Case Studies

Our clients have achieved their goals by
strengthening their professional image.

Our Case Studies reveal the results of image awareness, individual improvement, and personal power. Like you, these companies and individuals were once unaware of their image management options. Today, they are using their personal power to advance their careers and business development.

These success stories will give you a good sense of the kind of problems we work with, how we approach them and the kind of results we get.

A Workshop Success Story

Professional Power for Ambassador Sales Team

When the Director of the People to People Student Ambassador Programs first contacted Marion Gellatly,
he was looking for a competitive edge that would enable
his sales teams to recruit over 30,000 students annually.

The problem was that many on the team lacked polish and professionalism in their dress and presentation. Most of the younger members needed to master basic image skills,
while the successful senior members wanted help identifying the refinements to their image and communication that
would improve their performance.

Marion’s customized presentation demonstrated the importance of image as a powerful influencing tool.
Students learned to read the demographics of an area,
and choose fabrics and styles that suited themselves and their audience. They learned to make image decisions that demonstrated their professionalism, built credibility, enabled them to build rapport with parents and students, and positively reflected the values of the organization they represented.

As a result of Marion’s ability to make the workshop relevant and her coaching seem like that of a trusted friend, participants felt comfortable adopting a new, more professional style. Her warmth and ability to immediately connect with people inspired them to take the steps necessary to turn up the power of their own presentation skills.

The Director of the Student Ambassador Program reported that the program had its best season ever. In fact, it was so successful that Marion was invited back to prepare the next generation of road warriors for yet another stellar year.

Paul Chapin, the Senior Director of People to People Student Ambassador Programs says this about Marion’s teachings:
“Marion’s insights are profound. They are clear, concise, and practical, and help a speaker present an image that is a living message of success. We used her insights immediately for our presentation teams in all 50 states.”

A Corporate Training Success Story

Communication Power for Financial Advisors Nationwide

Debbie Hyner, VP of Broker Marketing at
AIG –Sun America, was looking for a unique, memorable, innovative, value-added approach
to market AIG financial products. What she found was Marion Gellatly, a master-level certified image and etiquette professional.

While Marion’s qualifications were impressive,
it was her integrity, professionalism, and commitment to business excellence that convinced Debbie to expand her vision of a single local workshop to a series of National Education seminars designed to help financial advisors attract high net worth clients. Marion’s custom-designed workshops created ‘buzz’ and attracted audiences of more than 1000 advisors at National Education Conferences across the United States.

Attendees gained valuable tips about how to immediately connect with, cultivate, and most importantly, communicate effectively with potential clients. Participants said Marion gave them a new way to set themselves apart from other financial advisors and ensure that there were no barriers between themselves and their clients. AIG –Sun America gained credibility, a reputation for innovation, and a ready audience at future National Education Conferences.

Debbie Hyner says this about Marion’s work for AIG –Sun America:
“Working with Marion was a wonderful experience. Her willingness to get to know our business and design presentations that met client needs is a testament to her professionalism. Marion provided our clients with practical tools and valuable insights regarding non-verbal cues and appearance that they could immediately apply to their personal and professional life.”

A One-on-One Success Story

Personal Power for a Developing Leader

When former tennis pro and young
entrepreneur Michael Jessup sought out Marion’s assistance, he did so with the intent
of improving his ability to communicate more effectively with clients and potential business investors. After leaving the professional tennis circuit in his mid 20’s he felt out of place when dealing with highly educated, socially adept upper-class clients. He wanted to communicate powerfully, connect easily, and polish his etiquette skills both with clients and business associates from whom he hoped to raise venture
capital for a bay area business.

Marion’s warm and engaging coaching style gave him the courage to practice and fine-tune his social and communication skills in a variety of environments. He learned to communicate effectively, connect and build rapport easily, and feel more at home when entertaining clients. Her practical approach and knowledge of business etiquette helped him ask the right questions, actively listen, and convey content, context, and intent during conversations. He learned to make requests and handle complaints with tact and skill.

Today he attributes Marion’s upbeat approach, natural leadership style, and sound business advice to helping him feel more confident in business and social situations. He reports that the skills he gained have helped him create a positive experience for his clients and have resulted in increased referrals.

When interviewed by The New York Times, Michael said this about his experience with Marion: "When I left the professional tennis circuit at age 27 to give private lessons in Cupertino, CA, I noticed how smoothly my executive clients communicated what they wanted and how they wanted it done. I decided that if I wanted to be a successful coach, I needed to improve my own communication style, and I found Marion Gellatly. We worked over a period of six months and I credit her with giving me more confidence in business and social situations, and I use much of what she taught me. My favorite lesson was the importance of asking questions when talking to a potential client to gather as much information as possible. Rather than say, 'This is what I can do for you,' Marion taught me to ask things like, "How often do you play tennis? What would you like to accomplish with these lessons? Do you have any injuries I should know about?'" That approach helped me tailor lessons to my clients, which improved their experience with me and fostered more referrals."