November 2026 I Volume 13, Issue 11 | | |
IMAGE MATTERS NEWS
November 2026
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This month, we're tackling something we all experience but don't always look forward to: Meetings: Making the Most of the Inevitable and Inescapable!
Whether it's a challenging conversation, a difficult decision or another meeting that leaves you wondering if your time could have been better spent, how you show up can make all the difference.
In this month's feature article, we'll explore how professional presence, intentional communication and mutual respect can transform even the most challenging meetings into opportunities to build trust, strengthen relationships and influence positive outcomes. From preparation and positioning to being heard and building buy-in, you'll discover practical strategies to make every meeting more productive and purposeful.
There's also plenty to explore in our Spotlight section this month, including:
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The NEW Presence Advantage Lab – Our Ask-the-Expert opportunity to explore ways to elevate your professional presence.
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J.Hilburn Menswear Holiday Gift Guide & Virtual Trunk Show – Inspiration for gifting and looking your best this holiday season.
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The Latest on sheSTANDS – Exciting news and updates you won't want to miss.
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Color Matters Conference Highlights – In case you missed it, here's a glimpse into the fun, inspiration and connections we enjoyed in Chicago!
Additionally, enjoy our:
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Dental-Healthcare Resources: DeW Life Magazine Feature – I'm excited to share my recent DeW Dish spotlight in the Autumn edition of DeW Life Magazine, featuring my passion for helping others build confidence, embrace their strengths and elevate their personal brands.
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Style Fix: It's Sweater Weather! – Discover tips for caring for your favorite knits, keeping them looking their best and creating polished, comfortable style throughout the season.
As we move into the busy holiday season, calendars fill quickly and demands on our time increase. It's the perfect reminder that how we prepare, communicate and show up matters—whether we're leading a meeting, contributing to a conversation or making meaningful connections.
Here's to making the most of every opportunity to show up with confidence, intention and impact!
Stay inspired, stay polished and enjoy the November edition of Image Matters News!
Successfully yours,
Kelly
Kelly Duggan, RDH, AICI CIC
Founder and President,
KELLY DUGGAN Image Consulting, LLC
www.kellyduggan.com
Specializing in executive and personal image development, etiquette and communication skills
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Meetings: Making the Most of The Inevitable and Inescapable
You’ve been through this.
The meeting invitation appears on your calendar, and you immediately feel your energy drop. Perhaps it’s a difficult conversation, an unpopular decision, a challenging project, or just another regular weekly or monthly “waste of time.” Probably personalities and priorities will collide.
But whether it’s held in person or virtually, a meeting doesn't have to be a gut-awful experience.
The secret? Professional presence, intentional communication and a commitment to respect. How you prepare and position yourself, deliver information and respond to others can transform uncertainty and resistance into buy-in and productive action.
Preparing
Establishing your professional presence — and the opportunity to make the most of any meeting — begin long before you enter the room or click “Join Meeting.”
First, start by .....Read Here
Click here to read more and access our IMNs archive
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FREE monthly Ask-the-Expert live virtual experience! Bring your questions and challenges to this Q&A open discussion!
Celebrate the Season with Confidence
Our November Topic of Discussion
and Q&A will be: Social & Business Holiday Etiquette
This isn't just another webinar—it's a conversation! Bring your questions, share your experiences, and gain practical insights on handling holiday situations with grace and professionalism.
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NEW! Ask-the-Expert
The Presence Advantage Lab:
Thu, November 19 • 1pm (40m)
Topic: Social & Business Holiday Etiquette
Join us for the Presence Advantage Lab to gain insight from an expert on Social & Business Holiday Etiquette.
The holiday season is filled with opportunities to connect, celebrate and make lasting impressions—but navigating social and professional gatherings can sometimes be tricky!
Join for an engaging, interactive discussion on Social & Business Holiday Etiquette. From holiday gifting and invitations to dressing appropriately and making meaningful connections, discover how to approach the season with confidence, courtesy and authenticity.
Whether you're attending an office party, hosting a gathering, or networking at a festive event, you'll walk away with valuable tips to help you shine this holiday season!
Come with a question. Leave with a strategy.
Build your presence. Strengthen your influence. Advance your career.
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'Tis the Season
With the holiday season just around the corner, our 2026 Holiday Gift Guide is here to help you find the perfect present for every guy on your list, with ample time to customize your selection.
The Gift of Custom
Gifts for Him with a Personal Touch
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Casual to Formal wear.
Custom-made for every occasion.
Miss our latest trends and trunk show?
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Checkout this season’s latest trends
for men’s fashion and styling tips.
View on YouTube and share it with your friends!
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“Kelly helped me with a new custom denim. She
took the time to listen to what I wanted out of a pair of
jeans and matched that up with current style trends and
the extensive J.Hilburn offerings."
-Ken Toy
J.Hilburn Client
| | | This is a conversation, not a webinar. Ask questions out loud, in the chat, anonymously — or simply listen. | | |
SheSTANDS: Is This Menopause? — FREE Virtual Program
Are you tired ALL THE TIME and just blaming it on getting older?
Midlife fatigue is real, but it isn’t just “getting older.” Hormone shifts change how your body makes energy, how you sleep, how you handle blood sugar, and how you hold onto muscle. Once you understand what’s going on, you realize why you feel tired all the time but now you can also do something about it.
