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Advice on dressing to meet clients for first time?

by Scitknot9
27 replies
Hello Warriors,

Just after a bit of advice really about how to dress when meeting clients for the first time?

I have seen few threads saying that you do not want to wear a suit and tie as that makes you instantly look like a sales person, which could put your prospect off straight away!!

I was thinking more smart casual, i.e. shirt, jeans and shoes - kind of relaxed casual.

It will have to be a long sleeve shirt though as I have a tattoo sleeve and although it shouldn't be an issue in today's society - I'm sure it will put prospects off right away (especially if they're of the older generation, there is a certain taboo associated with tattoos even now).

What do my fellow warriors think, any suggestions?

Cheers,
Scott
#advice #clients #dressing #meet #time
  • Profile picture of the author Warrior Ben
    I agree that dressing up in a full suit and tie is a bit much. Especially since you are in the "technology realm" people don't expect you to be like that.

    What I've found works for me is to wear dress shoes, a nice pair of jeans, button up shirt (untucked, no tie) and a sport coat / blazer. It gives a professional image without coming off as too "salesy".

    -Ben
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    • Profile picture of the author iamchrisgreen
      Originally Posted by Warrior Ben View Post

      I agree that dressing up in a full suit and tie is a bit much. Especially since you are in the "technology realm" people don't expect you to be like that.

      What I've found works for me is to wear dress shoes, a nice pair of jeans, button up shirt (untucked, no tie) and a sport coat / blazer. It gives a professional image without coming off as too "salesy".

      -Ben
      I agree you shouldn't be salesy, but I would not get into the mindset that you are in the "technology realm"... you wanna be in the "lead generation" realm.
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      • Profile picture of the author Magnus Koenig
        It depends on a lot of things.
        Basically you don't want to look like that "tech guy" but also not too overdressed.
        The choice of your wardrobe should depend on your own age (a 20-year-old will probably look too "try-hard" in a full suit) and on the business you are meeting. So for example if you are trying to sign a gym where the manager always wears his sportswear, a light-blue shirt (or even a plain t-shirt) and a jeans would be perfectly fine.

        I personally usually go for a shirt (white or blue), a raw jeans and a jacket. Obviously Important: everything has to fit so it doesn't look like you are wearing a potato bag instead of a suit
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  • Profile picture of the author Mac the Knife
    There is no question about this one...dress to your prospect. If I met with one of my millionaire clients and WASN'T wearing a suit and tie, then..well, it is likely they wouldn't be my client. If I went to the outside part of my county and WAS wearing a suit and tie, then they would likely just laugh at me. Having said THAT...if you get to the point where your RESULTS speak louder than your clothes, it really won't matter...but, if they don't know you and it is a first meeting, I would make sure you are aware of who they are and what they expect. Business casual though is the safest route as Ben says if you want to just adopt one particular style.
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    • Profile picture of the author spiker12
      Originally Posted by Mac the Knife View Post

      There is no question about this one...dress to your prospect. If I met with one of my millionaire clients and WASN'T wearing a suit and tie, then..well, it is likely they wouldn't be my client. If I went to the outside part of my county and WAS wearing a suit and tie, then they would likely just laugh at me. Having said THAT...if you get to the point where your RESULTS speak louder than your clothes, it really won't matter...but, if they don't know you and it is a first meeting, I would make sure you are aware of who they are and what they expect. Business casual though is the safest route as Ben says if you want to just adopt one particular style.
      Agreed - dress to the prospect. Check out their website or google them to see if you can find pics to see if you can determine their style. I did this recently and wound up wearing exactly what my client was wearing ;-). It's part of the bonding and rapport stage.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sander Zaydman
    Hey Scott,

    Tattoo sleeves are really cool, but you are absolutely right they might put some of your older generation as they still have an old mindset and are not as progressive as the new
    generation.

    Meeting clients for the first time is a little tricky, because you don't know exactly who they are, what they are all about, and what they want. That being said, something that
    seems to work is casual beige pants (Khaki but a little lighter) and a long sleeve white shirt. This does not scream Sales Person and still shows that you are professional.

    Try it and see how it goes.
    Send me a quick reply how it goes. Always happy to help a fellow warrior.

    Talk Soon,
    Sander
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  • Profile picture of the author DazedandConfused
    I've got to go with Mac on that...Dress for Success -
    but dress to your prospect as well...
    It is a job interview after all...
    You want to appear professional, successful and confident, well put together...
    but comfortable to the client...Who would they look to for advice?

