A Dumb Question

Seekinsecurity · 10-07-2009, 02:42 PM

Do you always wear a tie? Is nice business attire without a tie acceptable to the clients?

ABC · 10-07-2009, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by Seekinsecurity

Do you always wear a tie? Is nice business attire without a tie acceptable to the clients?

Yes when meeting a new client.

GreenSky · 10-07-2009, 02:56 PM

By the way, there are no dumb question; only dumb people.

I rarely wear a tie unless I'm meeting with a business owner, and even then it's still unusual.

Rick

stormtracker · 10-07-2009, 03:10 PM

Not a dumb question at all. Dress, at least, up to your client. Some clients are impressed with formal dress, some are intimidated by it. Financial advisers and trust agents should shoot for a more formal attire. FE and most life/health producers can go more casual. I always tell young agents to wear a collared shirt and keep a tie (just in case) in their car. You never know when a sit will require it. I've had customers look awkwardly at my tie, but I've NEVER had one ask me to take it off...

WinoBlues · 10-07-2009, 03:13 PM

Rarely. Also depends on the meeting place. If I am meeting a client at his office in the Financial district, Yes. If I am meeting the same client at his home, No. If I am meeting a Farmer or Contractor client at work. It maybe a nice dress shirt, jeans and boots. Business casual mostly.

On the other hand I replace my attache and padfolio regularly. Only nice leather.

Lee

CHUMPS FROM OXFORD · 10-07-2009, 03:25 PM

I never wear one. But I don't recommend that.

TheSalesWolf · 10-07-2009, 03:27 PM

Definitely DO NOT WEAR A TIE for health or life insurance. Puts the client on edge from the get go. Slacks and a golf shirt or even Jeans and a Golf Shirt is prefectly fine.

Financial advisors on their first meeting with their customer may want to wear a tie

Full Throttle · 10-07-2009, 03:42 PM

Definitely DO NOT WEAR A TIE for health or life insurance. Puts the client on edge from the get go. Slacks and a golf shirt or even Jeans and a Golf Shirt is prefectly fine.

In general, I agree. I think it depends more on who you are calling on. For going B2B, I think a tie is a mistake in most circumstances as it raises the guard of those you call on.

stormtracker · 10-07-2009, 03:50 PM

I had a debit agent once advise me to never wear a tie while collecting in the 'hood. Seems that the fellas who wish to do you harm will grab you by the tie to take you down. Like Paul Harvey used to say, it really isn't the same world we live in...

healthagent · 10-07-2009, 04:01 PM

Sales + tie = 1960

somarco · 10-07-2009, 04:05 PM

I never wear a tie but I do like to be tied up. I also enjoy long walks on the beach, and a nice glass of Bordeaux from time to time.

stormtracker · 10-07-2009, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by somarco

I never wear a tie but I do like to be tied up. I also enjoy long walks on the beach, and a nice glass of Bordeaux from time to time.

Way too much TMI

bill3173 · 10-07-2009, 05:34 PM

Depends on who you're going to see and how much money is involved. People can make suggestions but you have to judge the situation for yourself.

Things are kind of the opposite now. The old guys stress the casual look and the younger guys wear ties.

There's a reason for this though, the younger you are the better you look in fine clothing, tie and all.

An old man with his chin hanging over a collar and his gut hanging over a belt is not going to create "atmosphere".

somarco · 10-07-2009, 05:36 PM

I have a bit too much atmosphere. Probably should exercise more.

Franz Kafka · 10-07-2009, 06:32 PM

Tie or no tie .. it's all about the shoes .. and nails ..

Crockett & Jones - Welcome

David C · 10-08-2009, 04:23 AM

Franz, Don't they sell those Davy Crockett shoes at Target?

JustinUpright · 10-08-2009, 04:45 AM

I have sold in both but it just depends on where you are going. Go to a farm and walk out in the field to talk to the owner and he will think you have lost your mind LOL.

If the owner wears a tie to work then you should wear one. If he wears jeans and boots it is ok to match him there as well. People make connections with like people. NLP

xrac · 10-08-2009, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by bill3173

.....The old guys stress the casual look and the younger guys wear ties.......

Depends upon what part of the country you are in and what market you work. I think that this statement I am quoting is true. The younger you are the more important it is to dress up. It helps the younger agents come across as more professional and mature. I do not wear a tie as a general rule except in very few situations. My age and speaking ability automaticlly lets people know I am a player.

Franz Kafka · 10-08-2009, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by David C

Franz, Don't they sell those Davy Crockett shoes at Target?

It's James Crockett but who can tell the difference right?

somarco · 10-08-2009, 02:07 PM

it's all about the shoes .. and nails ..

I was expecting this link instead.