We really hope you’ve tried at least one of the three quick wins we discussed last time. If you have, our guess is that you’ve already started to see positive results. Let us know how it turns out!

Today, We’re going to give you some concrete pointers on appearance. Before we begin, let’s say this:

We know it’s unfair. We know that in a perfect world, our physical appearance shouldn’t count toward how seriously others take us, or how successful we are in our careers. It’s wrong. Unfortunately, it’s also hard-coded in our brains and a sad fact of life.

What we mean is that the human brain is very, very attuned to faces. What they look like, how attractive they are, and what emotions they display. And you can’t switch that off. It’s in your brain, and in ours, and in everyone else’s. So the most practical way of dealing with that is to work with it and use it to your advantage.

So what to do? For one, it makes a lot of sense to invest in your personal appearance, at least to some degree. What that translates into is:

  • Invest in a good haircut. Not the one you do yourself — the one that a professional does.
  • Take a second look at your wardrobe. There are hundreds of internet resources on good fashion principles. Read some of them (even if it makes you cringe!), and make a change. Take a good, hard look at the image you’re projecting out there. Is it professional, in-control, eccentric? Don’t underestimate the power of this element of Brand: You.
  • Use makeup. This does not only apply to women! Makeup’s one advantage is to make your face more symmetrical, and hence more pleasant to look at. This is a HUGE contributor to your initial personal brand.
  • Take some advice. If your friends tell you that you look like you buy all your clothes at thrift stores, take them seriously! Other people are the best gauges of your physical appearance. Trust them more and take their advice.

Your homework is to take a no-holds-barred look at your physical brand. Look at your style with fresh eyes, or better yet, enlist a set from your friends and loved ones. Make one change. Only one. It’ll be worth it!

Next Time:

We’ll be taking a look at personal branding that’s more than skin deep! See you then!