Before we go to work, we usually take a good look in the mirror. The image we see tells us whether we are ready to walk out the door or if we need to do some fine tuning. Now, imagine that as you work, you have a "mental mirror," the type of mirror that shows the image you present to others.

People do business with people. That is why your image is so important--it distinguishes you from the crowd. Each day at work you're involved in activities where your image is put on the line. This could include making a presentation, calling a client, or having a business meal. Each step of the way requires you to check your mental attitude and make sure it matches your outward appearance.

Here are some image evaluation questions to ask yourself. Each question is followed with a suggestion:

1. Do I really come across as articulate, persuasive, and sure of myself?

There's one easy way to prove your knowledge without appearing over-confident or arrogant. It's done by asking other people good questions. It's a win/win way of improving your image because when you ask questions, you are complimenting the other person. And when you ask well-crafted questions, others will realize that you know what you're talking about.

2. What happens when I meet someone new?

We need to act as cheerful, personable, and friendly as possible. It's not always easy. However, first impressions can be lasting impressions. One way to help first meetings with others is to observe people to discover their communication styles. If they like to be in charge of a conversation, then be prepared to do most of the listening. Or perhaps they're introverted, so you'll need to find ways to help them express themselves. A sure-fire technique is to greet people with a warm smile. A smile is a universal sign that gives a positive first impression.

3. How trustworthy do I appear?

Think about how important our reputation and our reliability are to our image. We all work so hard to build relationships both at work and in our personal life. Therefore, if we are not consistently trustworthy, this can ruin our image. Developing a reputation for integrity can take a long time. However, our image can be damaged in minutes with one careless act.

Always be working on what I call your I.C.--Image Collection. Throughout the day, imagine that a photograph was taken of you at each encounter you had with another person. At the end of the day, pretend you're putting together a photo album of all the pictures. What do you have of yourself? Is it a collection of pictures of a happy, positive, and self-assured person? Or do you look like someone who is unsure and rough around the edges?

Your goal is to look like a diamond--firm, multi-faceted, valuable, and someone who gives off a radiant light. When you possess those attributes, you will have a priceless and profitable image.