Would You Rather Be Right or Rich?

  I chose the latter, and I've learned to package myself as appropriately and effectively as possible for various situations-to fit the costume to the role. I assure you that it does make a difference.
  In speaking activities, I've observed and witness it myself that to sell educational materials with a higher percentage you need to wear a business suit. There are also clothes that are appropriate to some places but not in other places.
  There is no doubt in my mind that the clothes and accessories you wear, the briefcase you carry, the
pen you write with, and the car you drive all combine to communicate a message to others that can help you or hurt you. To deny it, to resist it, or to ignore it is self-destructive.
  "Casual Friday" is a very bad idea for sales professionals. In fact, while I wouldn't suggest that you religiously adhere  to everything as if it came from Moses chiseled in rock. I do suggest you read and carefully consider the information in John Molloy's old Dress for Success books. Most of the advice is timeless.
  Know this: people prefer dealing with successful people. I want my insurance agent, my real estate agent, my accountant to be doing well. The fact that they appear to be doing well indicates that many others agree with my choice and my judgement.
  I've also observed that people dressed with business suit treated with greater courtesy and respect by merchants, store clerks, waiters and waitresses, bank tellers, airlines employees, and hotel clerks.