Wednesday November 11th | 7:30 PM ET | FREE
with Mary of Mustard Seed Health and guest Kim Goodrich, Certified Fitness and Behavior Change Coach
And know someone who could benefit? Share it with one woman who comes to mind.
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Chicago Never Disappoints!
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In case you missed it!
Color Matters
Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) USA - Color Matters Conference
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WATCH the Recap Above!
AICI USA
Recap Color Matters Conference
September 24-26, 2026 - Chicago IL
| | | Dental - Healthcare Corner | | |
Are you ready to build rapport
and better patient care?
Check out our learning library,
filled with strategies for success
when communicating within
your practice.
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Let's work together to:
· Skillfully communicate, with a verbal and non-verbal communication strategy
· Elevate your "team to patient care" experience
· Set a confident and strategic brand standard for your practice
· Refine your leadership presence to lead your team
Raise the level of performance, productivity and profitability in your practice
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Exciting News! I'm Featured in DeW Life Magazine! ✨
I'm thrilled and honored to share that I've been featured in the Autumn edition of DeW Life Magazine (Dental Entrepreneur Woman) in their DeW Dish spotlight!
Confidence has always been at the heart of my work. It's about so much more than how we look or present ourselves. It's about recognizing our worth, embracing our unique strengths, finding our voice, and showing up authentically in every aspect of our lives.
In this special feature, I share a little about my journey, my passion for helping individuals and teams build confidence and strengthen their personal brands, and some of the personal experiences that have shaped who I am today.
You'll even get a glimpse into the lessons my grandmother taught me about grit and resilience, along with how I recharge and find balance with my Golden Retriever, Dasher! 🐾
One belief that continues to guide me is that confidence isn't about never falling down. It's about getting back up, learning from the experience, and having the courage to try again.
I'm grateful to the DeW Life community for the opportunity to share my story and, more importantly, my mission of helping others recognize their value and step into their full potential.
I'd love for you to read the feature!
📖 Visit DeW.Life to explore the Autumn edition of DeW Life Magazine and read my DeW Dish spotlight.
Here's to growing in confidence, embracing our authentic selves, and lifting others along the way!
With confidence and gratitude!
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“I had no idea how many elements affected
the way I sounded when speaking. Kelly helped
me understand what I was doing right and wrong and deliver my message clearly and authentically. If you’re looking to become a confident, solid speaker, I
highly recommend Kelly Duggan.”
-Dr. Zina Berry, DDS
Founder of Z-Loupes
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Sweater Weather: Keep Your Knits Looking Their Best
Sweater weather is here! As temperatures drop, there's nothing better than cozying up in your favorite knits. While sweaters are a stylish and comfortable cold-weather essential, they can develop those pesky little fuzz balls known as pilling. Pilling happens when fibers rub together, causing friction and wear on the fabric.
The good news? A little extra care can go a long way in keeping your sweaters looking fresh all season long. If handwashing isn't your thing, follow these simple tips to help protect your favorite knits:
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Keep it cool: Wash sweaters in cold water to help protect delicate fibers.
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Go gentle: Choose the delicate, handwash, or slow-spin cycle on your washing machine.
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Wash with care: Launder sweaters with other delicate items to minimize friction and pilling.
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Lay it flat: Skip the dryer and lay sweaters flat to air-dry, helping them maintain their shape.
A Little Luxury Needs Extra Love: Cashmere and other fine knits deserve special attention. Cashmere can often be gently handwashed with a mild detergent formulated for delicate fibers, but always check the care label first. For pieces labeled "Dry Clean Only," play it safe and leave the cleaning to the professionals to help preserve the fabric, shape, and finish.
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Style Fix Tip: Turn machine-washable sweaters inside out before washing for an extra layer of protection against pilling. A mesh laundry bag can also help reduce friction. For those pesky pills that do appear, a cashmere comb or fabric shaver used gently can help restore a smooth finish. With just a little TLC, your favorite sweaters can stay soft, cozy, and looking fabulous season after season!
Ready to Learn Your
Sweater Style?
To Learn More Contact Us here.
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“From dreading outfits to loving every look—Kelly’s color consultation gave me confidence and a wardrobe that feels like me!”
-Brenna Smith West
CEO
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
| | | Communication Insight for Impact | |
One small shift that makes a big difference in how you are seen, experienced and heard.
"Effective communication goes beyond what we say. How we show up, engage with others and communicate with clarity, confidence and respect shapes our professional presence, builds trust and turns challenging conversations into opportunities for collaboration and positive outcomes."
| | You, and the people of your organization, are your greatest asset! | |
| | About Kelly Duggan, RDH, AICI CIC | |
Kelly has been helping executives and their organizations make their best impression since 1999.
My goals for my readers? To help them realize the power they have in themselves, develop their inner poise and confidence, and position themselves strategically for greater professional and personal success.
| KDI Consulting is an award-winning, Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) certified firm. Kelly recently served a term as VP Treasurer on the AICI Global Board of Directors’ Executive Committee and is a past President of the AICI Chicago Midwest Chapter. | | | | "Because Image Matters..." | | |
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Copyright © 2026, KELLY DUGGAN Image Consulting, LLC, All rights reserved.
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