| Tricks of the Trade© |
Morning edition Monday June 26, 2000 |
Dress For Success
I hate to use a cliché to start an article, but it really is true that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. You may not realize it, but while your meeting with your next potential client they are sizing you up. Think about the position they are in, they don't know you from Adam as the saying goes. They want to know if they can trust you and if you're going to do a good job. What they see with their eyes is mega important to them at this very crucial stage.
So I encourage you to take a hard look in the mirror and ask yourself this very important question. What does my appearance say about me? Try to think even about such things as tattoos and body piercing. Many may equate these things with such things gangs or even prison even though this may not actually be the case. I once had an uncle who swore anyone with a tattoo had done time. What you need to think about when it comes to appearance is would it cause a client to distrust me? If you smoke, think about how it might affect a non-smoker if they were to see you getting out of the truck and putting out a cigarette on the ground before approaching the house. If you're a man, are you clean-shaven? If you have a beard is it well groomed? Are your paints free from rips and tears? Believe me when I say the client may be saying "boy if he dresses like a bum he must paint like a bum too" All they have to go by when they first meet you is what they see with their eyes.
It is always best to present a real professional image. A clean lettered shirt with a company logo and nice pair of slacks or Dockers works great on the first bid. Try not to show up if at all possible looking like a 5-year-old pair of well-used painters pants. Clean and neat is the image you want to impress on the minds of your potential clients. I often ask the client when I show up on a bid, if they would like me to remove my shoes before entering the house. Most say, "Oh don't worry about that!" But, the message it gives is, hey this guy really respects our home. That alone may set you apart from your competition.
You don't have to subscribe to GQ magazine to know how to dress. What you need to do is put yourself in the mind of your potential client. Isn't it true that everyday we make split decisions and judgment calls based on what we see with our own eyes? Why would a client be any different? It really is true, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
David S Martin of www.davespainting.com
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