The connection between presentation and remuneration

It is common knowledge that the way you present yourself can affect your life in many ways but recent research has emerged that suggests that your appearance has a far greater impact on your life than we previously imagined. Psychology today reminds that this is not just focused on a person’s beauty but their overall look of competence. Ty Kiisel from Forbes magazine proclaims “Like it or not, you are being judged by how you look, how you dress, and how you carry yourself—and, if you’re lucky, how you do your job.” How you present yourself affects people’s view of how you live your life, and even the ability you have to do your job. Judging people on their job competence by how they present themselves seems an inaccurate and unfair measure but it is something which is engraved in our behaviour and is unlikely to change soon.

A study carried out by Daniel Hamermesh at Yale University found that attractive people get paid roughly 5% more than the rest of the population. In addition to this a study by the Cleveland State University found that people that exercise three or more times a week get paid more than those who don’t. Even people’s grooming habits have been shown to have a direct affect on people’s wages, in a study by Jayoti Das and Stephen DeLoach from Elon University. They proposed that people that are well groomed are deemed to be more productive as spending time on personal appearance can be seen as “an investment into one’s appearance”. These non-beauty characteristics seem to suggest that it is not purely a person’s appearance that can affect people’s opinions of them but the time they spent on self improvement and the importance they place on looking good to others.

It seems that when you go to that important interview or start the first day of your dream job you will be judged on far more than the ability you have to do your job. The link between personal presentation and the perception of job competence seems arbitrary but whether we like it or not the two are closely linked, and if we can’t beat them we might as well join them.

Confidence is key

Confidence in oneself has long been deemed one of the most vital attributes in order to achieve success. After all, if you have no confidence in your own abilities, how do you expect to promote yourself to others? A lot of research has actually shown that self deceived people end up being more successful, not because of their ability to do their job but because of their ability to convince others of their skills. Just take note from multi billionaire Steve Jobs, “be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” Without holding yourself to a higher standard than others, you will never have the respect in other’s eyes to reach the top and to be the best.

Confidence can affect every element of how you appear to others; it is how you carry yourself, how eloquently you put across your ideas and how you go about convincing others of your worth. After all we live in an egocentric world where we have to be our own biggest fans for others to pay attention. Confidence and how we present ourselves can also be the only basis for others to judge who to deal with in a business world. People are often forced to make up their opinions on an individual’s credibility very quickly and often don’t have enough time to properly evaluate how well someone can do their job. “In the absence of complete information, a more attractive, well-groomed employee provides information about the product or service they represent,” say Das and DeLoach in their study. If a business representative turns up well presented, with a confident manner and in a smart executive car then that person is more likely to achieve immediate trust and in turn build better business connections. Although it is narrow minded to state that a flashy car and well tailored suit may elicit immediate trust and large monetary investments, it certainly is a good start.

Drive with pride

Very few things beat the excitement of driving away after just purchasing your dream car you thought you might never get. “Raw performance and safety aside, the intangible value of status does add to the worth of a luxury vehicle,” says Hannah Elliott from Forbes magazine. That pride of owning the brand that screams luxury and sophistication and showcases your success is a goal many hope to achieve and it’s also not just your work life that could benefit from driving away in a luxury vehicle.

Research has also suggested a link between women being more attracted to a man in a luxury vehicle compared with a standard counterpart. The research carried out by Dr Michael Dunn at the University of Wales Institute tested 120 participants’ reactions to two photos of male models, one in a Ford Fiesta and the other in a Bentley Continental. The majority of participants found the photo of the model in the Bentley to be more attractive. Just as this study demonstrated, often people are judged on so much more than their personalities as the choices they make in life are demonstrated in every element of their presentation. “Like any other vehicle purchase, however, it depends on what you need–and on how much you care about your image, of course. Not everyone who owns a Porsche 911 or Audi R8 cares about their superior handling–some just want to be seen driving them,” says Hannah Elliott.

Reward yourself – achieve your goals

All that aside, the greatest and most rewarding reason to buy a new car, or anything else for that matter, is for yourself and as a reward for the hours you have spent and the time you have sacrificed. Just as buying a Rolex watch or a luxury trip away is to some people, to others a car can often symbolise a goal achieved and a dream fulfilled.