    I have seen some major fashion miss statements -
    but if you know what you're talking about - it can be overlooked.

    But think about that first few secs before you open your mouth...what do you see?
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    • Profile picture of the author BradleyC
      My rule of thumb is to always dress up one more level than the business I'm going to see.

      For example, contractors who are always in jeans and a tee shirt I'll wear something like dockers (beige) and a button up shirt, no tie. I've even been known to wear nice jeans and a button up shirt with contractors. I don't want to "over dress". I want contractors to connect and relate with me and not look at me as a "slick" sales person because I'm over dressed.

      If I'm seeing a professional businessman I'll wear a suit. Here I'm very careful not to "under dress". I don't want them to look down to me, but to see me as an equal.

      I never want to dress less than the person I'm going to see. If I'm not sure I'll go with a suit and tie, but may or may not wear the jacket ... make that judgement call once I get there. If after I get there I'm still not sure I'll wear the jacket, but will immediately take it off and put it on the back of my chair if I'm over dressed.

      This is my approach to dressing to meet clients.

      Bradley
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      • Profile picture of the author IdeaFool
        Originally Posted by BradleyC View Post

        My rule of thumb is to always dress up one more level than the business I'm going to see.

        For example, contractors who are always in jeans and a tee shirt I'll wear something like dockers (beige) and a button up shirt, no tie. I've even been known to wear nice jeans and a button up shirt with contractors. I don't want to "over dress". I want contractors to connect and relate with me and not look at me as a "slick" sales person because I'm over dressed.

        If I'm seeing a professional businessman I'll wear a suit. Here I'm very careful not to "under dress". I don't want them to look down to me, but to see me as an equal.

        I never want to dress less than the person I'm going to see. If I'm not sure I'll go with a suit and tie, but may or may not wear the jacket ... make that judgement call once I get there. If after I get there I'm still not sure I'll wear the jacket, but will immediately take it off and put it on the back of my chair if I'm over dressed.

        This is my approach to dressing to meet clients.

        Bradley
        As a person who absolutely loves mens fashion and thinks Ralph Lauren basically walks on water, I have to say that the quoted post is one of the best on the subject I have ever read.

        I am 39 years old, and have worn suits or at least a navy blazer since I was in high school. If I'm dealing with clients who are more rural, I will wear jeans, polo and boots or VERY clean sneakers (trainers, to you folks in the UK.) If I'm in the city, I will wear a suit or the navy blazer and a tie almost invariably.

        The navy blazer should be the exo-skeleton of any well-dressed man's wardrobe. It can be dressed up with gabardine khaki trousers or grey flannel. It can be dressed down with jeans and even shorts! I almost always wear a conservative tie (rep stripe is best) unless I am going rural.

        Lands' End put out a book in 2004 titled "Lands' End Business Attire for Men: Mastering the New ABCs of What to Wear to Work." I HIGHLY recommend it. It's basically a great guide to business casual. The opening paragraph reads:
        "When the tradition-steeped Yale Club in Manhattan adopted a business casual dress code in May 2001, it sent a memo to its members outlining the new rules. 'Business casual dress consists of professional and tasteful clothing you would wear in your workplace,' it read. 'If you have any doubt as to whether you are dressed appropriately, you probably are not.'"

        Nebulous, but worth thinking about.
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  • Profile picture of the author Scitknot9
    Wow,

    Thanks for the overwhelming response!! I thank each and everyone of you for responding to my post.

    I Will be sure to check out my prospects before I visit them in person, just to make sure that I am dressed appropriately.

    I like the idea of business casual most of the time - a nice pair of shoes, shirt, nice pair of jeans or casual beige pants and a blazer. However If I feel that I need to dress up a little and adopt a tie and suit then I will.

    Thanks again, I'll be sure to let you know how I get on.

    Scott
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    • Profile picture of the author PCskies
      I've discovered over the years that colors matter. Whenever I go to meet a new client I always make sure I wear a blue shirt. With blue being a trusted color it helps establish that trust and faith and helps make a good first impression. Hope this helps.
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      • Profile picture of the author midasman09
        Banned
        Hey Scott....the temp is now 95 in my area (SW Oregon)....the time is 5:45pm....I arrived back home an hour ago (4:45pm)....removed my;
        Gym Shoes
        Shorts
        T-Shirt
        Under Garments
        and
        Jumped into the shower.

        and...I am now looking at 4 checks for $360...made out to little ol' ME...for my latest Internet Project.

