"The way we dress affects the way we think, the way we feel, the way we act, and the way others react to us." ~ Judith Rasband
In today's world, if you want to sell your product, your knowledge about the offering is not the end. You are not just selling a product or a service, but you are selling yourself. Knowledge is important, so is the presentation. The former has to be seasoned with appropriate dress etiquettes in order to please the client's palate.
When someone intends to invest his money in an avenue that you suggest, he trusts you and is looking up to you for advice. You have to stand out of the crowd to gain that trust. No one would want to see his advisor just out of his bed, wearing messy clothes or having an unkempt hairstyle. People would take you seriously only if you look professional.
If you are meeting a prospective client for the first time, your appearance will do half of your job. The way you dress creates a lasting impression on your client. If your attire is not professional enough, you may not get what you want. Will Rogers says "You will never get a second chance to make a first impression", so play your cards right in the first go.
If Amrita, a lawyer, is looking to buy a medical insurance for her family, and Ravi, a financial advisor walks up to her, clad in a yellow T-shirt, denims and white sneakers with disheveled sidelocks and is trying to pitch in a particular policy. She might not even listen to him, as she would not want to discuss her financial plans with Ravi, who looks like a college lad rather than a financial advisor. So his appearance has made him lose a prospective client.
In an advisory business, most of the work is client facing. Appeal matters a lot in our business. The way you dress adds a lot to your gait and effectively to your business.
Here are some tips which you may use in your day to day business:
Men
- Be neat; clean clothes, trimmed nails and polished shoes will work wonders
- Do your hair properly. Spikes won't work here
- Always wear shoes and a belt. No sandals or slippers
- Your shoes and belt should match
- If you are wearing a tie: it should be solid, if your shirt has a pattern and vice-versa; If both are solid, then the colours should contrast; If both are patterned, then the pattern of the tie should be brighter and bolder than that of the shirt
- Say No to T-shirts and Jeans when meeting a client. A polo neck t-shirt would do if you are meeting on a weekend
- The number of colours in your attire should be minimum
- Avoid over bright colours
Women
- Ladies! Clean clothes, trimmed nails and polished shoes are a must for you too
- Your hair should be tied or shouldn't look messy if you like to leave them open
- Limit the number and size of accessories that you are wearing
- Your shoes must coordinate with your bag. It doesn't necessarily mean that they should be of the same colour, but that the colours should work together and should be of a similar texture. A white floral bag will not go with black formal shoes. You can have a neutral handbag if you want to avoid the hassle of changing it everyday
- The professional look of a sari teamed with a bun will steal the show
- If you want to wear a salwar suit, avoid anarkalis, rather pick suits with simpler patterns.
- You can also wear formal skirts, trousers or leggings with formal shirts or solid tops
- No to jeans and flip flops
You may follow the above tips and encash an upcoming business opportunity.
You have to dress like a professional if you want to be perceived as one.
So, Suit up!
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