What Do You Wear?

[briko3]

I get the feeling walking in to some business that the front desk staff automatically thinks, "here comes another salesman". I want to look professional, which is why I wear a shirt and tie, but on the other hand, I want to be disarming enough where they don't put up a wall because they think I'm just going to be another smooth talking salesperson.

Maybe I'm making it up.

 

[djs]

It all depends on the business, but you are making it up.
A lot of salesman dress in slacks and a shirt, few dress in a suit anymore. I'm basing this on the ones that come walking into my office.

If they are a home inspector, a body shop, or a paramed vendor, and they are wearing slacks and a polo shirt, I think they are very appropriately dressed, based on what it is they are selling me. If they are a health carrier regional manager, they are dressed much nicer, suit and tie usually.

There is more to it then just the shirt you have on, it is how you carry yourself, if you are in charge, if you have polished your shoes, combed your hair (not an issue in my case), etc.

Try a couple of different outfits and watch the initial responses you get. A well fitting suit and tie simply commands more respect.

Dan

 

[xrac]

It all depends on the business, but you are making it up.
A lot of salesman dress in slacks and a shirt, few dress in a suit anymore. I'm basing this on the ones that come walking into my office.

If they are a home inspector, a body shop, or a paramed vendor, and they are wearing slacks and a polo shirt, I think they are very appropriately dressed, based on what it is they are selling me. If they are a health carrier regional manager, they are dressed much nicer, suit and tie usually.

There is more to it then just the shirt you have on, it is how you carry yourself, if you are in charge, if you have polished your shoes, combed your hair (not an issue in my case), etc.

Try a couple of different outfits and watch the initial responses you get. A well fitting suit and tie simply commands more respect.

Dan

Dan is absolutely right. Personally I like well pressed long sleeve dress shirts with button down collars and no tie with dress slacks. It is a dressed up look but not like a suit and tie. Polo shirt and kaki's are o.k. if you are in rural areas or working blue collars type businesses.

 

[daryllenriquez]

Me, I usually dress up in slacks and polo shirt with the company's logo. Plus I accessorized it with a good looking watch + nice perfume. And then wear confidence.

 

[bill3173]

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

If someone came to me to buy something as expensive as insurance wearing a pair of sandals, I'd think he had problems.

Of course if it were a lunch meeting and he had on sandals and ordered "honey mustard" I'd flip the table over and leave.

 

[annuityseller]

hay what's wrong with ordering mustard "honey"????

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

Me, I usually dress up in slacks and polo shirt with the company's logo.

Are you on the company bowling team?

 

[djs]

Are you on the company bowling team?

Yes, but why do you ask?

 

[VaDwayne]

Most of the post mention shirts, ties, and pants, but I personally think it's in the shoes. Wear nice shoes.. preferrably with pants, shirt, and a tie.

 

[Frank Stastny]

Most of the post mention shirts, ties, and pants, but I personally think it's in the shoes. Wear nice shoes.. preferrably with pants, shirt, and a tie.

I agree, shoes. One can be dressed very nicely but if the shoes are tacky, not shined and all scuffed up the agent is still going to look sloppy.

The agent needs to dress in a manor that makes them they feel supremely confident. If it is wearing a coat and tie then that is what they should wear. If it is a pair of Dockers and a shirt then that is the best way for them to dress regardless of how the prospect is dressed.

I think it is even more important that the clothes be tailored and fit properly. Even inexpensive clothes will look good if they fit properly. Nothing looks worse than a person wearing a pair of pants that are too long and baggy in the seat or a sport coat that has sleeves that come down to the knuckles

If agents are self conscious about the way they look are not going to make a good presentation. They will be distracted and will not be concentrating on either the presentation or the prospect. If you are confident about the way you look the prospect will be comfortable with you and the way you look.

I wear starched and pressed Levis and Nocona boots a lot of the time. I am as comfortable and confident dressed that way as I am in a coat and tie.