Dress for What?
The evolution of the Real Estate business has been fascinating to watch. Fifteen or twenty years ago successful agents would consistently be found dressed in traditional business attire: Suit or sport coat for men, and a dress or skirt and blouse for women. Today, not so much. Admittedly I am a tad on the conservative side, but I have noticed one rather consistent thing when it comes to the attire of successful agents and brokers, top producing agents and brokers dress appropriately.
OK what is appropriate? Well lets start with what is not, how about jeans with holes in them. Dirty and wrinkled clothes as well. Who would do that? I have had agents walk into my office and my first inclination is to ask if they are here to change the oil in my car. I don't care what your sphere is, that is inappropriate.
Appropriate attire is, in my opinion, dependent on your sphere of influence and market. I had a friend that wore jeans and cowboy boots and "farmed" three working class adult beverage clubs. He made a six figure income and would have looked foolish in a suit or tie. For his clientele he was well dressed at all times. What about the rest of us that work in a more traditional environment? How about a simple never fail guideline. Always dress one step above your client. If your clients wear jeans, wear better jeans or something on the line of Dockers. If your clients wear golf attire, how about wearing business casual. You get the idea. The goal is to give the appearance of being professional and competent, regardless of the situation.
Casual is fun and comfortable, lets face it, everyone likes to be casual. What you need to ask is can I be too casual? Of course. How many top producing agents have you known to wear casual clothes at all times? OK, in Phoenix at 120 degrees or in small towns. There are always exceptions.
My advice is very simple, when you get ready to leave the house look into the mirror and ask this question: If a $500,000 (pick your price) buyer or seller walked into the office today would I be dressed appropriately? If not, go back in and change. Not brain surgery, but doing the small things right every time is the difference between success and failure, mediocrity and excellence.
Here is to success - till next time
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