Does the way you dress affect your success?

[gerryonline]

Just been wondering, does the way you dress affect your succes? If you wear cheapo suits, don't wear a tie or cufflinks, but have a great business idea or product, do you think people will be less likely to buy from you if you don't look successful?

[stabla]

My thoughts are that you will have to work harder to sell the idea if you aren't dressed well. In saying that though you can dress over the top and people don't like that either.

Its like in this article i was just reading on biznik - How you can prompt us to feel or do something (http://biznik.com/learn/articles/professional-development/how-you-can-prompt-us-to-feel-or-do-something-0) - The subconscious looks you over, senses the environment and matches these up to life experiences and then creates "feelings" or "judgements" which are then partly used by the individual in making the decision.

That's kind of a loose argument, but still, if you look professional, in control (but not arrogant) it will hopefully give you some sort of an advantage... if only a small one :)

[J_D]

I find, the way you dress usually sticks hard with the first impression. If you have a fantastic product and a great selling personality you will be able to sell. As long as you can get the person you are meeting with to look over that initial assesment of you based on your clothing.

JD

[Nick G]

I think its mostly dependent about how you feel in the clothes you wear. If you feel successful, then you can communicate a 'sale' in a potato sack with a woodpecker perched on your head (provided you have a great offer).

[silver_surfer]

Not so much in terms of selling quality, but I find that when it comes to working in the home office of a morning, I focus a lot better if I at least have shoes, jeans and some form of shirt on, rather than whatever I rolled out of bed in. Shoes in particular tend to focus me.

As long as what you're wearing is appropriate to the customer base, professional and comfortable, I think you'll be fine.

[Mark]

I believe it does, although it does not necessary mean you need to wear a suit, just dress appropriately. In my case I deal in an Industry that sometimes lacks professionalism so when I wear a suit and cufflinks (because I like them), which I do at all times, I'm automatically recognised as a professional. I went to one introductory meeting where I entered the Clients office and the first thing he said was "thank Christ a professional Company" (verbatim).

If I see people in a construction site or factory, I leave my jacket in the car....it's an easy way to dress down, but I still wear a tie.

I also believe it shows respect....I've made the effort to look good, a bit like going for a job interview.

Again dress for the occasion and your prospect, if I was a trades person I wouldn't wear a suite.

Just my opinion.