        When I started my first biz in Chgo....calling on BIG Cos....I wore a Sports Jacket and nice shirt and slacks....NEVER a Tie (ooooppps....wore a tie once when I sold the Walgreen Co on letting little ol' me....put Burglar Alarms in their new acquisitions, Globe Discount Centers (back in the mid 70's))

        So...when I moved to "Glitsy" Aspen Co....I wore;
        shirt
        jacket or sweater
        slacks
        ...and SOLD the biggest of the Big (However, Aspen is a "Laid-Back" area)

        So...my advice to you is...wear what YOU are comfortable with! Your "clothes" will NOT help or hinder your sales (barring being outlandish)

        It is YOU....and how YOU handle your sales calls....and how YOU handle yourself and your presentation.

        Reminds me of one day in Chgo... (b4 cell phones) when I was golfing and I phoned my secy from a PAY Phone at the "19th Hole"...at NOON. She reminded me I had a meeting with "Wm Wrigley III" and his Board of directors ...at 1pm.

        WELL....there was NO time to go to my office...change clothes....etc...SO...I went to the Wrigley Board Meeting....Au Natural and NO paperwork or anything in my presentation.

        However....my "Stuff" was IN MY HEAD! So....the first comments out of my mouth was; "excuse me folks...just came of the Golf Course and haven't had a change to change AND....I am NOT here to "Sell You My Outfit". I then proceeded to present my Program and GOT THEM TO AGREE to accept it!"

        Don't worry about what you are wearing....think about what you are Presenting!

        Prospective customers buy YOU....NOT what you're wearing!

        Don Alm....Casual Dresser
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott B
    In my life before IM, I was in sales with a company who had people who study these types of things. And yes, the correct answer is to dress one level up (which also means you've gotta know your client). If you're not sure what level that should be, dress two levels up...it's pretty hard to look "too professional."
    Something that always seemed to strike a good balance for me was a sport coat with no tie, or even a suit without a tie. The presence of the coat was almost always dressy enough, and if it turned out to be too much, it was very easy to take off the coat and roll up my sleeves.
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  • Profile picture of the author DazedandConfused
    Since we are on this subject - no one has yet to discuss FIT, and quality...
    If all this is new to you, ask a tailor, get measured proper.
    You are English, the cut of your jacket should be sharp - not some big baggy jacket, long sleeve cuffs, etc. -
    better to look like James Bond than James Herriot...
    Well tailored - Think Saville Row (not that you actually have to SHOP there...) but you can certainly look "natty" in England...
    "he" who thinks "RL walks on water" (that's the 2nd time you've said that! - lol :p)
    is right on about the blue blazer...it is the key item in your business wardrobe.
    Dress,Casual,Slacks,Jeans, dress shirt, polo, sweater, even a good t-shirt looks good with it.
    Get a good one that will wear well.It shows. A few good items will do you better that a lot of shoddy ones. If you are on a tight budget - get your measurements and check ebay...you might be surprised what you can find...you can find any line from Armani to Zanella...
    ( unless you attend Eton, or are in the Bahamas - you may want to for-go the shorts/blazer combo...but I know a lot of guys who wear a Nat Nast type shirt and slacks for dress casual when it's hot...)
    Just my 2p
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    • Profile picture of the author IdeaFool
      Originally Posted by DazedandConfused View Post

      Since we are on this subject - no one has yet to discuss FIT, and quality...
      If all this is new to you, ask a tailor, get measured proper.
      You are English, the cut of your jacket should be sharp - not some big baggy jacket, long sleeve cuffs, etc. -
      better to look like James Bond than James Herriot...
      Well tailored - Think Saville Row (not that you actually have to SHOP there...) but you can certainly look "natty" in England...
      "he" who thinks "RL walks on water" (that's the 2nd time you've said that! - lol :p)
      is right on about the blue blazer...it is the key item in your business wardrobe.
      Dress,Casual,Slacks,Jeans, dress shirt, polo, sweater, even a good t-shirt looks good with it.
      Get a good one that will wear well.It shows. A few good items will do you better that a lot of shoddy ones. If you are on a tight budget - get your measurements and check ebay...you might be surprised what you can find...you can find any line from Armani to Zanella...
      ( unless you attend Eton, or are in the Bahamas - you may want to for-go the shorts/blazer combo...but I know a lot of consultants who wear a Nat Nast type shirt and slacks for dress casual when it's hot...)
      Just my 2p
      Ah, a fellow bespoke gentleman, I see. Very glad to make your acquaintance.

