You make a first impression on your client within the first 3-5 seconds of meeting. Is it the impression that you want to convey? Certainly your body gestures, your tone of voice and your verbal message say a lot, but your dress/attire says a lot, too! Take time to review your dress code with your clients. Here are some things to think about:
- Has the polyester suit been washed so many times that it has shiny and worn spots?
- Are your shirts laundered?
- Do your shirts fit or do they hang over your shoulders with the cuffs dangling over your wrists?
- Are you pants secured at your waistline or barely covering your bottom?
- Are your shoes shined?
- Do your clothes fit or are they 2 sizes too small?
- Are your clothes pressed neatly as opposed to appear like they were pulled from the laundry hamper?
- Do you use a Bic pen to sign high end contracts or a pen that tells your clients that you provide top notch service?
- Is your collar or shirt sleeve frayed?
- Do you dress one step above your client?
- Do you dress according to safety standards on corporate assignments?
- Do you wear too much jewelry? Even if you sell jewelry, less is more.
- Do you have a “celebrity shadow”? It might work for them but business professionals view this shadow as an indication of sloth.
- Do you carry a large purse or briefcase that creates a barrier between you and the client and perhaps an awkward/clumsy appearance?
- Are you nails clean and well kept?
- If you use your car in your business and your client sees it/rides in it, is it clean and organized?
- Have you checked to make certain you are not missing a button or the hem of your skirt/pants is secure?
- Are your jacket pockets bulging with pens/papers?
- Are you wearing a flashing name badge? Lose it!
- Are you making eye contact and shaking the client’s hand?
