personality but doesn’t distract from your qualifications. Avoid overly complex designs that may be hard to read.
How To Make The Most Of Your Resume Builder Tools
Now that you know what the best free resume builder for high school students, here are a few additional resume tips to perfect it
Proofread Everything: Even if the tool says they do this, never use something without doing manual proofreading. You don't want a typo in what could have been the perfect resume.
Tailor Your Resume: Make sure that every resume you send out has specific information relevant to the employer you’re targeting. Highlight skills and experiences most applicable to the position for which you’re applying.
Keep it Concise: Generally, employers and intern coordinators prefer a one-page resume. This is usually enough space to include all necessary information. Only include the most important things employers need to know about you, and don’t include “fluff” or irrelevant information.
Use Action Verbs: Try to begin each bullet point in your experience section with an action verb. Leading with passive language dilutes the impact of your achievement.
Emphasize Soft Skills: Soft skills, like leadership or problem-solving, can make a big difference in any role. Be sure to emphasize these as well.
Happy Job Hunting!
It might seem like a lot of work to create a resume, but with the right tools and helpful tips, it's not as tough as you think.
If you're applying for part-time jobs, internships, or scholarships, these great free resume-builder apps will guide you through creating an awesome resume!
In fact, high schoolers can do it all themselves — for free!
Just make sure to tweak each resume for each job or opportunity to make yourself stand out!
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“The ability to work with abstract ideas & concepts-” or, how Americal social psychologist Robert Katz would describe conceptual skills.
In fact, he said it was one of the basic skills which every manager should have!
Interestingly when psychologists test an individual’s aptitude of whether they will be a good leader, conceptual skills are one of the top meters of measurement.
Now, what are conceptual skills?
Is it just some abstract word? Or is there a scientific definition of this soft skill required from their employees by corporations nowadays?
Most importantly!
Can you hone your conceptual skills as an adult again?
Without any further ado let’s discuss the improvement areas required to build a conceptual skill, and the different means by which you can improve it.
What are Conceptual Skills?
Everyone can decipher something simple and covert, but it takes special skills to understand the deeper meaning behind abstract issues.
Most importantly, if these abstract matters pose a challenge and will require impromptu solving.
conceptual skill is about leaping beyond the daily mundane activity or being short-sighted. It is about seeing and articulating the bigger picture so that others sense it too.
For example, if you are working on a particular Search Engine Optimization strategy for your new website, you cannot ask for quick results.
You will require a long-term vision to see what can happen if you continue with the formula for at least a month or two.
This skill also requires a fair amount of research and dissection knowledge, seeing beyond the written words and literally deciphering the concept within.
People with good conceptual skills are often good at sales, market prediction, consumer/customer psychology, and chess (during their off time).
Conceptual skill is not a vague word but rather a compilation of eight examples of conceptual skills that you should always be working on.
Analysis (there is a difference between seeing & observing what you see thoroughly).
Communication (the ability to articulate in understandable words what you observe).
Creativity (the ability to observe something with a unique imagination as opposed to everyone else).
Critical Thinking (trying to understand what the view is not showing at first glance).
Leadership (the ability to show the same to others and help them on that path).
Organization (this is not just organizing tangible items but organizing one's own thoughts & understandings).
Planning (Only observation & comprehension is not enough. Enough planning skill is required for proper implementation)
Problem Solving (the ability to execute resilience in the face of challenges).
Building Steller Conceptual Skills
Do not worry, when I saw everything, I needed to do to build conceptually skillfully, I was also overwhelmed.
Where to start & where to finish?
Most importantly, do I tackle it all at once? Or do I go about it one by one?
To begin with, when you are learning a new skill, you only tackle it in a timely manner. If you try to do everything at once, you do nothing properly. So, it is always better to learn one skill at a time.
However, these are soft skills. How can I learn them like I am learning from a college lesson?
This is also another valid question, do not worry, there are mindful activities, and daily challenges you can pursue to learn these better.
How to Learn Conceptual Skills Better
Here is a step-by-step guide to begin learning your conceptual skills.
Remember, these skills take time to learn!
It is not a matter of six months or a year, but a lifetime journey.
However, there are means in which you can check your progress. One of the biggest ones would be how your lifestyle & work personality changes from the time you begin learning this skill.
