You may have the most fantastic product or service in the world, but if you don’t connect with me in a way that makes me feel confident in you, I will not be your customer.

I was at a conference a few weeks ago and met people who were networking and pitching their services. One man had an interesting company but I could not connect with him. Why? He had several enormous rings on both hands, accentuated by very shiny nail polish and a huge gold bracelet. He may have been the world’s greatest subject matter expert in his field, but all I could see was his hands. I don’t remember a word he said. I know it’s not right or fair, but there it is.

Another man at the same conference had fingernails bitten down to the end. It was painful to look at. Am I obsessed with hands and fingers? I don’t remember what his business was about.

A woman who was there wore a very low-cut blouse….think I recall what she did for a living? No, I don’t.

Like it or not, most people, I think, are influenced by what they see in someone who may be a potential business partner.  We cannot focus on race, foreign accent, obesity,  disability or unusual style of dress that’s tied to religion–those kinds of things must be overlooked. Not to do so would be pure prejudice and bigotry.  What becomes difficult to ignore are factors that are in our own control. Particularly personal-style factors.

For some, over-the-top personal style is schtick–something to remember them by. The Donald’s comb-over. Liberace’s outfits. (I am dating myself.) Excessive piercings. (It’s one thing if I am looking for a tatoo artist, another if you want to be my financial adviser.) For business people looking to do business, personal style details are important. I think this is true even for people who aren’t 51 years old like me.  Or maybe this whole line of thought is really ridiculous. Hey, maybe those same people I didn’t connect with thought I was an oddball, too.

So how important is personal style for business people?

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