How do you show up? Especially when you are trying to make a good impression.
It’s a simple question—but the answer carries real weight. Whether you realize it or not, you’re making an impression every time you walk into a room, turn on a Zoom call, or even run to the store. People notice how you carry yourself. And that impression? It starts long before you say a word.
Back in the 1980s, when I first entered the business world, a popular book at the time was Dress for Success. There was a version for men and one for women. The message was clear: if you want to succeed, how you present yourself matters. It’s about showing up as the most prepared, put-together version of yourself.
Before my business days, I spent several years in radio. Now, think about this—radio is audio only. No one ever sees you. But even then, I wore a shirt and tie to work every day. I didn’t have many because I was making very little income—maybe four or five—just enough to rotate them throughout the week. That was the standard I set for my day. It began with how I showed up.
Perception Matters
Let’s be clear—this isn’t about wearing a suit every day. It’s about intention. It’s about being groomed, dressed, and ready for the day ahead, no matter your profession. Whether you're in an office, working in a garage, or running a store, take pride in your appearance. If I worked with cars, I’d make sure my uniform was spotless and my name patch was visible. That would be my version of dressing for success.
Some years ago, I started dreading a financial institution I frequented because they had Jeans Fridays. The idea is great: raise money for nonprofits in exchange for casual wear. But what disappointed me was the lack of care. The jeans weren’t clean or professional. Some of them, I wouldn’t wear if I was doing work in my backyard garden. They didn’t reflect pride or purpose. Even on a casual Friday, how you show up still speaks volumes.
Fair or Not, Perception Matters. This may sound old-school, but it’s rooted in truth. I’ve experienced firsthand how I’m treated differently based on how I’m dressed. If I head to the grocery store after work in professional attire, the treatment I receive is noticeably different than if I got home, change into a jeans, t-shirt, and baseball cap, and go do the same errands. It’s not fair—but it’s real.
And it goes beyond clothing. Your presence, attitude, and preparation all contribute to how you’re perceived. Whether you’re interviewing for a job, leading a team, taking a test, or playing in a weekend sports league—bring your best game.
A mentor once taught me the One-Step Rule and it’s something that stuck: Always dress one step above what’s expected. If the room calls for khakis and a polo, add a jacket. If others wear a shirt and slacks, consider adding a tie. That extra effort shows respect—not just for yourself, but for the people around you. This doesn’t mean that, come Monday, I expect everyone coming in to my office to start dressing up.
At the end of the day, this message isn’t just about what you wear. It’s about how you show up in life—with integrity, effort, and intention. Success doesn’t come from blending in—it comes from standing out, in the right ways.
So, whether you’re building a career, serving your community, or just stepping into a new day—show up well. Bring your best game. Not just for you, but for the people who are counting on you. Because you never get a second chance to make a first impression—and every day is an opportunity to be your best.
