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Business culture has changed dramatically. Some people attribute it to the dot-com era; however, business casual and dress-down days began much earlier. A lot has changed since John T. Molloy wrote Dress for Success in 1978. Dark suits, white shirts or blouses with power ties or scarves for the women were standard business attire. It seemed that Dress for Success was the corporate bible.
Do you believe the way you dress affects your productivity? Do business-casual and/or dress-down days positively or negatively influence company attitude and morale? While the jury is still out on the success or failure of a more casual approach to business attire, one thing is certain - none of it works if you don't do it well!
The nonverbal clues we give out to others can be as dangerous as anything we could say or do. For instance, Sales Concepts received a call recently from a company looking to improve their image. We are not talking about branding, but the personal and professional image of its entire workforce including management. Apparently some people within the organization feel that there is a lack of professionalism in attire and personal hygiene. The client was asking us for help in getting the troops back in line.
So, do clothes make the man or woman? Perhaps. Am I saying we need to step back to dark suits, white shirts and power ties? Not necessarily, although there appears to be a trend to move back to a more business-like climate. Kenneth R. Grossman writes in Dress Trends Turning More Professional, "A survey last year by the Society of Human Resource Management identified that the number of companies that allow dress-down days at least once a week fell to 87 percent from 95 percent in 1999. In a survey last year by Jackson Lewis, an employment law firm, 45 percent of responding executives thought laxer standards of dress promoted tardiness and absenteeism." Why? Perhaps how people view clothing is one answer.
While some of us use clothing as a way to express ourselves and distinguish ourselves from the crowd, others use clothing as a tool for power and success. Many businesses and business people feel that with today's economy they need every edge to succeed including a professional, polished image. Consider this. Presenters wearing long sleeves versus short sleeves project more authority.
The wardrobe is useless if you don't address the entire person. Personal grooming is even more important than a high-powered, expensive wardrobe. Most often people look at your face, then your hands and then your feet. For those of us who color our hair, failure to maintain the color detracts from any professional statement we wish to make. Our audience's attention is taken away from our statements to our hair. Men, if you wish to wear a beard or mustache, keep it groomed and clean! How embarrassing to be out to lunch with a client presenting a proposal while food particles stash themselves on your face. Manicured nails and shoes that are clean and polished (applying to both women and men) are critical. Have you ever been caught in a rain shower right as you arrived at your customer's front door? It may be awkward carrying that umbrella around, but it is well worth it when you meet your customer with dry clothing, hair, and hands. Don't forget the breath test! Be sure your breath doesn't keep others at arm's length. If you are a heavy coffee drinker, smoke cigarettes, or like strong foods, consider brushing often and using breath mints or mouthwashes.
Finally, consider whether your casual workplace has become too casual. Habits in the office can carry over to your customers. Even President Bush has directed a conservative dress code for the members of his administration.
Once you've landed the look, we can help you land the order with Positive Presentations.
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