Everyone dreams of the next step in their career or their next big raise, but how do we make those opportunities happen? What can we do to position ourselves more effectively for success – personally or professionally?

1. How making the right impressions can help you

Remarkably, what might be as important if not more important than actually having the appropriate skills and competencies that our professional positions require is the perception of the competency and success that we radiate to others. A recent study published in the St. Louis Fed’s publication, The Regional Economist, suggests that beautiful people are paid on average 5% more than their average-looking counterparts. Those with below-average looks suffer a “plainness penalty,” earning an average of 9% less than the average. Read the rest of this entry »