Making people and ideas findable
The Appearance of Professionalism
Some may argue that they should not be judged by thier appearance. I agree... to an extent. I agree that we should not make a morale judgement based on someone's appearence. However I, we, your peers, are all obligated to make a professional judgement based on your appearance.
What does your appearence say?
Tags: appearence, indianapolis, judgement, professionalism
8 Comments
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Comment by Eric Prugh on March 25, 2008 at 11:22pm -
I go back and forth on this, personally. My ideas are way more important than what I'm wearing, obviously. Then again, I would never wear a t-shirt and my old jeans w/ holes in the crotch to a big sales pitch either, right? It's as much a respect thing as anything.
Your appearance doesn't say much. It's your demeanor and your ideas that will help set you apart. People can wear whatever they want, as long as they know they are going to be taken seriously.
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Comment by Scott Abel on March 26, 2008 at 7:35am -
That's a great question. I'm not sure what the right answer is, likely because there's not one right answer.
But there is another question that comes to mind. If appearances are important (to whatever degree), than shouldn't your online appearance (your Smaller Indiana profile, for example) be equally important?
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Comment by Hazel "The Queen" Walker on March 26, 2008 at 10:05am - Ross, good blog. Your Blog is right on target. I just finished watching a program on Looking good = feeling good = more productivity. The one thing they said was even if you buy a cheap suite off the rack, spend the money to get it tailored to fit you! And you don't have to wear a suite to look good, or look professional.
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Comment by Ross Burdge on March 26, 2008 at 12:03pm -
Being in the business of helping others create thier best first impression I have a habit of observerving how others carry themselves. I find it interesting that through my feedback I have invoked an awareness of how an individual carries themself. Wardrobe is obviously important and often first noticed but it is one of many tools one needs to create an overall positive image.
As Eric pointed out, your demeanor, how you carry yourself, is alsoo intricate in the impression you convey to others. And putting thought into your online profiles is also important to help "advertise" yourself while you are busy at work. Your online fingerprint is always working, always accesable, and realize it or not, always allowing others to form an opinion of you.
With these things in mind, have you taken your demeanor, your online represntaion, and your attitude in to consideration while you are tieing tie or buttoning up your polo?
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Comment by Theresia Whitfield on March 26, 2008 at 3:21pm - Ross - interesting blog and comments! I like the premise. It's a tough question, though. We know we shouldn't make a judgment based on appearance, but we always do. It's just a matter of life. I have learned over the years while meeting and interviewing a variety of people in a variety of industries, that you should simply be you. That being said, you should also keep in mind your audience. If you're going to go pitch to a pig farmer, chances are, you want to meet him as he is: Probably wearing jeans and a bit more casual. If you're meeting with a bank CEO or executive, I suggest a suit and tie. It is about respect, and dressing the part shows that respect while building a comfort and trust level. I think this relates back to GEMS and personality styles. We adjust our sales approach based on personality; perhaps we should adjust our attire based on industry and personality. Once you've made that initial first (good) impression, then go for the second knock out - your ideas and how you can eliminate (or lessen) their pain!
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Comment by Jill Woods on March 26, 2008 at 8:38pm - At heart, I am a super casual dresser - but for work knowing how important appearances are, you do have to consider daily who you are scheduled to present your business too. With some clients - you don't want to over dress for a meeting if it makes them feel "under dressed". I think it is all about reading people and how best to impress them with your professional demeanor. But having met with clients in their fancy offices or in trailers on construction sites - it is mostly about your confidence and skills.
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Comment by Erin Monahan on March 30, 2008 at 7:18pm - I believe dressing down for an occasion that would normally require professional attire sends a message that you don't care about the other people. And they'll likely wonder what else you won't take the time to do.
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