As an image consultant, Janna is frequently asked this question:  How can I compete with a sea of contenders for college slots, jobs, promotions, dates? Heck, how can I even appear more memorable at a party?

Janna’s answer:  The easiest way to rise above the rest is to discover what is truly unique about you and highlight those characteristics.  Do you have fabulous green eyes? Wear clothing to complement them. Got a smile to die for? Then smile. Ravishing red hair? Make it the focal point of your look. You must capitalize on those signature trademarks that make you …quintessentially YOU.

Recently Janna gave a presentation to a group of professional women.  The room was full of lovely ladies, but there were two that were distinctly more memorable than the others. One woman had impeccable style.  Her ensemble was so “put together” and represented her personality so precisely, that she was unforgettable. The characteristic that made the second woman stand out was not so much visual as it was palpable. She had the firmest handshake I had ever received…at least from a woman. Now that will get you noticed.

Of course, knowing yourself is the key to all of this. And everyone has a “personal comfort zone.” I probably wouldn’t feel comfortable giving a hulk of a handshake, but I would consider making strong eye contact and giving a sincere smile.  Simply try to reveal your one-of-a-kind best attributes. (And if you can’t seem to pinpoint any, ask a friend or family member to list them.)

If any of you saw the awesome Lego movie, you’ll remember the scene when the Guardians of the Galaxy are facing the enemy, and each superhero uses an extraordinary superpower to help fight the battle. Suddenly the main character, Emmet, feeling quite inferior, woefully realizes he can’t do any of the things the superheroes can.

At that moment, the wise, god-like Vitruvius (voiced by Morgan Freeman), admonishes: “Emmet, don’t worry about what the others are doing.  You must embrace what is special about YOU.”

It is only then that Emmet finds his special strength, owns it, and defeats the enemy. I’ll just leave you with that…oops, sorry to give away the ending.

“Each of us has a unique essence. Tap into yours.”                                          — Janna Beatty