Dress For Success?
October 01, 2010
Monday - Thursday I travel in the skywalk system in what is called the "financial district" of Des Moines on my way to the RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts Studio the home of Webcast One LIVE. (That's where we broadcast Insight on Business with Michael Libbie - catch us Noon Central?) That daily walk puts me in the path of hundreds of people who work in the area and the overwhelming thing I notice is...how poorly 90% of them are dressed.
It looks, to me, as if "Casual Friday" has invaded Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Perhaps a good thing we don't broadcast on Friday...no telling what I'd see.
What I see during the "business week" are flip-flops, scuffed shoes, sloppy shirts, dirty pants. And, those are the guys. Women tend to be somewhat better dressed...
On the show this last week I talked about this and about a book I purchased in 1975. Dress for Success by John T. Malloy is still in my collection and it's as timely today as thirty-five years ago...especially if middle management wants to get noticed and move up.
So, why am I ranting about proper business attire? Because this more contemporary piece floated across my desk. It's by Steve Tobak for bNet and gives employees a bit of comtemporary advice regarding their business attire. He's not quite as harsh as I...but gives you "7 Tips to Enhance Your Management Presence". Pay attention to #5 "Khaki & Polo Shirt Guy" It's a good read...and on point.
Bottom line dress successful and be that way. As a last resort...put on some shoes and tuck in your shirt. If nothing else, buy some shoe polish...and use it. It will enhance your personal brand...and maybe your paycheck.