      Regarding, "RL," I've actually written him when he made his tragic foray into camouflage. To coin a Porcellian phrase, I was "shocked and horrified." The company sent me a pair of khakis and a polo shirt at no cost. (And, yes, my phrase about walking on water was a repeat, as I believe it warranted repeating.)

      There is a great men's shop that has stores around the US, but I'm not sure of every place. It's called Jos. A. Bank. Their clothes are timeless, and a fantastic mix of casual and business can be found there. They even have black tie. Their clothes are very similar to Ralph Lauren but are very inexpensive. They are constantly having tremendous sales. Look them up. You'll be glad you did.

      The only time that these rules seem not to be applicable, is in the rural mid west, west and south United States. That is when denim and boots will get more "play." I wouldn't dare wear a suit to sell a rural homeowner here in Oklahoma. I would get nowhere in one big hurry.
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  • Profile picture of the author IdeaFool
    Just a quick aside.

    Goodness, I didn't notice that you are English. Well, to quote my fellow dandy above, "better to look like James Bond than James Herriot." I agree, however I tend to prefer King Edward VIII. Indeed, some of his clothes are in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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  • Profile picture of the author DazedandConfused
    I know exactly how you feel - I'm just pullin' your threads..
    you probably feel like a fish out of water in OK sometimes....:rolleyes:
    Ralph has been a staple of sensible good design for decades...there's fashion, and there's style...Ralph has style. Fashion changes - style is enduring.
    But I have laughed at Polo from time to time - when they ask 145.00 for a pair of Army cargo pants exactly like you get at the PX for 15.00 for instance - or an ad I saw one time where a cowboy poking a fire on a trail drive had a herringbone sport coat on underneath his duster...
    (gee - I plumb forgot mine on the last roundup :rolleyes (I know, - it's only an ad - but it's still silly.)
    (Here's a quick anecdote I read you might like - Ralph Lauren was driving through west Texas one time, and saw a grizzly old cowboy driving a well worn 50's pickup truck - Ralph loved the look of that pickup so much he turned around and followed the guy to his stop, and asked him how much he wanted for his pickup - the cowpoke thought he was some crazy big city idiot for wanting it - he threw out some crazy figure like 25,000 dollars...and Ralph got his truck.)


    Or if you want another English example - think Jason Statham in "Transporter" - impeccably attired tough guy - he always takes his jacket off before he kicks somebody's butt! (and keeps a spare pressed shirt in the trunk in case they get blood on him :rolleyes
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  • Profile picture of the author albertosm
    if your confident about yourself you can wear formal or casual as long as you can project yourself in a manner that you can convince your client about you product.
    if you feel good, you will look good.
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    • Profile picture of the author BrashImpact
      Just as an add...Have not seen anyone mention Cuff Links and Pocket squares. Dress to impress and you can never be over dressed. In the meeting you can dress down by taking off your coat, i prefer no Tie, however, i always have french cuffed shirts, cuff links, and matching pocket square in my Jacket.

      Get Custom Bespoke Suits...or Custom Fitted by a reputable tailor at worst. Lastly, no matter what make sure them shoes are shined, Especially WOMEN CLIENTS will notice shoes, fingernails and Cuff links. Fail to meet these are your sunk before you start.

      Nothing Builds confidence walking in knowing your dressed better than anyone in the room....

      Just Sayin...Points to think about.

      Robert
      Mobile Fusion Texting
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      • Profile picture of the author RRG
        Originally Posted by BrashImpact View Post

        Just as an add...Have not seen anyone mention Cuff Links and Pocket squares. Dress to impress and you can never be over dressed. In the meeting you can dress down by taking off your coat, i prefer no Tie, however, i always have french cuffed shirts, cuff links, and matching pocket square in my Jacket.

        Get Custom Bespoke Suits...or Custom Fitted by a reputable tailor at worst. Lastly, no matter what make sure them shoes are shined, Especially WOMEN CLIENTS will notice shoes, fingernails and Cuff links. Fail to meet these are your sunk before you start.

