Dress for sales success
You don't need to dress in Versace, but there are some basic guidelines to adhere to when setting out to meet clients. With this article, we hope to offer a few do's and don'ts for anyone who comes in contact with clients or is setting an office dress code policy.
There is no second chance to make a first impression.
Before you even open your mouth, some people have already formed an opinion about you. It may not be fair, but that's life, so realize that how you dress sets the tone for how people treat you. If you are not "dressed for the part," no matter what you say or what you sell will help you recover from a negative impression made by your attire.
Basic wardrobe for men
In Poland, we've noticed that casually dressed sales reps don't get as much respect as those who look the part. This is true during interviews as well as client meetings. How you dress not only reflects on you, but also on whom you are meeting. No client is ever going to have a negative image of you if you attend a meeting in a business suit. If you don't have many suits, a wide collection of ties can make it appear as though you have a much larger wardrobe, people notice ties - it's the one thing that can be "original" about your appearance.
Tips for women
Think conservative with a dash of creativity. A suit, skirt or pants suit are the norms for today's modern business woman. Avoid designer jeans, dresses and skirts that are above the knee. Sorry, guys. Make-up should be minimal, including lipstick and nail polish. Leave the purse in the office and opt for the portfolio instead.
John T. Molloy
Author of "Dress for Success," this book is a must read for HR types and anyone just entering the business environment that wants to be successful. His follow-up called, "New Dress for Success" is even more relevant for today's ever-changing work environment. The main point of this book is that success or failure in business, to a great extent, depends on how well one dresses. If you look GOOD, you feel GOOD. Looking good increases self esteem, and increases the chance that you will be treated with more respect.
Casual dress
We find it interesting that the "corporate look" that was pioneered by IBM in the 70's - dark suit, white shirt and red tie - has been replaced by casual dress policies made popular by Bill Gates and Microsoft. What started in the USA as a corporate benefit to many employees by creating the "casual Friday" has turned into a new corporate culture popular at many hi-tech firms and ad agencies. However, employees with client contact should wear appropriate business attire, as should those who can be seen by clients. Casual does not mean sloppy, so stick to khaki pants and polos, and leave that Myslowitz concert t-shirt at home in your dirty laundry pile.
Uniforms
In some cases, like banks and car rental companies, employees are required to wear a uniform. You still have responsibility to keep your shirts clean, pressed and in good condition. Hint: If your red suit jacket does not have an AVIS name tag on it, we would recommend removing it from your wardrobe.
Attire and grooming
• Your nails should be clean and trimmed.
• Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath; spit out that gum.
• We know that smoking is popular in Poland, but resist the urge to smoke before a client meeting. Nothing turns off a client more than a handshake followed by a waft of cigarette smoke that stays in the office long after you're gone.
Shoes and accessories
The shoes make the man! This is true for women also, although they don't need to be told, just check out your girlfriend's closet. Shoes should be well maintained and shined. No sneakers or casual sandals, unless you work for Converse! Less is best for jewelry, bags, scarves and hair accessories. Remember to turn off mobile phones, palm pilots and watch alarms.
"I don't have any meetings today." A classic response when we see someone shabbily dressed in the office. First and foremost, why don't you have any meetings? Second, what if a client calls and wants to meet you today, and finally, what about clients visiting our office. Point is, you should always be ready, even if it means keeping a shirt and tie at the office just in case.
Put it in writing
It is best to put your policies down on paper. That way there is no confusion later on if someone is not adhering to your dress code. It helps to write a draft first to distribute, and then solicit employee feedback. Try it, see how it works, and adjust it if necessary.
Our friend Peter used to say that there were three basic elements to a salesperson looking good that didn't require a lot of money: A nice tie, clean nails and shined shoes. Hopefully the days of the Lime Green Jacket are over, but who knows. Last month, a real estate buddy of ours bought a new corduroy suit that he swears is back in fashion. Elvis lives. Long live the King.
