I hate to admit it, but I do believe that clothes do make the person.  Three examples:

1.    A friend of mine is a sharp dresser.  He always looks professionally and expensively tailored.  He’s an intelligent businessman in his own right, but I notice that people in a meeting defer to him and listen to his words more than they do to others in the room.  I suspect part of it has to do with his competent, totally in-charge appearance.

2.    The other day, while out walking my dogs, I got button-holed by a fast-talking young man wanting to sell me steaks from a refrigerator truck.  Even throw in a cooler.  He was sharp, articulate, polite and just the right blend of forceful and yet respectful. 

That he was selling steaks out of truck was not a plus, of course.  But what really made me dismiss him was his scraggly beard, uncombed hair and dirty t-shirt.  What struck me was that if someone gave this young man a shave and a haircut and put him in a decent suit, he could have sold iceboxes to Eskimos. 

3.    I recently bought a new suit, shirt, tie, the whole bit.  I not only looked in the mirror and liked what I saw, but it made me feel confident and good about myself.  (I know, I’m a shallow guy.)  But I’m a richer shallow guy!  I met with clients the other day.  Yes, I was my usual charming, erudite self, but this time I commanded the room. Was it me or was it the suit?  How about a little of both? 

My point:  Dress like the success you are, even if you are not wealthy or successful yet.  It will give you an added bounce in your step and help your clients, customers or prospects see something special in you.

Work hard.  Make money.  Have fun.
    –    JRIngrisano
           The Freestyle Entrepreneur

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