It was one hundred years ago that a small boy was born in Brooklyn. Coming into the world in his birthday suit, Richard Selzer would go on to create a clothing line and later critique and offer style insights as “Mr. Blackwell.” An important designer in the 1960s, he became the first in history to present his line on a television broadcast and was the first to make his line available for plus-size women.
Blackwell maintained a career as a fashion journalist and became famous for his “Worst Dressed Lists” which premiered in 1960. If celebrities didn’t want to make the list, they needed to be thoughtful and aware of their outfits and styles.
Do You Dress for Success?
While today’s culture has certainly gone more casual, there are still occasions where people dress up. Weddings and funerals still have a respectful aura about them that encourages attendees to look nice and events such as fundraisers and charity galas or sporting events like the Kentucky Derby still elicit very formal attire. These days business people still might wear suits and ties or dresses, but just as commonly, they might be seen wearing blue jeans, golf shirts, leggings, or tennis shoes.
Regardless of what you choose to wear to work every day, everyone has an opportunity to D-R-E-S-S for success if they choose.
D is for Discipline. Are you willing to do the things it takes to be successful in your career? Will you, as my friend Anthony likes to say, “get up, show up, and do the work?” Are you going to do the difficult things each and every day…even when you don’t want to? Will you put the seeds in the ground each day before you focus on the business support activities so you will be able to reap a harvest tomorrow, next week, or next year?
R is for Respect. Dressing professionally is one way to show respect but this is more about the clothing you choose to wear. It’s about respecting the industry by following the Code of Ethics. It’s respecting the affiliates and service providers that help us do our jobs. It’s about listening to our leaders (managers, brokers, owners) and being loyal. It is certainly about respecting other professionals in the industry. Regardless of their logo, brand, or tenure in the business, remember that “each one of us represents all of us.”
E is for Enthusiasm – Do you bring a certain energy and passion each day to your customers, clients, and community that make people want to be around you? Do you find a way to add a spark to the room when you walk in? Can people feel your confidence when you speak? Look at the last letters of the word enthusiasm; I am sold myself! When people see and feel your confidence and hear your competence, trust is instantly established.
S is for Systems – It’s been said that business leaders like the late Steve Jobs from Apple and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg chose the same outfits every day to keep things simple. Athletes build routines into their practices and training so in “live-action” they don’t have to think about what to do. Actors and actresses memorize scripts but the iconic actors and actresses that win Oscars don’t just memorize scripts, they internalize them. They try to become the characters that are playing so the audiences will believe them. What are your systems and routines that you have day-in and day-out that happen repeatedly, happily, and successfully, getting you closer to your goals? Morning routines and end-of-the-day routines that are as consistent as Jobs wearing his black mock turtleneck or Zuckerberg in his shower shoes will help you start operating at a level that almost happens unconsciously.
S is for Start – Every day starts with the sun rising in the East. Other than that, no one really knows what is coming, especially the weather forecasters. What is on your “to-do list” today? Who do you need to meet with, call, email, or get in touch with? What activities need to be completed today that will get you that much closer to a closing, a counseling session, or a conversation about listing a house? Do you need to run an ad for a new assistant? Do you need to follow up with a lender, title company, inspector, or appraiser? Is next month’s newsletter completed? What about that video you’ve been meaning to record? Don’t just sit there, start building relationships, solving problems, and having fun.
Put on whatever outfit will make you feel good today and remember…
You can have anything you want if you dress for it