What do you wear when you meet a local business owner?

Do not wear sweatpants to a client meeting. The standing rule is that you should be business casual, which means khakis and a button down shirt. You don't have to tuck it in, and you don't have to wear a tie. Just go with khakis, button down, and belt.

If you can't wear a button down shirt then I would go with a nice polo like the one I think you're describing, but that's the most casual I would ever consider.

Get a feeling for your client when you meet them - if they're in shorts and a tshirt then you know it's safe to dress down for the next meeting, but until then always assume you need to dress nicely.

Edit:

Plus, if you ever want to be perceived as someone who knows how to market and is making a good living with your talents, sweatpants do not convey this at all. If a guy with sweatpants showed up in my office I wouldn't hire him or even really listen to what he has to say.

minimum smart trousers and a shirt..... my first few business meetings i went with a full suit, but no tie.... although afew a while i thought this was abit over the top..

just smart trousers and a suit is fine.

In today's world, there is no "standing rule".

In general, your dressing image is part of your marketing image, and you have 5 choices.

1 - Fit in with the surroundings of your prospect. What does the prospect and the vendor's that call on her wear?

2 - Wear the image the prospect expects. A construction contractor may show up in jeans to meet an attorney who wears a tie. This is the image the prospect expects. Just don't be dirty.

3 - Follow the weather. Weather extremes can dictate the best clothes to wear and most prospects are understanding.

4 - Follow the "norms" of the community where you work. Be comfortable and fit in. Guess where most high-powered business people wear Hawaiian shirts and dresses every day?

5 - Be very different in dress. This may be risky and only should be done if it enhances your marketing image. First impressions can be lasting impressions in sales. Different dressing styles can quickly get you "in" or "out" in the mind of the prospect.

Don't want to give this too much thought? Business casual is usually acceptable in most situations.

I always like to leave a good first impression, especially when I'm selling myself as a professional to the prospective client.

As has been mentioned, make a judgement call based on who you're meeting with and where the meeting will be held. Since you're putting yourself out as a professional and want to generate trust in your skills, it's better to dressed up rather than under-dressed.

I know I once landed a meeting on short notice; I went out at lunch & bought a simple pink top and complimentary button up jacket since I wouldn't have time to head home & change first. I landed it so I don't know how much I can attribute to the new clothes but it's all part of making a good impression

If anything don't just wear a shirt and tie. It makes someone look like they are trying to hard. I say this because its to easy to just put on a shirt and tie and try looking professional. Think about how many professions wear shirts and ties that aren't really professional. You got car salesmen, furniture salesmen and even car rental employees.

If its a potential high end client go for the full suit and if its a lower end clients like a small mom and pop shop go for a white unbuttoned long sleeve collared shirt. It makes you look professional without you looking like you are trying to hard.

That's what we do anyways. Just my .02.

Sean

I dress to impress when meeting any business client. I also used to go full suit with no tie but have recently toned it down a bit. Now 9 out of 10 times I will go with a very nice button up shirt, slacks and nice polished pair of shoes.

I as a business owner like to see clients/prospects/salesman that are well dressed and polished. I personally like to wear nice high end clothing if I am going to meet a business prospect as I want to radiate success as in my case I am meeting potential consulting clients.

I usually will wear a pair of nice Allen Edmonds shoes depending on weather and where we are meeting but I own several pairs of AEs and they always fit the bill. A nice pair of colored matching sox. Slacks can be any style but i prefer fitted and NOT baggy. I like a nice button down shirt that is pressed and fits your build. I usually always have my laptop in tote and have a nice leather Tumi bag that compliments the full outfit as well as a nice pen and portfolio for jotting notes. Breath mints, clean shave, hair in check are all important as well..

Im sure thats a bit over the top for most but I feel you should look, think and act successful and if someone was coming to present a plan, venture, business offer or sell me something and were sloppily dressed it just starts the tone off in the wrong direction...for me anyhow.

Good luck with your meeting!!

It really does depend on the local atmosphere and culture...hard to gauge at times.

I went to a small Chamber of Commerce business showcase the other day, and was the only businessman wearing even a sport coat - (and I thought I would appear casual - to them I was "dressed up")

But in most cases business casual is the right approach.

Go for Casual, yet confident - sloppy is no way to go

This topic was just discussed a few weeks ago ... http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...irst-time.html

Bradley

Smart casual's ok - sweatpants would turn me off. Good shoes are a turn-on! Even if you have to buy nearly-new

Mar

I do not care about the dressing. I have view that if client need your work, he will not care about your dressing

Dress up as nice as you can!!!

Remember we are marketers, consultants, DESIGNERS... we are PROFESSIONALS.

We are allowed to wear suits wherever we want.

I would dress up in a suit - no matter where you guys are meeting at. Professionalism is a plus, and it will get you a good subconscious first impression with your clients and prospective clients.