Laziness and jeans in the workplace

Dress for Success! That was the mantra in the workplace once upon a time and I for one believe it still holds true. Unfortunately far too many real estate salespeople think that jeans, flip-flops, shorts and other casual wear is appropriate daytime dress code. How did we ever get to this point???


As a consumer my expectation is that the person I am interviewing and hiring to represent me in a real estate transaction will show up in a business suit or dress outfit with dress shoes. At the least men will have a tie, slacks and sports jacket and women a dress or suit with dress shoes. If I trust the single largest investment in my life to someone they better look and act the part. I want a professional not a lazy agent who doesn’t take the time to respect themselves or their profession.

Harsh words? yes and true. Would you trust a stock broker that shows up in gym shorts? A doctor that’s wearing jeans and flip flops at your appointment? A banker that has on a t-shirt and jeans as you sit down for your mortgage application? There are so many sales agents out there that feel it is perfectly acceptable behavior and come armed with all the excuses to defend their behavior: “It’s what we do on the shoreline”, “My clients are more comfortable with this look”, “I’m just not comfortable in a suit and tie”, “It’s not how business is done anymore”

The list of lame excuses is endless and they are just that - excuses. If someone is paying me 6% of the sale price of their home or a 3% fee for representing them in a purchase they deserve to see a professionally dressed sales person. Think of how you would feel if a person in jeans, polo shirt and flip flops put their hand out and asked for $8000 to represent you? Be honest, how would that make you feel? Remember what your mother and father taught you, first impressions are lasting impressions. You only get one chance so why blow it?

Think of your wardrobe as a component of your sales tool chest. It’s just as important as that laptop computer or electronic tape measurer. When you are in sales you are always on display and always working. You never know when that call will come asking for your service or who you will meet while out running errands. Dress to impress. You may not think people care but they do and creating that professional image will bring more business your way and increase your reputation and referrals.

Same thing goes in the office. Respect your broker and fellow agents by dressing appropriately. The lame excuse of “I’m off today and just had to run in for a minute in my jeans” is no excuse at all. The respect your peers have for you and the opportunities for referrals will increase if you look professional. So kick off those flip flops, slip into a nice suit and get that listing you’ve been after!