Headlines the other day said
“Mark Zuckerberg’s hoodie ‘immature’
The article goes on to state that his wandering in late to meetings with financiers in his hoodie is immature and shows that he is ill equipped to run a major company. But hold on, he is already running a major company so does this hold?
On the other hand we have all see the sleek, slick overdressed con artists who we think can do anything when in actual fact they can barely shop to buy those fancy clothes.
The point: Your attire ties into your image and your image ties into how your buyers will perceive you.
This morning a client was talking about her wonderful new high end handbags and how when she goes to present her bags, she goes dressed in a high end suit, talks the language of her clients and acts in a manner consistent with her product and her client’s expectations. (I will give Andreana’s Wardrobe a push later in another blog).
The point is that for many business owners who work at home, there is a necessity to get dressed up appropriate to your client expectations and the image and branding of your product or service, especially when going out to meet them.
But what happens to your head when you slouch around your home office wearing what is comfortable? Are we giving the wrong message to our own head. How can you portray a high end service or product and look like a slob? How are you feeling?
And then there is the question – Do clothes maketh the man or woman? The answer is SADLY YES!
If you want to be seen as successful, you have to look successful. If you think that there is no value to your clients in how you look, then try and do business looking “yourself” and acting yourself. Unless you have a very unique, high demand product, you will struggle to get past the gatekeepers who judge you on your appearance.
Suits work in certain sectors but high end jeans and blouses or polo shirts with a smart jacket can be both expensive and appropriate to your image and your clients perception of you.
Take a look at the photos below and tell me who you would invest $100,000.00 with?
What affects our decisions?
Roberta
Passionate, Purposeful Presenter
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I was just reviewing an announcement about clothing and business for a friend. We live in a resort town, and have over the last 30 years gotten a bit more casual in our dress. When I went with a client who was doing a large development in St Thomas, Virgin Islands, the islanders had to remind us to dress up for the meetings, something that conveys respect for the host,client, country as well as our customers or clients. Great post, and the Zuckerberg opening set the tone for a great discussion on it.
Good point Joel. It is a matter of respect. Being congruent with the clients expectations. And one thing I love in the Caribbean is the wonderful comfortable dressy clothes – why ever not go dressed up. Same thing in India and throughout Asia. Respect for the other person.
I agree, Roberta. Perception is a huge thing. Unless we personally know someone, we have to base our judgment on what’s in front of us.
When it comes to business, clothes and appearance is a big factor in being accepted. It’s not as clear cut as the people featured above in our choice of whom to trust. And even then, we may be making the wrong choice. The seemingly party-goer or the man in jeans may be the straight and responsible ones while those in proper business attires may just be con artists.
At one end, we have to do our best to give a good impression and as mentioned, respect for others. At the other end, we have to do our due diligence.
Theresa Torres recently posted..Financial Infidelity: Marriage and Money
So true Theresa. Taking the time and energy to do our due diligence is important when we are investing but I have noticed how many people fail to do that when they have made up their mind because of their perception. And then they can repent at liesure.
I’m from the old school. I believe that dress is very important. Mr Zuckerberg might be able to get away with wearing teenage clothes but the rest of can’t. I do not have much faith in those who do not dress well, but I’m afraid I’m out of step with the way the world is going. It’s too casual for my liking.
I wouldn’t lend anyone any money so the question you ask is irrelevant to me. As to which of the people above I’d do business with, I’d have to see their faces more closely to tell, but I wouldn’t judge purely on their clothes.
Madonna recently posted..Tony Robbins Agrees With Me
Madonna it sounds like you go beyond the obvious easily but for many people making lots of fast judgments, they never seem to move beyond the obvious. I find the situation and the content dictate my decisions not the attire. One thing today too is that there are so many different standards of dress in the business world and some people never learned the rules of style and dress because the opportunity to learn never presented itself. Many successful business owners today dress and act casually but their thought processes are really keen. Thanks for visiting
I would invest 100k with the person with the best idea. However, I have a small amount of distrust with the lady in number 5 as she is not smiling. I think an open smile conveys honesty. From these pictures alone, I am drawn to #s 1, 3, and 4. I believe in being appropriately dressed to respect the occasion and the clients. But I do carry a small amount of distrust when it comes to slick dressers who do not smile.
Yeah Dee, great answer and I like the comment about the smile – the smile in the eye too not just on the lips. I really dislike false smiles.