Personal imagine/exposure...is it important? If so, how important is it?

First impressions are lasting impressions and often your professional image may make the difference between getting the job or not. One thing that helped me was competing at NCO boards while some of my fellow NCOs were scoffing at the idea. I was good at my job and winning boards helped get me some "good press" which helped with later career moves. 

Of course personal image and exposure are important; both while in service and in the civilian world.   In the civilian world it's called "Networking" and not only is it important, it's almost a necessity.  While "networking" may not be a commonly used term in the military, it happens every day.  The more exposure you get, the more well known you become (hopefully for the GOOD things you do!).  While this, in itself, won't get you promoted, it may very well lead to a better assignment (such as nominative positions or special duty assignments) or other opportunities to set yourself apart.

A personal image is always important. We want to control what others see in us. I don't have examples except for this one- I have always been trained to do my job and be the best at it and the promotions will come. We here I am 20 years later and I am still a SSG. The AAR comments from each board don't really say much if you are too look at the years of them, they all say the same- No picture, messed up picture, erbs jacked up, missing information or not matching NCOERs, NCOERs jacked up (if it is grammar or formatting issues it should go against the rater. I have worked my butt off for years and now I feel like I am just a sour old man angry at the world.