Are You Dressing for the Job You Want?
No.. this is not a fashion post so gentlemen feel free to read on! I wrote a post a few days ago about my WCR Breakfast that featured Lou
Ludwig and mentioned how he is always dressed as a professional. Eric Cooper, a favorite photographer-blogger here, asked me in a comment why I thought wearing a coat and tie made you a professional.
He asked a valid question and I do agree with what he said and that is "Professionalism IS an Attitude." Just because someone is wearing a suit and tie doesn't make them a professional.
But... as in selling a home... first impressions do count. If you are going on a Listing Appointment, aren't you in essence "interviewing" for a job you want? With our 90+ temperatures we've had, potential clients certainly don't expect you to be in a coat and tie.
And of course if you're driving Buyers around and showing houses in this heat, comfortable nice casual dress is practical. We wouldn't expect our Home Inspectors to show up in a coat and tie.... in fact if they did we'd have to wonder how in the world they were going to do the job.
As a home stager going on Staging Consultations, I often end up doing some hands on staging. For example on my last one we actually threw a double mattress and bed frame from the loft down to the first floor entry. Not practical in a suit and heels.
However what I've been seeing for many years now as we all take a more casual approach to life (hear! hear!) is often a swing too far the other way. When I'm at my Realtors functions I've seen some attendees that might have been going to a beach party or out door cook out. Don't get me wrong... in talking with them they're lovely people with whom I would work.
But what's the very first impression you want to make? It doesn't have to be coat and tie or suit and heels. But what are you giving them as your first impression as a professional?
So let me ask you.... what are you wearing when you start your day as a professional?
