This post is going to cover something a little more practical than social media: branding yourself through your dress. 

The truth is face-to-face conversations don’t (and shouldn’t!) stop just because you started using social media. Near the beginning your face to face meeting should actually INCREASE. This is a great opportunity to brand your personality – and it starts with first impressions! 

Does it matter what you wear? 

Of course! But there are unwritten rules in the business world that don’t make any sense at all! 

I know people who never dress down. I only see them in suits and formal business attire. I know other people who sometimes arrive in sweat pants. And yes, I am talking about business professionals. But let’s talk about types of professions for a minute. A baker is usually covered in flower. A roofing professional has stained hands and – during the winter – wears at least 3 layers at a time. Yet I know contractors who wear ONLY business attire! 

What You Wear Brands You as a Personality within Your Profession

Refresh your memory: a brand is what distinguishes you from any other person or any other profession. It is what comes to mind when people think of you. What you wear in-person is just one element of a brand. 

The contractor who wears business attire in professional settings tells people that he is serious. But the plumber who won’t step out of his “Mr. Rooter” outfit builds the Mr. Rooter brand and his comical personality becomes even more important to build his brand. The restaurant owner who wears jeans, a t-shirt and a hemp necklace at business meetings tells me that there is more than meets the eye. He may not own a high-end restaurant in town but his likable personality and honest attitude build his brand with integrity. And the hemp necklace? What a character… I already like this guy!

I wear jeans. Yes – I will admit it. I wear jeans with a blouse and heels. I wear lots of red and black. I wear long coats and carry a fancy purse. But I am the Director of Possibilities for Expressions Laboratories. It should be understood. I have a fun job… why wouldn’t I dress fun, too?! 

But do I wear business attire when necessary? Absolutely. As long as I can wear fun colors and lots of dresses. 

Relationships and Brand Weigh Out The Unspoken “Rules”

I would rather build a relationship with a real person than make the assumption that someone is professional just because they are wearing a tie. 

Who you are as a person (See the Conference Call Notes about branding yourself with Aristotle’s theory of Pathos) builds trust with people. Your uniqueness tells people that you are HUMAN. And being able to relate to people is far more important than looking like you have money. 

Resources

 1. Aristotle’s 3 elements of persuasion 

2. This Friday’s conference call will talk about the other elements needed for a good brand! Friday @2:30 EST  Email Jennifer to sign up.