Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Nuevolution,

craigL,
Yes I left out a lot of variables out, for the sake of this conversation... I think if I would have told everyone how we came to this conclusion I would have bored everyone... My assumption was that "Since we are all intelligent individuals" we were all going to figure it out on our own and not try to disect the conversation. But next time, I will be more specific so you don`t get lost in the conversation greg.
 


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Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

Babyboomerbev,
I`m a great believer that how you present yourself is how people perceive you. I had the same experience as that article last week.

I met with a new client "very successful" young woman. But the way she was dressed, she looked like she was in her early 40`s.(I guess the field of work she was in, she has to pass off as being older)
After breaking the ice and feeling comfortable with each others, she told me that she was only 26 years old! I`m 36 and I looked younger than her.

I don`t think that having sex appeal only applies to women but men as well. While some men might try to act tough and say "Shoot I`m not going to wear slacks and a tie" just to meet up with a potential customer. You should, get rid of the facial hair (the goat-tee and mustache) My rule of thumb facial hair and business don`t mix.  



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Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

In a word...yes. Unfortunately it is human nature to judge on appearances and while I don`t think "sexual appeal" is as prevalent anymore, someone who is better looking, well groomed and not awkward is more likely to get a job than someone who isn`t any of these things.


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Motivation for Entrepreneurs
Entre-Propel.com

Style always sells, long after gravity takes its toll on all of us...  www.thomastooheybrown.com  

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www.thomastooheybrown.com   wwwtooheybrown.co m

As a conservative Christian, I don`t dress with "sex appeal." I dress professionally, modestly and beautifully, and often standout at business meetings because my skirts go below the knee and I don`t show "skin" as some of the current fashions do. Whenever I`ve received comments on my clothing, people often say it is `refreshing` to see a woman dressed more formally, especially when in meeting with older people or people from more conservative countries than the USA.  Instead of dressing for "sex appeal", how about we all strive to look polished, professional and beautiful, no matter what our age or gender? Looking your best isn`t about sexiness, it`s about respect for yourself and the people with whom you are doing business.

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Sunshine Rewards
Helping Moms Connect
Tricia.me
New site!! Twilight Saga New Moon

Hi Bev! Great seeing others from inSide919 here on StartupNation! My main feeling with women of any age and sex appeal is this - you want those you`re meeting with the take you seriously, and for the expert that you are. I feel that sometimes the sex appeal can be more distracting to your own cause than helpful.

So there is a thin line. Sex has been proven to sell, but again as someone mentioned that may not be true across all markets and target audiences. Look, dress and act as a woman, or rather as YOURSELF. This can cut back on the gender issues in the workplace and marketplace. I`m not just a pretty thing to look at, I have a service or expertise to offer, which are valid and valuable regardless of whether I wear a skirt or slacks!


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The Complete Business
Developing Your Business from the Inside Out!
www.thecompletebusiness.com

Not to steer the conversation in a different direction, but to maybe put another dimension to the physicality of business social interactions:  height.

It is said that tall people have a natural edge that others don`t.  The difference with this is you can`t fake it or dress it up too much.  Being 6`4", I get noticed first in almost any group.  What I do with that attention once I have it is up to me. 

It does me no good to enhance my height any further.  Yes, if I put on 6" stilettos I will get more attention, but it won`t be the kind I want.  Similarly, a woman can put on more revealing clothing or other visual enhancements, and will get the attention of everyone, even other women, but it won`t be the kind she wants.

Knowing what you`re wanting to accomplish with your appearance is key.  In business, you`ll want to look attractive, sharp and professional without being distracting.  Do you look like you can do the job? 

If I`m 5`4" and go in for a bouncer position at a night club, I had better be as wide as I am tall with muscles.  Coming in dressed as Casper Milktoast pretty much rules me out, even if I have a black-belt in karate.

So, to put it in business terms.  If you have an outstanding marketing program (getting initial attention) but you can`t back it up with outstanding performance and delivery, then you`ve just put yourself out of business that much faster.