Is Your Style Hurting Your Income?

Having a strong personal brand and dressing well can go a long way in boosting your income potential. Research has shown that individuals who invest in their personal brand image are more likely to earn higher salaries and even be perceived as more competent and trustworthy by their colleagues and clients. This idea, that dressing better and developing your personal brand image can help you make more money is among the main ways we can demonstrate how working with a clothing coach can change your life.

Firstly, let’s look at the role that dressing well plays in income potential. A study conducted by the Social Psychological and Personality Science Journal found that dressing formally leads to higher levels of abstract thinking, which is associated with better job performance. You look good….you feel good…they PAY good. (Classic Deion Sanders quote has actual science behind it) The study also found that employees who dress well are more likely to be perceived as competent, confident and trustworthy, which led to increased opportunities for promotions and salary raises.

Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Hertfordshire found that people who dress well earn an average of 20% more than their dressed down counterparts. The study also found that dressing well can increase your chances of getting hired and can also positively impact performance evaluations.

Now when it comes to personal branding, A study by CareerBuilder found that over 70% of employers use social media to screen potential candidates during the hiring process. This means that your online presence and personal brand image can have a significant impact on your career success. A strong personal brand that showcases your skills, expertise, and unique qualities can help you stand out; but without knowing you, your look and how you present yourself can directly increase your chances of getting hired for higher-paying positions.

Now having a strong personal brand can also lead to more business opportunities and increased income potential for entrepreneurs and freelancers. A survey conducted by LinkedIn found that freelancers with a strong personal brand earned an average of 60% more than those without a personal brand. You will be approached more, invited more and engaging more effortlessly. They come to you. (a salespersons dream)

So investing in your personal brand image and dressing well can have a significant impact on your income potential and bottom line. By dressing formally and creating a strong personal brand that’s complementary to your personality and goals is the best way to showcase your skills, expertise and you can increase your chances of getting hired for higher-paying positions. Whether you’re an employee, owner, manager, freelancer, or entrepreneur, taking the time to invest in your personal brand image can pay off in the long run (and often sooner than you expect).

This is our specialty at The Clothing Coach Studio in San Francisco’s Union Square. Book a call today and find out how we can enhance your personal brand image.