Angels Den Blog

Top 5 Tips On Dressing For SuccessIf you are looking for private investor funding and you want to be taken seriously then what you wear can make all the difference between achieving your financial goals and leaving with nothing but a distinct feeling that you could have done better.

First impressions count in business as in life, and if you blow this opportunity to impress before you’ve even opened your mouth you’ll have an uphill struggle to regain credibility, let alone that all-important private investor funding.

1. Jeans?
If you watch our favourite venture capital pantomime, Dragon’s Den, you’ll often see the occupants of those comfy chairs sat behind the stacks of cash getting quite narked by the attire of some of the people pitching for private investor funding. Occasionally those getting a dressing-down actually have quite a good business, business idea or invention to present, but if they’ve blown the first impression then quite often they do not recover at all and their ideas are consigned to the “what could have been” pile of life.

This is of course a TV show and therefore prone to extreme reactions for the sake of entertainment, but they do have a point. To be taken seriously in business you have to dress the part. Business attire means preferably a suit. Something smart is the next best thing, but jeans or other relaxed clothing will often send the message that you are not serious about your business.

There are exceptions to this rule of course, but in general play it safe. Wear what you would expect to wear if you were in the City offices of those you are seeking private investor funding from.

2. Making a fashion statement
You are not interviewing for Britain’s Next Top Model and you are not on the catwalks of Milan. Whether it’s a garish tie, a bejewelled dress or a hat that would look more at home at Ascot, if your clothes are shouting louder than you are then seriously re-think your wardrobe. The more of an individual statement you make with your clothing, the less likely you are to be taken seriously (unless your business is in the fashion industry, of course).

To stand out from the crowd is one thing, but once again you must consider whether private investors will take you seriously if you’re breaking away from traditionally acceptable office/business clothing.

The safest option is to tone your clothing down and let your business idea take centre stage.

3. Bling
By all means wear your lucky brooch, rings, piercings, and so on. But overdo the bling factor and you risk running headlong down the dead-end ally of funding failure. When you’re looking for private investor funding you must to put yourself in the investor’s very expensive shoes. People relate better to others with similar styles and tastes, and whereas you might not yet be able to afford the subtle platinum or diamond adornments of those you’re pitching to, you should not attempt to make up for this with volume.

When it comes to jewellery, “less is more” is definitely the strategy to work with.

4. Short back and sides
You don’t need to look like you’re interviewing for a part in Platoon II to win private investor funding. Hair styles in business are a little more relaxed than they used to be. But whatever style you have, make sure that it’s smart, well-kept and under control. Hair, like clothing, can be loud and individual, and once again, while it’s an excellent individual statement, investors are going to be interested in how your individuality will relate to handling employees, customers and suppliers.

The safest style would be something short and smart, but if you can pull off a mullet then go for it.

5. That tatty old brief case
It’s not just what you are wearing that will be instantly judged by the small business investors. What impression are you making if you use a tatty old brief case, a fairy princess folder or a plastic bag to carry your presentation bits and bobs in? I’m using some extreme examples here of course, but everything about the way you look when you walk through those doors will create your first impression, and you’ll want it to be a good one.

Invest in a new brief case or presentation materials. It could make all the difference to how others see your attitude to running a successful business.

Please do not run out and spend a fortune on an Armani suit just because you are presenting at a speedpitching event looking for private investor funding. Go smart and well-groomed, and the first impression you give off will be a positive one. To convey that you are serious about your business and ensure that you personally will appeal to the widest audience, individuality in your own styling needs to be sacrificed to allow the full impact of your pitch to be heard.

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