I have come to realize that there are two, or maybe three, distinct looks of Dan. There is corporate Dan, designer Dan, and everybody’s best friend Dan. Each look is appropriate for its own specific situation that I may encounter.

Last week I was put up to the challenge by some of my co-workers of going to a new client meeting as “everybody’s best friend Dan” - attire and all. At first I was very weary of going in front of the potential client with a shirt that essentially suggests I’m just a party animal and out to get their money. Then I realized that by wearing what I felt comfortable in, I was much more at ease and was able to shine like I never have before. I’ve always considered new business meetings to be 75% showmanship and 25% talent. Although my outfit was a bit flamboyant, it was appropriate for the setting I was in: the new client meeting was with a Nightclub/Restaurant owner in the West Village of New York City, a mecca for creatives of all kinds, so my graphic t-shirt over button down dress shirt probably wasn’t all that shocking. On the other hand, if I had a new biz meeting in my hometown in Upstate New York I would probably dress a little bit more conservatively - maybe go as “corporate Dan”.

Diana Pemberton-Sikes says that this is a rather normal approach to the dilemma of business attire since there is no “one size fits all” solution.

If you have strong skills and you get the business attire right, the “sky’s the limit” in your field. But if you fumble on the dress code-even if you’re technically competent-your climb will slow considerably, if not stall completely. How you look will open (or close) the door to opportunity; what you know will keep you in the room.

Diana goes on to say that there are 3 key factors you need to consider when putting together your attire for a meeting:

1. Your Line of Work
   There are 3 types of businesses to dress for, each with their own distinct messages.
   • Traditional - authoritative, conservative, and competent
   • People - trustworthy, approachable, and knowledgeable
   • Artistic - creative, unique, and contemporary
2. Your Corporate Culture
   Just because the client won’t care what you wear doesn’t mean your boss won’t. Find out if your company has a business attire code or suggested outfits for meetings. It is with great sarcasm that I say black seems to be a popular staple for any design shop!
3. Your Audience
   Remember that your audience are the people who will ultimately put money in your bank account. You should dress to be reliable to them and fit their perceived image of someone in your role.

For me, this little dare has reaffirmed that if you feel good, then you’ll present good. Currently we are still closing the deal with the client but I can say that regardless of the outcome, I know I have made a unique connection with someone whom I may have not had I been wearing something else.

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