I have two suits. I have a kilt. I can enjoy wearing smart clothes.
However, in a recent conversation with a colleague, it was stated (not by me) that photos of team members provided to our customers would've looked better if all the guys had been wearing a suit.
"They would have looked more professional".
Oh really?
I disagreed. Why? Well, I think you can wear the suit, but be the least professional person in the room.
It might mean you look the part, but that's not enough.
In an age when conversation & relationships are what matter in customer service, I think authenticity and relevance are the true measure of professionalism. I think they fly in the face of (or at least challenge the insistance of) the "stiff upper lip".
I put this out on Twitter & Facebook yesterday:
"does being suited & booted for an existing customer make you look more *professional* but less personable?"
A few people responded:
"You can look professional and still BE personable. :-)" Theresa Seeber
True, but the suit doesn't mean you are either.
"Personable is in the character not the clothes" Colin Hilditch
Oh yeah!
Maybe it's just me, but I think a suit can be a veil that is hidden behind.
A crutch that is leaned on.
Sure, the first time you meet someone, you want to create a good impression, but perhaps the way we meet someone for the first time has changed - we look each other up on a search engine or check out a social network profile. That makes things different - and it all the more important for those involved in meeting customers to be aware of what can be found online.
I'd rather have a trusted supplier who I got to know to a deeper level than just the guy with the suit & tie from X Company.
Maybe this change is still happening and the old way is still the norm?
I wonder if the soon, when we call an engineer or plumber if the supplier will send you a link to the engineers profile before they arrive - so you know what they're like (and look like!).
What's your view?
