A Secret for Better Relationships

Most people shouldn't make a name for themselves or try to stand out in the business world by dressing uniquely.  There aren't any of us that really benefit by following pop or rock singers' leads and wanting to make heads turn with an over the top look.  But there is one wardrobe rule that is intentional and works - dress like your clients and the people you hope to turn into your clients.  People relate best when the people they interact with dress in a homogenous way or in a way that is expected.  I know many of you are thinking that this is really more important for women than it is for men.  We've all heard the "women dress for other women", but it's so not gender specific. Under dressed, over dressed or differently dressed all matter. It matters a lot. So here's the secret. Most people either don't believe this, don't care, or just don't know how important it is.

Commercial real estate has many facets and to think there is only one way to dress is just nuts.  There are times to put on your best suit, and times to wear your khakis, and yes time to wear your jeans or even cowboy boots.  What is important to having greater success is that you don't dress for you.  It's all about gaining respect and building trust and openness by being genuine.  It's all about approaching people on a peer to peer level.  It makes people the most comfortable, which makes them more open, which creates a petri-dish for bonding.  Yes, there are times that the "power suit" is appropriate, but when is the last time a great relationship of yours was built because you felt the power someone had over you or you were somewhat intimidated because you were "out-suited"?

And don't forget, this is just as important within your own organization.  Rare is the place that is more important for good bonding and openness than in your own company. You want and need the various business groups inside your organization to have each other's respect. 

Dress, because it is so visual is and will always be important.  So forget for a moment that line that your mother and dad taught you about "you can't judge a book by its cover."  Of course you can and should.  In this fast paced world it's one of the best ways to judge and decide on the best path of communication. 

People respond better when they are comfortable and people are more comfortable with people who look like them.  So remember the secret isn't about looking better than someone, it's about matching up.  Take a look at your wardrobe and I'm sure you can improve on how you approach dressing in the workplace and apply the secret to working with others.

I welcome your feedback through email.  

Panda Express operates 1,400 locations nationwide throughout 43 states and in Puerto Rico. The Chinese restaurants occupy spaces of 1,500 sq.ft. to 2,000 sq.ft. in freestanding locations and entertainment, power, specialty and strip centers, as well as urban/downtown areas. Plans call for six to eight openings throughout northern CA during the coming 18 months, with representation by Terranomics Retail Services. A vanilla shell and specific improvements are required. Preferred cotenants include Target, Walmart and big box retailers. Preferred demographics include a population of 50,000 within two miles and a daytime population of 10,000 within two miles. For more information, contact Sharon Carmichael, Terranomics Retail Services, 1350 Bayshore Highway, Suite 900, Burlingame, CA 94010

Larosa's, Inc. trades as Larosa'sat 65 locations throughout IN, KY and OH. The restaurants occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. to 5,800 sq.ft. in freestanding locations, inline spaces and endcaps of shopping centers. Plans call for six to 10 openings throughout IN, KY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA and WV during the coming 18 months. Typical leases run 20 to 25 years. A vanilla shell is required. Preferred demographics include a population of 20,000 within two miles. The company is franchising. For more information, contact Michelle McMahon, Larosa's, Inc., 2334 Boudinot Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45238

CKE Restaurants, Inc. trades as Carl's Jr. and Hardee's at 3,263 locations nationwide in 42 states and internationally. The fast food restaurants occupy spaces of 2,500 sq.ft. to 3,500 sq.ft. in freestanding locations and regional shopping centers. Plans call for 40 to 50 openings throughout AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, ID, KS, NC, NM, NV, OK, OR, TX, UT and WA during the coming 18 months. Typical leases run 20 years. Preferred demographics include a population of 20,000 within two miles earning $50,000 as the average household income. Major competitors include McDonald's and Wendy's. A land area of 24,000 sq.ft. to 35,000 sq.ft. is required for freestanding locations. For more information, contact Becky Davis, CKE Restaurants, Inc., 6307 Carpinteria Avenue, Suite A, Carpinteria, CA 93013