        Nothing Builds confidence walking in knowing your dressed better than anyone in the room....

        Just Sayin...Points to think about.

        Robert
        Mobile Fusion Texting
        Robert, I couldn't agree more! This idea of dressing down to your prospect is crazy.

        Remember, you want to be seen as a trusted adviser, a powerful authority figure that they can trust with their money.

        If you go to meet with a lawyer or a financial planner, etc., you can be sure they'll be dressed to impress.

        On the other hand, dressing well is more about how it makes you feel inside than it is about impressing them.

        That inner feeling and confidence will show through.

        I once had an outside sales job in a small town (pop. 75,000) that was known for its casual attitude and dress code, even in business. I still wore $1300 suits (no tie; my concession to "casual") and shined my shoes every day.

        Not bragging but I was #1 in sales (and most of our reps worked in a nearby market of 500,000) and my Gross Profit was double that of the #2 guy.

        I attribute this in part to dressing the part.
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  • Profile picture of the author zedert
    dress 1 level above your interlocutor.
    You 'll feel more confidence.
    He 'll feel more trusting (who's gonna give a check to a disheveled savage anyway?), partly because you'll look more professionnal and successful.
    As always in sales, trust between suppliers and customers is half the job.

    In real estate, my customer ranged from low budget single persons to high end executives willing to buy a top $2 millions French Riviera villa. business suit without tie, clean shoes, discreet perfume, clean shave and hair cut has always done the trick for high profile customers.
    For low key customers, I usually tone it down with a pair of jeans, for them to feel at ease and be less formal.
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  • Profile picture of the author Danny Turner
    Yes mate - definetly get dressed before ya go....... jeeez want some advice on what after shave to wear?..... chuckle
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  • Profile picture of the author DazedandConfused
    Good tips all - it boils down to dressing for your audience...it's a uniform - dress for the game...you want to look like a million bucks for a million dollar deal, but too much and a small business may think he can't afford you. - dress to impress, not to impose.

    Invariably, albertosm summed it all up simply -
    "if you feel good, you will look good."
    Confidence is what really needs to shine - (but shine your shoes too...:rolleyes: )
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  • Profile picture of the author Huskerdarren
    I wouldn't wear jeans under any circumstances. It's better to be a bit overdressed than eliminate yourself from the get go by being underdressed.

    I prefer slacks or Docker style khakis, patterned or striped button down shirt with a bit of color and a solid color blazer. If I was meeting a major company I'd know their dress culture and most likely wear a charcoal or navy suit.

    There's a funny bit from Curb Your Enthusiasm that sums it up for me

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    • Profile picture of the author IdeaFool
      Originally Posted by Huskerdarren View Post

      I wouldn't wear jeans under any circumstances. It's better to be a bit overdressed than eliminate yourself from the get go by being underdressed.

      I prefer slacks or Docker style khakis, patterned or striped button down shirt with a bit of color and a solid color blazer. If I was meeting a major company I'd know their dress culture and most likely wear a charcoal or navy suit.

      There's a funny bit from Curb Your Enthusiasm that sums it up for me

      CurbYourEnthusiasm - Casual Friday - YouTube
      That.
      Was.
      BEAUTIFUL!
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      • Profile picture of the author jbpatlanta
        While I usually agree that you should dress the same way as your potential client, I have not been lately.

        I have been seeing clients wearing khaki shorts and a button down short sleeve shirt.

        I have still been able to close them just like I did when I was wearing long pants and button down shirts.

        I say dress the way that makes you feel comfortable and it will help you confidence.

        Jon
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  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    That's hilarious. I used to do more on a casual Friday than 4 days put together because I was comfortable!

    Told myself I would never wear the monkey suit again once I left corporate environment except for a wedding or funeral and even the wedding I have dressed in jeans (farmville style wedding).

    I wear dressy jeans (almost always DARK black) and a dark shirt (usually button down or polo) to hide the sweat stains (yeah gross but try sitting in a pizza place for an hour when its over 100 degrees). Will be doing a logo on the shirts and offer statement on the back soon. More important is the shoes. I have a really nice pair of dress shoes that makes up for the rest.

    OK, saying this, never had a complaint on dress but man when you have a clip board it is like the person thinks you are coming at them with a knife! Leave the clipboard at home...always!
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