Ryan Gosling...Will Smith.. David Beckham.. what do these three men have in common?? Besides devastatingly good looks? They dress to impress, always.
My friends in Halifax and I became accustomed to this saying "boss dress code in effect". Compliments of my good friend Robert, to ensure that at any event we threw or hosted, everyone was in their very best threads. If you were to attend one of the dinners in this circle friends, between the ladies and gents in there, it resembled much like a runway show. Why shouldn't every sales office adapt to the same criteria?
My last boss Nadeem, always preached something that I thought to be an excellent motto for every business professional: "If a stranger walks into our office, they should not be able to pick out which person is the owner based on how they are dressed. Everyone should look like they could be an owner."
I understand that I am a woman, working in an industry where so far in the last two offices- the majority of our team has been men. Not a huge majority, but just a majority- so yes I am going to concentrate on the male image in this post a little more than my own gender. Women-- don't stop reading now though, I have some good tips for you as well nestled in here.
In our business, a suit and tie is essential. We expect each of our team members to oblige by this dress code. We believe it puts forth a professional and positive image when meeting with customers and clients. It shows them that you respect yourself, your career and most importantly are serious about doing good business. Somehow I believe that showing up to a potential customers door, in board shorts and a muscle tank (paying homage to the Jersey Shore cast) would not get the same successful results in a sale as you may receive in a suit. I'm not shallow.. its just fact. Until the CEO's of fortune 500 companies start the "Jersey Shore" trend, I will stand strong in my belief in the gentlemen's suit.
The saying may be vain, but it is true "image is everything". Especially in a business where door to door sales are made to seem sexy. In a world where commercials are fast forwarded with dvrs, movies are downloaded and previews skipped, newspapers have moved from the printed word to the online word.. what other methods is there to represent your client in a direct fashion? In order to get the best product to the customer and cover the most amount of territory to do so - we send out our team members, and we expect them to look good when doing so.
If Ryan Gosling came to my door to sell me a product, I can't say I would hesitate on my answer. Call me shallow, but that is just how it is. Don't pretend ladies- like you wouldn't say the same. Maybe he isn't your cup of tea, perhaps Will Smith or Johnny Depp is more your vibe- but you understand what I am insinuating. We are not implying that only incredibly attractive people may be successful in sales. No not at all. We are saying that a certain persona of distinguished professionalism is required. In our sales business we believe that is based on how we look coming to your door.
Now if you are a man with a closet not resembling that of a CEO in the business realm- don't fret. We are not expecting that. One or two suits, a few pressed shirts and a couple of ties will do you just fine. A nice pair of pants, shirt and tie even. If this statement seems a little daunting to you, but you believe you have the skills to be in the sales force- no worries because I have integrated some tips for you...
"Always and I mean always go with either a half Windsor of full Windsor knot. never ever tie anything else. the half Windsor gives you the classic look of the two in hand knot but with a bit more bulk. the full Windsor makes a large thick triangular knot that showcases your power and class. it is he gentlemen's knot."
"Pants: make sure they fit and get them tailored." - http://thealphapersona.com/
I have made it easy and fool-proof to master the lesson of tie tying as well with this cute video to follow. Gents if you are going to put in the effort to look good and present yourself well at the office- we applaud you. But make sure your tie is right, if not the whole look is a fail. The words "Half Windsor" and "Full Windsor" should be added to your vocabulary ASAP. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq7bz1xMuGY&feature=related
Also be sure to check out this go to guide by GQ on the essentials for the man's suit: "The GQ guide to suits" - http://www.gq.com/style/style-manual/201204/suits-guide-tailoring-fit#slide=1
Lest I not forget my ladies. We are the driving and dedicated forces in most offices, always trying to out do the gents. I came across this article, which if anything should give you a chuckle- but as well give you a little insight on what NOT to come to the office wearing.
"Twenty five things a professional woman should never wear" http://excelle.monster.com/news/articles/3398-25-things-a-professional-woman-should-never-wear
Forbes magazine also published a great article about women rising in the work force:
"A 2001 study conducted by consumer research firm Yankelovich Partners, Inc., titled “Work Your Image: The Importance of Appearance on the Job” reported that 76% of respondents believe that a woman’s appearance affects whether she is taken seriously, asked to participate in meetings with upper management or is well regarded by colleagues and supervisors. Sixty four percent believe that her appearance will lead to consideration for raises or promotion." -http://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2010/10/26/dress-boss-working-wardrobe-milly/
I have found in recent years with growing trends like Lulu Lemon and skinny jeans, that women's fashions for the business professional ladies have fallen by the way side. When was it ever taught to by your mother- that wearing yoga pants to church was acceptable? That is my trick for dressing for the office. If I can not wear it to church, than I can not wear it to the office. If you can not feel confident that you look presentable, appropriate and professional- than it is not the best look to strut into a sales office wearing. Lulu lemons should be barred, skinny jeans, yes even with a blazer- are forbidden. If it is casual day- grab a nice pair of Sevens Boot Cut of Flare with a nice top and blazer. Do not come into the sales office rocking the latest American Apparel "Jeggings" and think that you are fooling anyone into thinking you appear professional.
You don't have to break the bank to have a professional ward robe. Please do not read this post and then go max out your credit card. There are plenty of stores you can purchase clothes at without having to have the most expensive name brands going. Don't try to 'keep up with the Benjamins' if you are new entering into a sales career. Your superiors understand that you can not match their bank statements and don't expect you to try with your wardrobe. Make it a goal to work toward if anything-- when you are a top sales rep, or manager in your profession; you can shop like Diddy and Kim Kardashian all you want. For now, just keep your look clean, crisp and I cannot stress enough - professional.
"I like looking good"
So do we.
I love to support local shops as well, and I encourage you to do the same. If you are a gentleman here in GP, be sure to stop by "Milano for Men" (http://www.milanoformen.ca/).
For my male friends back home in Halifax, NS make sure to check out my friend Tony Salloum's amazing spot- HIM BOUTIQUE. I like to think of it as "Where the Hali gentleman likes to shop". Its sharp, cool, innovative and has everything my dream boyfriend would fill his closet with. :) - http://himboutique.com/
In closing, I hope that you took at least a few helpful tips from my research.
"The way you dress affects how others view you. Its nothing personal, it's just business."
until next month...
ashlynn lily
VMG Blogging Correspondent
aka... admin & recruiting manager
