the emperor's new clothes

Sometimes you have to get right down to the basics and start at the beginning.

Once upon a time there was an Emperor who had a passion for fashion… And that’s how it begins. Because of his vanity and his status, he kept his distance from his people – and no one really got close to HIM either.

So one day he gets a new wardrobe.

However, because no one was bold enough to stand up to the dude and say, “man you got ripped off. But, whoever sold you that stuff is brilliant, ‘cause you are butt naked and everyone is looking at you. Maybe you should have had asked what kingdom casual means.”
 
So what does this have to do with your career or starting your own business - well, a lot. Below are 5 things to keep in mind as you approach a variety of ‘business’ situations and how to circumnavigate the terrain known as “the dress code.” Or “the code.” Or just, “code.” This is by no means an all-inclusive list, consider it the beginning of a grocery list for the external you.

•    interviews – how do you know what to wear and still be yourself? I call it fashion forensics.

o    get insider information
o    know the door your walking into to and what type of music they play for the brand
o    know which way is up and which way is down

•    dress for the job you want – getting ahead and keeping your friends

o    dress the part, but be prepared to back it up
o    add your personality into the mix
o    separate but equal
o    individuality not anarchy

•    polish your shoes – or spend $5.00 and stimulate cash circulation

          o    men and women need to have a great pair (or a couple pair) of basic work shoes. They           don’t have to be expensive. They don’t have to be designer labels – they just have to                   look solid.
          o    these days make a shoe repair woman happy and drop by and have those heals replaced           or those tips re tapped on those heels too.

          o    Notice the next time someone shakes your hand this particular movement from them –           firm grip | eye contact | quick glance at the hands | then a subtle eye brush across the                feet. You’ll never look at a hand-shake the same again. 

•    stop. look. listen.

o    pay attention to your surroundings
o    who represents a style/image/stature/confidence you want to emulate?

•    ask   

o    there is a running theme in so much we talk about when in doubt ‘ask it out’.
o    ask at the office
o    ask at the clothing store
o    ask your partner
o    don’t let someone say “he must have no friends, a friend would never let him show up like that!”
o    ask what causal beach elegance translates into at your next poolside bash at your bosses house

Until someone creates a Garanimals for the young professional, and do it in multiple personalities to fit multiple situations… It’s up to you. But until then, unlike the Emperor, someone will call you out. They may not do it right away, but why chance it. The emerging leader or entrepreneur has to have the right clothes for the right time. It is after all part of doing business.

listen. learn. share. repeat.™

g.

Comments

[Elizabeth]

I agree about getting your shoes repaired. It's worth the $5-10 dollars ladies, and lengthens the life of your shoes considerably!

[SouthernFriedCub]

I might have been horribly under dressed, but my shoes looked great. Guess who has never been under dressed again?

Good Stuff Gil!