How to Be an Image Consultant

These makeover magicians are growing in popularity because of the many hit shows founded on the concept of makeover styling, such as "What Not to Wear," "Extreme Makeover" and "Ambush, Makeover." So, for those interested in becoming an image consultant, here are some basic steps to help get started on this fascinating career path.

Instructions

1. Specialize in the area you feel you are best at. For example, you could hone your skills in wardrobe consulting. Or, you could work on becoming a top-notch personal communications and body-language adviser.

2. Offer makeup analysis and tips for improving facial presentation. This is a great way to get started. If you have an excellent visual sense, you can easily learn to help clients evaluate their current makeup routines and improve upon it with your help (and possibly the help of a makeup professional you have on standby).

3. Network with hair stylists, plastic surgeons, nail specialists and public-speaking gurus. To be an effective image consultant, you need an arsenal of trained professionals to send your clients to when they need other services to help enhance their images.

4. Narrow your market to help you achieve the best results. The key to being an effective image consultant is to find your market niche. Consider specializing in one of the following client types: business executives, pageant participants, television executives or transgendered individuals. These are the hottest markets for image consultants.

5. Offer your services for free until you build up your resume. The best way to get started is to ask some friends and acquaintances to let you work on their image makeover. Ask them to let you take some before and after photos. Get some testimonials from them and build up your reputation. Word of mouth is key in this business, so working with these early friend-clients for free will lead you to greater potential in the future.