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Dressing for a meeting: why it’s more important for young entrepreneurs
Whether you’re meeting with a prospective investor, or a first-time client, it’s important to dress for what your selling. Young VS. Old Factor: Simply by being considerably younger than most of the people you’re going to be selling to and meeting with, you will all to often be given less credibility. I’m not saying that every person you talk with is going to kick you out of the room without a second thought because you’ve still got acne, but client’s I’ve had have admitted to being suspicious because of my age. It’s not just me either, friends, family, and employees have all mentioned awkward feelings of feeling powerless because of the age separation. Fortunately, more and more decision makers are realizing that our generation can be just as reliable, trustworthy, and professional as any aged entrepreneur. However, dressing to impress is important more now than ever. Most clients, before meeting you face to face, are going to expect a 25+ man or woman no longer in school to walk in to the conference room. Simply following these few guidelines can show that prospective client or loaded investor that you mean business! Dress for what you’re selling:
If you’re running a software programming company and you are meeting with the long time owner of an interested company, wear something more formal. A suit would be a great idea, but if you don’t have one try to come up with a nicely-pressed collared shirt and dress pants. Always wear a tie if you’ve been invited to a formal meeting and tuck your shirt in. These simple signs of respect will assure your prospect that you’re not going to waste their time. If you’ve been given the 30 minute break they have for lunch, a less formal but tasteful shirt and jeans will most likely do the job. On the other end of the spectrum; if you’re offering your dog training and obedience services, wearing what you’d normally wear when you mean clients for lessons is more than acceptable. Here’s a few more easy to follow rules of thumb when getting dressed for the day: * Take good care of your shoes. Polish dress shoes and wear presentable casual footwear. Shoes with holes and Ductape plastered all over them are big turn-offs for clients and business people of all ages and types.
* Men: Regular haircuts and trimmed facial hair show off your good hygiene and set the environment for a successful meeting.
* Women: Wear neutral toned makeup and shoes that are appropriate for what you’ll be doing that day. Jewelry can create an all around pleasant attire as long as it’s not distracting. You want the client looking at you, not the bright reflection from your shiny belt.
* Limit yourself to one bag. Looking over-encumbered by multiple things in your hands creates an unorganized look. If you need multiple bags or items for a presentation or something of that sort, make sure they are clean and are easy to carry. It might even be a good idea to bring an assistant to help with the luggage if necessary. (Paying your well-groomed friend thirty bucks to help you setup something and then hand out any brochures you might have always works really well.)
* Try to resist rolling up your sleeves or adjusting clothing when your in a meeting. It all to often distracts your audience from the point your trying to get across.
* Get a matching belt!
* If you’ve got a uniform for your business, GREAT! If it’s appropriate for the occasion, wear it. Just make sure it’s clean and represents you and your company in a professional way.
* If your meeting with a repeat client who you’ve established a less formal rapport with, congrats. However, one major mistake a lot of entrepreneurs our age make is becoming overly comfortable with them and showing up at meetings wearing the clothes you just did your running or gardening in. Respect is still important, and dressing to show that you respect them as a client, investor, associate, etc. will always pay off. These simple tips should help you get that big contract signed and create a better business environment for you to work in. |
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