Look the part

You are so right. Only when we are walking land with a client do we dress down . But the impression is so important. You are staging yourself

Chuck you are absolutey right. What a simple thing to do to show professionalism, it is sad that so few adhere!

I couldn't agree more.  Here in Eastern North Carolina it gets pretty hot and humid during the summer.  In summer months it's khaki shorts (not cut-offs)  and a polo style shirt with my logo embroidered.  When it's cooler out its the same polo shirt sometimes with a long sleeve shirt under neath and long khaki pants.  Boots are always worn, because tennis shoes looks to relaxed in my opinion.

I always make sure that my truck is clean and the few times it has been damaged I have made arrangements for repairs as soon as possible.

I always do my very best to show up on time.  Most of my business comes from an area with a large Marine Corps base which is at least an hour away.  Due to traffic, tractors, log trucks, etc. sometimes I am a few mintues late.  But I call the agents and clients when I run late to let them know ahead of time.

I think this is common sense for most business people out there. But some of my competition doesn't know these things, which has resulted in me getting more of the business that is out there.

Nick Hodak

I think we should always look professional when conducting business --- some don't of course and I think it affects their business.

Fortunately all the inspectors I work with dress appropriately.  Do people still wear cutoffs?  Heh...haven't seen that in a while, I now realize.

Chuck:  Personally I think suits and ties are gentleman's business attire, but having lived and worked in Austin for the past 8 years, that sort of attire is seen as over the top here and you can't get away with it if you are working with a client under 40!  So jeans and or cargo pants and a nice sports shirt is the uniform of the day here.  Nice shorts (not cut-offs) are expected in the summer from Memorial to Labor days).  The point is that you can still look professional in business casual, even if that is NOT the uniform of the day as it is here.

Hi Charles, Very fine post. I do agree with all the above comments. Keep posting best.

Best - Sash

Whoa, do people still wear cut offs? Who are they, Daisy Duke? Well, actually I do have a pair of cutoff overalls (a double whammy) that go to my knees.  I have used them for painting, but never in public! :)  I typically wear business casual to meet with clients.  After I've gotten to know them, I will wear good jeans with a nice shirt.  I usually take a cue from what they are wearing and go with similar dressiness. I would never wear a spaghetti strap top with clients.  I only wear heels to closings. They are too uncomfortable and potentially dangerous to wear showing property.

Couldn't agree more, in Florida sometimes agents forget that we are NOT at the Beach.

It speaks volumes when people don't put effort into making themselves appear to be ready to go to work. 

SAC

Charles, I couldn't agree with you more. The way we dress reflects who we are in terms of attitude, professionalism and success. Thanks.

I think business casual is fine for showings, however, when it gets down to listing presentations and offer presentations, I think a suit is the way to go.  It exudes professionalism and sets the tone for a successful presentation.  All this being said, up here in the Great White North, sometimes a parka is dress of the day. :-)

Best regards to all,

Jim