One of the things that I attempt to instill into event planners often is that it is important for your appearance to match the image that you are wishing to portray.  The analogy that I use the most often is that people dress for the type of job that they envision doing.  If you’re going to paint a house you’re probably not going to wear a 3 piece suite or a ball gown for that task, you know that it’s a messy assignment and you’ll probably want to wear clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit of paint on.  Conversely if you’re going to a board meeting or a meeting with a potential client, you would probably not want to wear the same items that you would wear when planning on painting a house.  This is for most considered common sense.

So I think that we can safely say that we understand the importance of what it is that you wear for specific functions.  In fact it’s often said to me, “I get it.  I know that appearance is important but how do you expect me to afford the types and quality of clothes that I need to make the right impression on myself and my clients?”  This is today’s topic.

This was a vexing question for me as well for a while however the answer is quite simple.  This is one of those things that I really want you to memorize.  Write it down.  Sear it into your mind.  Take a picture of it.  Tell a friend.  Whatever you do, I want you to remember this:  Ready?

PAY TWICE AS MUCH AND BUY HALF AS MANY.

You’re welcome.  *taking a bow* Oh you’re too kind.  lol

All jokes aside I want you to commit this to memory.  Apply it to everything.  This goes for shoes, socks, blouses, slacks, every article of clothing that you can possibly buy as well as your accessories.  The beauty of this is that not only will you have finer quality clothes but you’re actually ahead of the game money wise when you practice this principle.  Why you ask?

1. Your clothing will last MORE than twice as long because technically they are MORE than twice as good and as an added bonus they will ‘show’ quality in the wearing of the item.
2. What you purchase will stay in style longer.  The more costly items are typically not faddish.  Timeless classic clothing will always remain in style.
3. The seller of the clothing will make sure that you get what works best for you.  The person selling you a $100.00 suit will not take nearly as much time making sure that you’re satisfied with that you get than the salesperson helping you with a $200.00 suit will.

Remember this axiom:

PAY TWICE AS MUCH AND BUY HALF AS MANY.

Understand that your appearance talks.  It’s simply a fact of life.  You may not think that it’s fair but it is what it is.  Make sure that it’s saying what you want to be said about you as an individual as well as about your event planning organization.

Sekou K. McHenry is co-founder and CEO of DIRM, LLC, a motivational coach and speaker.