Business Casual for Sales Professionals
Depending on your industry, acceptable clothing in the dog days of summer can be vary especially if you are often visiting client sites. The culture of your client's organization can give you the best clues on what to wear to a meeting or event.
Those in the fashion industry can wear trendy clothes, but the rest of us should err on the conservative side. Ever wonder why the CEO is wearing a polo shirt and the salesmen looks like he's dressed for a formal interview?
8 Tips on what to wear this summer for business casual:
1. Dress for the occasion. If you are attending an all day strategy meeting at a client site on their casual Friday, it's perfectly ok to ask your host if your team can dress business casual. Your client host will tell you what is acceptable. Make sure you give a clear explanation to your team as to exactly what "business casual" means at the client site. If you expect executive management from their organization and yours to be in attendance, make sure everyone will be comfortable with the dress code for the day.
2. Polo shirts with your company logo are acceptable in many casual settings. Tradeshows, summer conferences, golf outings, company picnics and events are perfect opportunities to brand your team. It can be a very impressive visual to view a sea of your company colors at an event. Depending on the department you are calling on polo shirts might be the norm. Information technology departments often are dressed in business casual. Many clients appreciate a gift of your company branded wearables as a sign of your partnership. A good key account strategy includes your clients spreading your message for you.
3. Casual does not mean sloppy. Choose clothes with a flattering fit and make sure they are neatly pressed. When selecting branded clothing for your teams, consider how it will look on all team members large and small, men and women. You would be surprised at how often women are asked to wear branded shirts much too large for their size. Yes, we will wear them but we will not be happy or comfortable in them.
4. Before you dress casual, check your daily planner to make sure you don't have any meetings that require formal business attire for the day.
5. Jeans are never a good choice for outside sales folks. Black or tan cotton pants with a crisp crease will make you feel more in tune with what is acceptable. Linen looks nice on the store mannequin but it only takes an hour of real life before you look like you slept in your suit the night before and have no idea what an iron is.
6. It's important to not overlook your accessories. Shoes that are appropriate for your outfit and still suitable for business are important. Avoid sexy sandals and open-toed shoes. Don't wear your favorite worn-out athletic shoes. Buy a new pair if needed. If you are going sailing, golfing or to a beach picnic, remember - this is still a business outing.
7. Consider your jacket or sweater, also. Sometimes it can be chilly at a conference or event. Make sure your outerwear goes well with your outfit and is still appropriate for business casual. Consider branding windbreakers, blazers and sweaters as well as the traditional polo shirt.
8. Women should consider a lighter hand with make-up and hair when attending outdoor summer business events. You don't want to look like you just melted.
Looking for branded clothing for your company events this summer? Check out our online catalog at http://www.sportswearcollection.com/imaginargifts
Our graphics design department can help with your artwork for embroidery or silk screening. Give us a call for a custom quote and consultation at 877-480-4774.