Step 1: Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses
Never start with an unknown skill; rather, begin with something that you are already aware of.
A good way to start is by doing a SWOT analysis of yourself.
Begin with marking the things you are good at (among the eight criteria given above), and the ones you need to work on.
If you are hypersensitive & can get easily overwhelmed, then begin with perfecting your strengths rather than concentrating on your weaknesses.
For example, I am anxious, so I began by polishing my creativity skills, which I was already good at. This gave me the motivation to tackle my weaknesses next.
However, if you are a motivated person , begin with targeting your weaknesses. Especially if this is all for interview prep.
Step 2: Do Something Everything
If you have been on a learning journey for quite some time, you must have heard these words of wisdom -
“Consistency is better than striving for perfection.”
Therefore, whenever you of building any skill, the first task is to ensure you do something every day.
Yes, there will be days when you will need more optimal motivation to sit with your skill-building activity. But, if you're incorporating the activities into your daily routine, you should be able to see changes in time.
Step 3: Real Life Execution
A learned skill is useless if you cannot execute the same. Unfortunately, no one is going to stand with a placard shouting -
“This is your moment.”
Whether it is a situation at home or a conflict in the office, you will have to step out of your comfort zone and step into the challenge.
No, it won’t be easy, but rather a mindful decision you take every day. Before you feel overwhelmed with the idea of stepping in and solving a situation you are not called for, remember -
Everyone feels insecure about their professional skills at some level (no matter the years of experience).
You could work in the same industry for decades and still face something new. Learning has no end, so find your opportunities in everyday instances.
Conceptual Skills – How to Improve it
We have already discussed conceptual skills. Now, let’s understand how to improve these conceptual skills.
All You Need is Challenge!
Achieving professional success is more than just meeting deadlines or ticking boxes. It's about mastering the right skills & focusing on conceptual management skills that give you an edge.
Let’s break down eight essential skills you should focus on—and a weekly challenge of self-intervention for each to help you improve.
Analysis
The difference between seeing and truly observing lies in depth. Analyzing is all about dissecting what you see and finding hidden patterns.
Challenge: Pick one topic or event daily and write a quick summary. Then, dig deeper—what did you notice beyond the obvious?
Communication
It's not just about speaking or writing; it’s about making your thoughts clear to others. Effective communication bridges the gap between observation and understanding.
Challenge: Practice summarizing complex ideas in simple terms. Try explaining a work concept to a friend with no background in your field.
Creativity
Creativity isn’t just about thinking differently—it’s about connecting the dots in unique ways others might miss.
Challenge: Choose a random object daily and brainstorm five unconventional uses. Push your imagination!
Critical Thinking
Sometimes, what’s not immediately visible holds the key. Critical thinking pushes you to question the obvious and explore hidden layers.
Challenge: Read a news article or watch a documentary. Then, list three assumptions it makes and challenge them.
Leadership
Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about showing them a clearer path by sharing your unique insights.
Challenge: Each week, identify a workplace situation where you can take initiative. For example, you could guide a colleague through a process or host a quick knowledge-sharing session.
Organization
Beyond tidying up your desk, organizing involves structuring thoughts and ideas efficiently.
Challenge: At the end of each day, spend 10 minutes categorizing your tasks, ideas, and notes. Organize them into clear categories for better clarity.
Planning
Good ideas need solid plans to come to life. Proper planning bridges the gap between ideas and successful execution.
Challenge: Pick a small project this week (e.g., organizing a team lunch or personal task). Break it into detailed steps and set mini-deadlines for each.
Problem-Solving
Life throws curveballs. Resilience in problem-solving helps you bounce back, adapt, and find innovative solutions.
Challenge: Take on one issue nagging you at work or in life. Brainstorm multiple solutions, pick the best one, and act on it.
Final Note!
Incorporating these challenges weekly could transform how you approach your work. The more you practice, the sharper these skills become.
Building conceptual skills isn’t a one-time task; it’s a continuous journey. Each skill strengthens your foundation for long-term career growth.
By practicing regularly and embracing challenges, you’ll develop a sharper mind, better communication, and a unique approach to problems. Remember, growth isn’t just about working harder—it’s about thinking smarter.
Ready to level up? Start your first challenge today!
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