Matt Lynch is the national sales director of LYNKA Promotional Products. John Lynch is president of LYNKA.
There is no second chance to make a first impression.
Before you even open your mouth, some people have already formed an opinion about you. It may not be fair, but that's life, so realize that how you dress sets the tone for how people treat you. If you are not "dressed for the part," no matter what you say or what you sell will help you recover from a negative impression made by your attire.
Basic wardrobe for men
In Poland, we've noticed that casually dressed sales reps don't get as much respect as those who look the part. This is true during interviews as well as client meetings. How you dress not only reflects on you, but also on whom you are meeting. No client is ever going to have a negative image of you if you attend a meeting in a business suit. If you don't have many suits, a wide collection of ties can make it appear as though you have a much larger wardrobe, people notice ties - it's the one thing that can be "original" about your appearance.
Tips for women
Think conservative with a dash of creativity. A suit, skirt or pants suit are the norms for today's modern business woman. Avoid designer jeans, dresses and skirts that are above the knee. Sorry, guys. Make-up should be minimal, including lipstick and nail polish. Leave the purse in the office and opt for the portfolio instead.
John T. Molloy
Author of "Dress for Success," this book is a must read for HR types and anyone just entering the business environment that wants to be successful. His follow-up called, "New Dress for Success" is even more relevant for today's ever-changing work environment. The main point of this book is that success or failure in business, to a great extent, depends on how well one dresses. If you look GOOD, you feel GOOD. Looking good increases self esteem, and increases the chance that you will be treated with more respect.
Casual dress
We find it interesting that the "corporate look" that was pioneered by IBM in the 70's - dark suit, white shirt and red tie - has been replaced by casual dress policies made popular by Bill Gates and Microsoft. What started in the USA as a corporate benefit to many employees by creating the "casual Friday" has turned into a new corporate culture popular at many hi-tech firms and ad agencies. However, employees with client contact should wear appropriate business attire, as should those who can be seen by clients. Casual does not mean sloppy, so stick to khaki pants and polos, and leave that Myslowitz concert t-shirt at home in your dirty laundry pile.
Uniforms
In some cases, like banks and car rental companies, employees are required to wear a uniform. You still have responsibility to keep your shirts clean, pressed and in good condition. Hint: If your red suit jacket does not have an AVIS name tag on it, we would recommend removing it from your wardrobe.
Attire and grooming
• Your nails should be clean and trimmed.
• Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath; spit out that gum.
• We know that smoking is popular in Poland, but resist the urge to smoke before a client meeting. Nothing turns off a client more than a handshake followed by a waft of cigarette smoke that stays in the office long after you're gone.
Shoes and accessories
The shoes make the man! This is true for women also, although they don't need to be told, just check out your girlfriend's closet. Shoes should be well maintained and shined. No sneakers or casual sandals, unless you work for Converse! Less is best for jewelry, bags, scarves and hair accessories. Remember to turn off mobile phones, palm pilots and watch alarms.
"I don't have any meetings today." A classic response when we see someone shabbily dressed in the office. First and foremost, why don't you have any meetings? Second, what if a client calls and wants to meet you today, and finally, what about clients visiting our office. Point is, you should always be ready, even if it means keeping a shirt and tie at the office just in case.
Put it in writing
It is best to put your policies down on paper. That way there is no confusion later on if someone is not adhering to your dress code. It helps to write a draft first to distribute, and then solicit employee feedback. Try it, see how it works, and adjust it if necessary.
Our friend Peter used to say that there were three basic elements to a salesperson looking good that didn't require a lot of money: A nice tie, clean nails and shined shoes. Hopefully the days of the Lime Green Jacket are over, but who knows. Last month, a real estate buddy of ours bought a new corduroy suit that he swears is back in fashion. Elvis lives. Long live the King.
Matt Lynch is the national sales director of LYNKA Promotional Products. John Lynch is president of LYNKA.
