Double Dress For Your Clients?

Michelle,

I think the choice is yours or if your office has dress code then it's not your choice.  On option for you may be to leave an outfit in the office at all times so if you need it unexpectedly you have it.  I am lucky I live close to my office.

I like the idea of layering.  I go through the same thing, especially in the summer heat here in Sacramento! 

At the end of the day though, you are who you are!  Who are your clients?  Would they be more comfortable with someone in a suit, or someone in dress like theirs?  As salespeople (and that's what we all are) I once was taught that you should dress one level above your prospect.  If your clients are dressed up (suits, etc) then you should be too.  If they are casual, then be business casual, etc.

Jodi

that is an interesting idea. I tend to be dressed very professionally but if a client wants to meet me on a weekend to go over their loan information or to do an application I let them know ahead of time that I will be dressed fairly casual and not in my tie...haha. I think it can be client specific because I have had some very professional clients that were buying some very expensive properties so I still wore the dressed up look with my tie on and that did impress "those" buyers so to speak.

I'd say it depends on the person and if you forewarn them "Hey, just to let you know I've been walking around these properties in the country so I've been in jeans....etc." they will understand and not hold it against you. Especially if the next time they meet you and you've been in the office and the city and they see that you are dressed professionally. 

Hi Michelle!

 Our ALC tackled that subject last year, and really had a great answer.  When we come to the office we dress professionally (understanding that means different things in different areas). Basically the rule of thumb is, no jeans, wife-beaters, flip-flop shoes, shorts, sweats or rips.  Of course that's office specific and not something that might even work in your area. 

Their thought behind it was this, "When you come into the office, you might not have a client with you.  You might just be working in the office doing your prospecting or paperwork.  But Frank might have a client with him.  I would hate to have Frank embarrassed because of how I look.  Or my Team Leader might be bringing an agent on a tour and if how I dressed turned them off of our office, I'd feel terrible!"

 So that said, always be comfortable, but do it knowing you're representing so many other people in the process.

Warm Regards!

Lise

PS-- the same thing applies to you in the field.  You never know when you're going to find someone out there that's considering your office as a choice-- or you as their next agent.  The general rule of thumb when with clients is to dress one level above them.  That way you always look professional, and they always feel comfortable with you. Hope it helps!

HEY MICHELLE,  I CAN JUST SEE YOU NOW CARRYING AROUND A SUITCASE FULL OF DIFFERENT OUTFITS FOR DIFFERENT CLIENTS!  REMEMBER GIRLFRIEND, JUST BE YOURSELF!

Hi Michelle, I so understand what you are saying. Most times I do have a change of clothes available, it was much easer when i lived on the west coast if you wore jeans and had a meeting mid day all you had to do was put on a nice pair of heels and a cute blouse and you were good to go. Good luck it always helps to watch what others do around the office.