AICI GL BAL

“An authorized
qualification leads to
the credibility of the
individual. In Japan,
people will judge your
reliability, knowledge
and skills according to
your certification. When
I started my career as
an image consultant,
my AICI certification
was very helpful in
securing clients,
especially corporate
clients.”
Keiko Nagao, AICI FLC
What I know for sure: I believe AICI Certification
is not for everyone.
After dedicating my time and efforts toward supporting AICI in the area
of certification for almost three years, I have observed different types of
image consultants globally. Some are doing well in their locality or uniquely
specialized field and thus feel that there is no need for them to go for
certification. Some are not driven to succeed, or they treat image consulting
as a hobby or part-time business that they can do in their spare time. There
are those that might be competent in image matters but lack the business
skills needed to leverage their certified credential to build their business
and generate more earnings.
Lastly, I have been witness to image consultants
who have exhibited exceptional growth in
their business, taking it to the next level
and earning a lucrative income along the
way. Most of those I have seen in this
category are highly motivated, possess
good business sense, and are AICI
Certified.
For me, AICI Certification is a path
towards attaining validation, recognition,
and income generation. It is an opportunity
given by AICI, and the choice to take it is
yours to make.
The AICI Certified Brand Goes Bigger, Better, and Bolder
Today we have noted a surge of image consultant groups and educational
institutions from different parts of the world expressing interest in attaining
AICI Certification. Indications show that it is our certification that has sparked
the interest of these groups.
I have no doubt that this greater awareness of the AICI brand and our
certification opportunities have been brought about by our increased
activity on different social media platforms as well as the stories of AICI
certified image consultants who have attained a certain level of success,
however they define it for themselves. I believe this has also been due
to AICI Chapters with leaders who have selflessly volunteered their time
and resources to create better opportunities for
themselves and their colleagues. Lastly, it is
thanks to an international board working
together with our new management
group, Ewald Consulting, toward
accomplishing strategic goals to
benefit our organization and our
members for the long haul.
A great brand develops over time,
fueled by authenticity, consistency, and
continuous communication toward its
12 | January 2015 magazine