At 15 mom convinced me you can’t get into trouble dressing conservatively.
She also said I should wear clean underwear in case I’m in an accident. I now know if I’m in an accident my underwear won’t be clean for very long.
But I digress. It’s prom night at Old Poway Park.
Everyone’s dolled up, taking pictures and awaiting the big moment.
One attractive girl whose dress is cut down to Venezuela catches attention while cavorting with her friends.
Her primary competition’s got a gown slit up to her navel.
I shake my head, wondering where were girls like this when I was in high school.
SIGH!
Assuming their goal’s to titillate their dates, these young exhibitionists are achieving their objective. Obviously, fancy parties require exciting clothes.
Other environments demand more sober clothing to achieve success. Miss Cleavage obviously wouldn’t wear that gown for a job interview.
A recent consulting gig found me surrounded by coworkers in jeans. I blended in on a high level with jeans, jacket and tie.
People noticed, calling me the classiest person in the organization.
Other clients won’t talk to me seriously unless I’m suited up.
My ideas are obviously the same without the suit, but that’s their culture. I live by their guidelines to buy myself a seat at the table.
Clothing sends a clear message who you are. Jeans at a job interview says “I’m not serious,” while jacket and tie at a rock concert screams “DORK!”
Reading the room and your place in it is critical for marketing yourself properly.
Speaking at a conference? Wear a jacket and tie. The audience shows up wearing jeans? Remove the tie.
My point is simple: Despite changing norms in many workplaces, most people still judge you by your wardrobe. Therefore, it’s key to pay attention to the message you’re sending.
Still, regardless of the packaging you can continue standing out of the crowd. Suits can be dressed up with a colorful tie or kerchief.
Hawaiian Shirt Day at work is an invitation to wear something bold.
With prom night past these kids have an opportunity to market themselves to new audiences at college and beyond. Their choice of fashion could easily make the difference to their personal and professional futures.
With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing.
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Dress your marketing for success at www.marketbuilding.com
