Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynne Marks.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lynne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a UK native and after graduating in London with post graduate research in nonverbal communication, became head of the image and fashion course in The London College of Fashion (like an FIT). After marrying a Georgian, I moved to Sandy Springs and worked for a consulting and training company specializing in business appearance, etiquette and nonverbal communication to corporations.
In 1986, I opened my own image consulting company and in 1989 was the subject of a three-page feature article in Time magazine. Image consulting was very new in those days and as a result of that article 30 women from all over the US asked me to train them. Well, I was totally taken aback as I didn’t have a train- the- trainer course, only 15 years’ experience so I gathered a team together and started a very short training, quickly expanding it as I got more students.
Since those early years, I have taken countless personal and professional training courses to service my students, corporate and individual clients more effectively, ending in the mid 2000’s as a transformational coach and personal branding specialist to high level executives. By 2005 we had taken the train- the-trainer division of the Institute international with centers in the US, UK and Singapore and retired the private consultations and Executive Presence seminars. The train- the- trainer courses are still in demand worldwide.
Over the next ten years the institute became internationally recognized as I traveled to 20 countries for training assignments and served as President of the Association of Image Consultants International for the second time around. Five years ago, a group of us founded the Association of Image and Etiquette Standards, offering online exams to the general public: www.iitti.org.
My husband and I together have two grown children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild! As a former jazz dancer, I love exercise, yoga and walking; theater and light opera.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In any entrepreneurial business it takes much longer than most people think, to be up and running let alone become successful, and many times nothing happens! For a brief moment, I thought I would have to take a part time job when I got divorced, but at that very time two highly successful women approached me and we opened a corporate consulting and branding company. Naturally, I had to take full responsibility for my own financial well-being but I made sure I had several income streams coming in from both the existing and the new company. I was very busy but I did indeed keep myself afloat!
Years ago, I was taught an immutable law in business that always worked IF I followed it: i.e. ten actions (at least) completed by me yields one tangible result for the business. For example, if things were slow, I would make warm or cold calls or reach out to my strong support group, or take another course and invariably a new client would pop up. As a business owner, we have to use financials as one measure of success and whenever I fall short, I force myself to get into intentional action such as sales calls, marketing efforts and talking to potential students. Invariably, things start happening again and I call the process “correcting to north”.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about London Image Institute – what should we know?
We are known worldwide but in a very small, niche industry called image consulting. Inside that industry we are one of the most successful train- the- image- trainer companies authorized by the leading industry association, AICI.
We do not specialize in makeovers or styling, although we can do both those things extremely well. We train people to work with their clients using an in-depth approach to appearance, etiquette, communication skills, personal branding and executive presence. But honestly, what our students say they really gain from our courses is a life-changing experience! We transform mindsets and perspectives and enhance our graduates’ confidence. I am proud of that reputation.
Stylists dress people for an event, our certified graduates work with their clients and groups on lifestyle changes and overcoming challenges. They help them discover and align their personal brand with their talents, vision, values and goals to position them for promotion, to get the job, gain confidence and credibility or get the date!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
1. Susan Bixler, CEO of Bixler consulting who was my first boss and wisely encouraged me to go out on my own.
2. My husband, Frank Marks who is so supportive whenever I follow the call to do something new, travel for business or just say yes to new opportunities!
3. My father who always believed more in me than I believed in myself.
4. Max Dixon who taught me acting techniques to improve my presentation skills.
5. All my faculty over the years who are wise, loyal and so brilliantly filled in my gaps. People who made a huge difference and taught me so much. Rosemarie, Christina, Bev, Sonya, Sarah, Bryon and Emily come to mind immediately but there are so many others.
6. My Landmark Education leaders. I soaked up their wisdom and their style and helped me become a fearless and playful coach.
7. My AICI fellow members and close friends across the world who love the in-depth approach to image consulting as much as I do.
8. Tom Milkovic and Marc Hathorn, two exceptional website designers and branding specialists who put our essence into graphics and words.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4279 Roswell Road, Suite 208, #318, Atlanta, GA 30342;
- Website: www.londonimageinstitute.com
- Phone: 404.255.0009
- Email: lynne@londonimageinstitute.com
- Facebook: londonimageinstitute
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