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Dress for Success
By Edward A. Denison
Whether you're going to the bank for a loan or going to the local auto shop for an oil change, you need to look the part. While it's nice to think that appearances don't matter, they usually do.
I'm not talking about dressing up or staying in fashion (although I highly suggest it). This is not a monologue on how casual Fridays and the T-shirt represents the decline of Western civilization. I'm simply saying that you are more likely to command more respect and get what you want if you are dressed appropriately for your surroundings. Your Appearance Must be Consistent with Your Message.
If I'm going to the garage to get my car serviced or to buy tires, I don't wear a suit. I put on jeans, boots and a windbreaker. I want to be taken seriously by the person with whom I'm dealing. I may be as knowledgeable as the mechanic, but he or she will make instant assumptions about me based upon my appearance. If I'm in a suit and look as though I don't even pump my own gas, how seriously will I be taken? By the same token, if I'm going to the bank to talk with someone about a loan, I don't wear shorts and a muscle shirt. Again, I repeat, your appearance must be consistent with your message. This really came home to last year when I did a workshop for Sub-Way, for their BC wide annual conference. I was listened to by some of the smartest dressed and savviest people I had talked to in a while. The audience was made up of sales trainers, managers, district reps, suppliers, marketer reps? people who make their living teaching others how to make more sales, improve relationships with customers and present a professional image to the public. 95% of the room fitted the image of those a major organization would hire to help their sales staff become more effective. They were dressed professionally and tastefully. It's like the saying, "Don't trust a skinny chef." You need to look the part. Of course looks and appearances aren't everything. But don't forget the power of first impressions. It's very difficult to overcome a poor first impression, regardless of your knowledge or expertise.
Smart Stuff to Remember
- Sad but true, appearances do matter.
- Don't underestimate the power of a first impression. People make assumptions about you based upon your appearance at your first meeting.
- You are more likely to receive better service, command more respect and get what you want if you are dressed and speak appropriately for your surroundings.
- Your appearance must be consistent with your message.