Objects undoubtedly have the power to transcend their real or monetary value and a car can be far more than just a mode of transport but that demonstration of success. Just remember that famous quote from Steve Jobs, “We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life. Life is brief, and then you die, you know?” If you have spent time and effort getting yourself to the place you want to be it is important to reward yourself and remember to take time to fully appreciate your achievements. As Wes Brown, a luxury car expert says “It’s about emotional connections that people can make with a brand and how it makes you feel.” If you have the opportunity to get that car you have always dreamed of that you can drive with confidence in your own successes then go for it!

Benefits of an executive/luxury car

Apart from the previously mentioned benefits of buying a luxury or executive car they actually have a range of practical benefits that set them apart from their cheaper counterparts. Executive cars are likely to boast reliability, excellent engineering, elegant appearance and superior comfort for long business journeys.

Another key benefit of a well known luxury brand is their resell value; when you buy a luxury car you are making an investment. Some brands are known for excellence and superior quality and will never lose their quality image. CAP, used car pricing experts, looked into their data to come up with a list of cars that depreciate the least and found that the Audi R8, Porsche Panamera, Ferrari California and the Porche 911 are amongst the top 20 cars to keep the residual value. “I think that in the bad times, people go to authentic and credible brands,” says Geoff Day, a former communications director for Mercedes. When you are making a large monetary investment, a brand that is renowned for high quality engineering is a safer bet. A car is often the second most expensive purchase people make other than their home and so you might as well do it right.

It must be remembered that a blind purchase, no matter how much the car is worth, is likely to be a foolish decision. A higher price does not necessarily lead to superior quality and it is necessary to do your research prior to any car purchase. “Long ago, Ben Graham taught me that ‘Price is what you pay; value is what you get,’ says Warren Buffett. An expensive car purchase may not lead to success and an immediate pay increase, instead a hefty cost and a constant reminder of an imprudent decision. A well researched purchase into a beautifully engineered car at a good price will leave you with a sensible investment and a car that will stay with you for years to come. The added benefits of pride and other people’s admiration are just bonuses but the true beauty in buying your perfect car is that fulfilment of a dream which is beyond all doubt a wonderful thing.

Executive/luxury cars we suggest

Audi A3

The Audi A3 has repeatedly come up in review sites as one of the best executive cars. With its sleek business like exterior and agile drive it’s evidently great value for money. The Audi A3 is a perfect choice for business professionals and is sure to impress clients with its beautifully designed interior. Search for an Audi A3 series on finance.

BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 series is one of our most popular cars and with its luxurious feel and superior handling it’s easy to see why. The BMW 3 series has remained competitive since it was first made in 1975 and is certain to be one of best car purchase decisions you’ll ever make. Search for a BMW 3 series on finance.

Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF is for you if you really want to make an impact in your job. Although it exudes luxury and upmarket elegance it is not flashy or overstated. Search for a Jaguar XF series on finance.

Mercedes C Class

The Mercedes C Class is an old classic for business use, spacious enough to pick up clients but still with a sleek elegant design. It has an effortless luxury feel and the Mercedes brand will always be respected and trusted in the business world. Search for a Mercedes C Class on finance.

Porsche Panamera

The Porsche Panamera has all of the benefits of a sports car combined with the modern practicalities needed in a business car. With its sleek design it is set to impress any business connection and is surprisingly spacious for those everyday uses, with four doors and enough leg room for four adults to sit in comfortably. Search for a Porsche Panamera on finance.

Audi R8

The Audi R8 has a slightly more exciting and sporty feel to the previous suggestions and is not as understated as most business cars but if you are looking for a head-turning appearance and supercar-like feel then this one is for you. Search for an Audi R8 on finance.

Armchair service

We offer a source and supply service where all of the hard work is done for you. We can use our expert knowledge to source your perfect car and we can even deliver it straight to your door. However if you would prefer to find your own car, we can also just help you arrange the finance.  For a no obligation quote, complete our 2 minute car finance application.

Alternatively if you would like to speak to one of our customer advisors prior to applying please call one of the following numbers: 0800 1777 290 (free from landlines) or 0333 6000 290 (from mobiles, usual charges apply).

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Sources:

Psychology today
You are judged by your appearance (Ty Kiisel)
Beauty is the promise of happiness? (Daniel Hamermesh and Jason Abrevaya)
Cleveland State University
Mirror, mirror on the wall (Jayoti Das and Stephen DeLoach)
Ten Reasons To Buy A Luxury Car (Hannah Elliott)
Effect of manipulated prestige-car ownership on both sex attractiveness ratings (Michael Dunn and Robert Searle)
CAP