Dressed for success

It’s important to know the dress code of every destination, or you could sabotage your success. Have you ever been underdressed? Have you ever forgotten to bring a coat or umbrella?

In preparation for my trip to Israel and France, I asked questions about the weather in both countries. I asked about the dress code for my upcoming business meetings in Paris. I was preparing myself to be a success in every situation.

I’ve had the privilege of speaking around the world...from the jungles of Africa to the halls of government, to even an arena. I made sure to verify the dress code before every trip. Would it be warm, humid, rainy, or cold? Would it be business attire, black tie, or casual? I adjusted to each event in order to complement every situation.

People tend to judge us within the first sixty seconds of a meeting. Our looks, clothes, smiles, or hairstyles will either help our presentations or hinder them. They will either help us succeed or hinder us. What about you? Do you dress for success, or have you been oblivious to this reality?

Paul seemed to capture this principle when he said, “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.” (1 Corinthians 9:20-21, NIV) Paul adapted to every society in order to influence people and win them to God. Have you ever thought about every meeting as a job interview?

If you want to win in life, prepare yourself to win people and influence and inspire them. Don’t be ignorant of expectations or protocol. Serve others and overcome challenges. Make friends and influence people. What we wear and how we wear it can help us build bridges with others or create walls that are hard to climb. It’s time to dress for every situation and avoid incidents that make you feel embarrassed or ashamed.

Because you are a miracle.

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet