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Your First Impression

Submitted by Mitch Seigel on Fri, 10/14/2011

One of the activities I’ve really enjoyed doing over the past two years is working with 10th graders in the classroom, teaching them about various aspects of business. One of the key areas we focus on with them is how to dress for success.

I was thinking how candidates for sales positions have dressed when they met with me for a position on my staff. Also, how some salespeople who I acquired when taking over a management position, dressed when they met with their clients. And finally, how combining traditional business attire with the changes in society that have developed over the years, has carried over to the business world and changed the way that we dress.

That being said, there is still only one chance to have a first impression. It could be with a new friend, on a date, on an interview, with your potential boss, or with your new staff. If you’re not dressed appropriately the first time, it’s very hard to make up lost ground.

It comes down to thinking ahead of time. Just like everything else in sales, it is part of the process. This part you definitely can control. So here are five easy rules for dressing for success, which can aid in that all important first impression; 1. Present a smart image 2. Be careful with color 3. Dress for the position you want 4. Don’t be too casual 5. Dress for the occasion

Your dress projects the brand you want others to feel. If you’ve never met someone, you don’t know if they are conservative or liberal. It’s always better to dress conservatively the first time. It is much easier to take a coat or tie off then to put them on at the last minute!

Going to a dinner party and no one has given you the dress for the evening. Shorts and flip flops may be too casual and a tux may be too formal. Maybe something right in the middle would be right. If all else fails, plan ahead and just ask.

What are your challenges when it comes to dressing for success in that first impression? I look forward to hearing your comments.

Until next time …

Great reminder!

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 02:39.

Mitch, I couldn't agree more! To some, this topic seems quick obvious, but to others, it is something they need a little guidance on. We form opinions of other people within seconds of the first impression. It is so important to dress for the occasion. When in doubt, I agree that it's best to dress nicer or more professional. An individual was wanting to get my business just recently and when this person showed up in exercise shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, I immediately decided in my mind that we would not use the company. And I was personally offended that they did not put forth the effort to dress more professionally. Thanks for the post.