What Do You Wear?

[Newby]

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.

That's the impression I want to give is that I'm a sales professional.

In my mind sales is a profession just like any profession with one huge exception...anyone can say they are a salesman. There is no degree or anything to prove it.

But believe me when you find a sales professionial whether you are looking for insurance, a new car, a house or anything else, you appreciate it.

People resond well to a professional salesperson. They are used to dealing with non professionals.

The way you dress is just the first example in which you show that you are a professional. The others are the way you communicate and the way you know your products inside and out.

Works for me.

 

[Rivers1]

I agree with all the responses here. Usually 75% of the time for me it's a nice combo, golf/polo shirt and slacks. The last thing I want to do is set off the "insurance salesman in the building" alarm which I see all the time.

Guys with a lot of "bling", multiple rings or bracelets, is a no no.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

A lot of this is over-thinking. I respond better to someone who knows their stuff inside and out and clearly has my interest at heart.

Someone dressed in a tie can be a total boob and someone in a polo shirt can "wow me" with incredible knowledge.

You don't want to dress down to much but after that YOU give the ultimate lasting impression - not the difference between a polo shirt or a tie.

 

[Justin Bilyj]

Dress in something that makes you FEEL like an expert, like a business owner. As long as you convey that your golden. I just walked in with my cargo/buttonup/flip flops today to a little ceasar's, and I did a B2B while picking up pizza, I have an appointment with him in two days to discuss his options. Looking like a surfer, but I appeared cool, collected, and sounded like an expert (notice I said "sounded" LOL).

 

[djs]

A lot of this is over-thinking. I respond better to someone who knows their stuff inside and out and clearly has my interest at heart.

Someone dressed in a tie can be a total boob and someone in a polo shirt can "wow me" with incredible knowledge.

You don't want to dress down to much but after that YOU give the ultimate lasting impression - not the difference between a polo shirt or a tie.

Yes and no.... this is all good after a relationship has been established.

The problem is, this question about how to dress almost always is about making a first impression. If you had 2 salesmen in a car dealership, one dressed 'professionally', one dressed in jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers, which one would you immediately think takes his job more seriously? Now, this is only an impression, not reality, but the better dressed person will wield more initial credibility and more initial 'power'.

After the first meeting, shorts, tshirt, sandles are what it is all about.

Also, this thread started out as a financial planner, not as a typical insurance salesman. I personally feel FP's need to dress a notch above. A nice polo with slacks works well, a button up shirt with a tie goes one more step.

Dan

 

[stormtracker]

FP's need to wear State Issue, insurance agents can get away with more casual garb...

 

[LGilmore]

My bank teller name tag says "financial planner"...

Agree with everything here. The biggest thing is wear what you feel the most comfortable "working" in. You'll be at your best then. IF you feel on your game in a suit, wear a suit. If it's more casual, be casual. Your mind should be on other things, more important things. If your appearance is making you uncomfortable (too dressed up, underdressed) you won't be at your best.

In my suits I look like a Federal Agent or Auditor, so I tend to be more nice casual so I am not as threatening with my size (6'7" 3 bills)to people and I'm comfortable, so they are more comfortable.

 

[arnguy]

If you are an "underwear agent" you should wear underwear. No bare tucheses, please! Also, no pictures!

 

[Labman]

IBM used to require their salespeople to wear white shirts and ties to sales appointments. I wear white or very neutral shirts and dress kahki's. Seems to fit in with most business owners I market to.

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

Seems to fit in with most business owners I market to.

I'm not sure that "fitting in" is the most important thing...

People hold others to a higher standard than themselves, especially if it's someone they are going to consider taking advice or guidance from. They expect that you'll be dressed better than them, and being well-dressed implies instant respect and credibility.

The answer is pretty clear; if you want to be perceived as being like the cable guy, dress like he does. If you want to be perceived as a serious professional worthy of someone's consideration, look like one; a good quality, conservative suit, and all the accoutrements.