Success Dress Etiquette

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Monday Business Manners

It’s like John Malloy wrote about:  “Dress for Success is all about dressing for the job you want — not the one you have!”

Rarely does it serve you to look less than appropriate when meeting a client or prospect. Depending on your field of expertise — certain standards probably do apply.  Marketing and sales gives way to more flare and creativity in dressing (although always being appropriate) — more so than most conservative fields of finance and accounting. The devil is also in the details. Polished shoes, matching socks or hose, understated jewelry, ties and accessories that may make a bit of a statement — but only on one hand, etc.

Some of my clients have “casual day” every day, while others within the company wouldn’t dream of following that dress code and not coincidentally they’re usually senior management! Your goal is to emmulate those who are your direct clients at higher levels. As a consultant and valued advisor, it shows respect for your client and an ability to pay attention to the details.

It’s an unspoken or unconscious assumption that if you are paying attention to the details in the way you appear and conduct yourself — the same is true in the way you conduct your business.