Think of a fresh approach to occupying a fresh “you” with your personal image. There’s plenty of iniquity to get riled up about in the world today.  But not putting your best personal image out there would be one of the greatest injustices because you have total control of it.

1. Rev Up How You Are Perceived

I’ve written about “beauty bias” before in my blog.  People do tend to expect more of attractive people, including how abundantly and efficiently you’ll produce quality work.  So by revving up your personal image, you rev up how people perceive the things you do.

2. Breakout Your Self-Confidence

People are drawn to others who are confident.  When your personal image emerges from a place of lesser confidence to increased confidence, people are sure to notice.  But most of all, you feel a change in yourself that attracts others.  Putting effort into your personal image is well worth this payoff.

3. Meet More of the Right People

Don't just think about improving your personal image. Take action that pays off.

Any of my private clients would tell you how they are advised on what their unique qualities are and how to style themselves to authentically draw people to them in business and social situations.  It really works.  Not only are you able to meet people of greater influence, who then introduce you to ever more interesting people, but your natural qualities come through, letting you be the originator of your own sphere of influence.  Whether you’re looking for a new work opportunity, or to expand your social circle, how could you not want to work on improving your personal image and miss this amazing payoff?

4. Inspire Trust In Others

People with a positive personal image and are seen as attractive are seen as trustworthy because they do things with a sense of purpose.  You want to be able to have people see this quality in you, too.

5. Be Influential

Another great payoff for having an attractive personal image is that your ability to influence others is stronger than people who are perceived as being unattractive.  While it’s unethical to pay anyone off to gain influence, the truth is that the quality of looking like an influencer is worth its own payoff in the eyes and minds of others who encounter you.

6. Score A Second Interview

The top reason why employers reject a job applicant following a first interview is poor personal appearance, according to a recent study.  Sure, your resume and credentials get you in the door for the first interview, but it’s your presence that makes you memorable [or not]. Is that a payoff you can afford to blow off?

7. Earn More Money

A researcher studied the effect personal image and appearance has on starting salaries offered by employers.  Identical resumes were sent to 1000 employers asking what starting salaries would be offered.  Half the resumes included a photo of an “applicant” whose personal image needed to be made more professional and polished.  The other half included a photo of the same person with the polished look.  The polished applicant received starting salaries upwards of 20 percent more than the “before” candidate.  The same effects are true when it comes to boosting your current salary at performance reviews.

8. Turn Up Your Dating Prospects

No matter who you’re interested in attracting, good grooming and hygiene rate as being very important to those unknown prospects. Good hair from afar, and good breath up close are first impression dating ritual dealmakers.  Of course, wearing updated fashion styles that are properly tailored also help make the investment you make in yourself a payoff you can’t resist.

9. Be Happier

With an improved personal image, you’d definitely be a happier person.  How can I tell you such a goal is possible?  As a long-time personal image consultant, I have seen clients reinvent how people perceive them, and witnessed the transformation of confidence right before my very eyes.  They’ve told me that by developing their personal image they’ve met more of the right people, earned people’s trust, and influenced others in good ways.  Clients in the job market have made strong first impressions and have gotten call backs for return interviews, and been offered more money because they looked like they were worth it.  Clients have also had not just success with dating, but have even told me that their significant other has “fallen in love with” them all over again.

When it comes to your personal image, there’s no question that you have an equal opportunity to reap amazing payoffs by looking your best.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps high-profile individuals revitalize, manage, and be secure in their personal visual brand. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.

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