What Do You Wear?

[briko3]

What do you guys wear to work daily? I work as a financial planner, and I'm wondering if I would be better recieved by mom and pop business if I were to dress in something other than a shirt and tie with dress slacks. What do you guys think?

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Dress slacks. Nice shirt. No tie. Underwear. Socks. Shoes. No manzeer for me...yet!

 

[djs]

The rule is simple, following it isn't so simple.
Dress for success. Dress how you would want your financial planner to dress (really, not necessarily how you want to dress).

I do think ties are optional nowadays, but, they do add a level to the 'success' dress.

When you are in a bit of a crowd, look around at how people are dressed. Rate them mentally from 1 to 10 on a scale of success based solely on how they are dressed. Why are some 4 or 5's while others are 8 or 9's? It will be telling.

Dan

P.S. I do realize that how someone dresses has nothing to do with how successful they really are, but you are dealing with impressions here.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

I'll add a caveat. I agree with Dan. But in my case, 99.4% of the people I talk to are via phone or email.

 

[hdlabs]

I've always agreed with dressing 1 notch above the client. That way they don't feel too uncomfortable with you but yet you're a notch above. If you're visiting a farm, it wouldn't be good to trudge out to the field in a suit and tie.....nice slacks and golf shirt would do. NOw if you're visiting Doctor's offices, a tie would be more appropriate.

 

[Justin Bilyj]

I wear Abercrombie cargo shorts, an Express Polo or button up, some sandals, and underwear is optional (i like to go commando) LOL

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

When I was doing BtoB the best response I got was when I switched to a nice polo shirt with my agency name embroidered on it.

Interesting note; when I first starting selling at BMW we were all in ties. After about 6 months the entire company switched to polo shirts. Sales went up.

 

[Newby]

I sell mainly final expense and funeral preplanning. I spend a lot of time in funeral homes so I spent the first 10-years in blue, black or grey suits.

A couple of years ago I started wearing kaki pants or dress pants and tie with a white shirt. It feels like I'm casual to me.

I deal with people from below poverty to multi-millionaires and often all in the same day.

 

[briko3]

I guess I'm just afraid that the white shirt and tie is what they think of as the "typical salesman" that come in their business. I like the idea of an embroidered polo shirt. I'm wondering if the white shirt without the tie will have a good response.

 

[djs]

To me, a white shirt wants a tie. You can do a nice dress shirt without a tie though.

Dan