Does appearance truly matter in the world of entrepreneurship?

[_firelxrd]

Well I've been thinking of this all day and I was aching to ask you guys what you think about it... ​

I'm 17 years old so I guess I'm still in that phase of "fitting" in and stuff like that, but I've learned to mostly get away from that space.

You could still say that I have this "edgy" look: I have long hair and I usually braid it (I'm black by the way), an ear piercing and eyebrow slits. I honestly thought that this would make me look more attractive among my peers.

But now I'm having second thoughts... I feel like this appearance would hinder me in the business (fastlane) space.

People -probably more than ever- tend to look at appearance, so do fastlaners have to look professional so that consumers feel more secure about who they are working with, or could I use my look as my USP: perhaps a "new generation" of entrepreneur who understands the market (polarizing)?

So what do you guys think? Go professional or go edgy in the fastlane? ​

 

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[Dionysos]

Well I've been thinking of this all day and I was aching to ask you guys what you think about it... ​

I'm 17 years old so I guess I'm still in that phase of "fitting" in and stuff like that, but I've learned to mostly get away from that space.

You could still say that I have this "edgy" look: I have long hair and I usually braid it (I'm black by the way), an ear piercing and eyebrow slits. I honestly thought that this would make me look more attractive among my peers.

But now I'm having second thoughts... I feel like this appearance would hinder me in the business (fastlane) space.

People -probably more than ever- tend to look at appearance, so do fastlaners have to look professional so that consumers feel more secure about who they are working with, or could I use my look as my USP: perhaps a "new generation" of entrepreneur who understands the market (polarizing)?

So what do you guys think? Go professional or go edgy in the fastlane? ​

As long as you've got a solution to my problem I don't give a shit what you look like.

Maybe you're thinking about this the wrong way. You find people to model your product or service.

Unscription is all about you doing you, not caring what everyone else thinks!

 

[Kak]

Professional. Hands down. You want people to have confidence in your abilities. Other people are the most important part of business... They carry, in their hands, the ability to make or break you.

They are your customers, investors, partners, and employees.

Some may say, "but I'm an entrepreneur, and I don't work for anyone, so I don't have to give a damn." On the contrary, you work for more people than a job person. You work for the people that make your business work.

Clean it up. Increase people's confidence in you! Why would you fight the tide? If your appearance ultimately becomes responsible for lost revenue, you are paying a lot to look like shit. The market decides what is and isn't shit BTW, not a bunch of broke peers.

 

[Devilery]

That entirely depends on the business model and branding. Selling fitness supplements? You better be fit, take care of your appearance, and dress stylishly. Selling B2B SaaS solutions? Look competent and credible, a full suit and tie may not be a requirement, but you can't look sloppy. Selling jewelry hand-made from pinecones? You can have dreadlocks and a rainbow-colored T-shirt.

 

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[Antifragile]

Well I've been thinking of this all day and I was aching to ask you guys what you think about it... ​

I'm 17 years old so I guess I'm still in that phase of "fitting" in and stuff like that, but I've learned to mostly get away from that space.

You could still say that I have this "edgy" look: I have long hair and I usually braid it (I'm black by the way), an ear piercing and eyebrow slits. I honestly thought that this would make me look more attractive among my peers.

But now I'm having second thoughts... I feel like this appearance would hinder me in the business (fastlane) space.

People -probably more than ever- tend to look at appearance, so do fastlaners have to look professional so that consumers feel more secure about who they are working with, or could I use my look as my USP: perhaps a "new generation" of entrepreneur who understands the market (polarizing)?

So what do you guys think? Go professional or go edgy in the fastlane? ​

You already know the answer. Otherwise you wouldn’t post this thread. Listen your own inner voice. And it’s correct!

Now go and be the best version of yourself. You can do it.

 

[Odysseus M Jones]

Perhaps a better question to ask is when does appearance not matter?

 

[Antifragile]

Perhaps a better question to ask is when does appearance not matter?

When you are dead.

Or dead inside? Haha.

 

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[Private Witt]

I live in opposite world (cannabis) where I'm discriminated against as I look like a cop or military. When I wear a beanie, hoodie, t-shirt, etc I make it worse as looks like trying to hard. I have noticed when I don't shave I blend in more but not a fan of having facial hair.

 

[Kybalion]

Here's a little rule of thumb I follow: You don’t have to dress to impress but to connect. If your prospects think your style is too snobby (or too sloppy) you risk alienating them (and losing the sale).

So, how do you strike the right balance?

Mirror your potential customer’s style and then dress a little bit sharper than them, so you subconsciously communicate trustworthiness while still emitting an aura of authority.

 

[Odysseus M Jones]

When you are dead

Not everyone gets an open casket

And just when you thought you can let yourself go, the final snub...

 

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[Antifragile]

Not everyone gets an open casket

And just when you thought you can let yourself go, the final snub...

I just realized you changed your username!

Recognized the humour first, then your unique:

[B...{r<°∆°>}--O--{<°∆°>k}...E]​

 

[K1 Lambo]

Well I've been thinking of this all day and I was aching to ask you guys what you think about it... ​

I'm 17 years old so I guess I'm still in that phase of "fitting" in and stuff like that, but I've learned to mostly get away from that space.

You could still say that I have this "edgy" look: I have long hair and I usually braid it (I'm black by the way), an ear piercing and eyebrow slits. I honestly thought that this would make me look more attractive among my peers.

But now I'm having second thoughts... I feel like this appearance would hinder me in the business (fastlane) space.

People -probably more than ever- tend to look at appearance, so do fastlaners have to look professional so that consumers feel more secure about who they are working with, or could I use my look as my USP: perhaps a "new generation" of entrepreneur who understands the market (polarizing)?

So what do you guys think? Go professional or go edgy in the fastlane? ​

It matters, just like everything else. Having your own style will help you out more though. It makes you memorable AND different, and that's a huge thing in business.

But then again, it depends on the context. If you're in banking/financial services industry, then dressing in suits is gonna be more appropriate than wearing jeans. Or if you're a plumber and you'd pull up in a suit, it won't make sense.

 

[dool1002]

Simply dress the part and occasion. Think about how nature does it, a flower needs to be beautiful to attract insects for cross pollination and in return the flower gives out nectar while the insects carry over the pollen. A sales professional needs to dress like someone who cares, a prostitute needs to give out signals they are available, security personnel have to deter any act of violence.

Your first impression will have an impact but your attitude and personality will amplify your interaction with clients & other stakeholder..

 

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[Damien C]

Presentation matters more than aesthetic beauty. Clean clothes, appropriately dressed for the occasion, confidence and clear communication. I think attractive people have an easier time getting through life in general, but in terms of entrepreneurship if one is going to use their appearance as a substitute for intelligence or ability it's not going to take them very far unless they are modelling or doing porn.

There's huge double standards too. Beautiful women often risk being taken less seriously as others can be quick to assume (quite wrongly) that she's where she is simply because she is stunning

 

[Johnny boy]

What matters is what’s on the inside.

And what you show the world on the outside is a reflection of what’s on the inside.

Are you a low self-esteem degenerate?

Are you a winner who respects himself?

Are you a gangsta boi thug POS?

Nobody knows who you are, so show them what and who you are.

 

[BD64]

Well I've been thinking of this all day and I was aching to ask you guys what you think about it... ​

I'm 17 years old so I guess I'm still in that phase of "fitting" in and stuff like that, but I've learned to mostly get away from that space.

You could still say that I have this "edgy" look: I have long hair and I usually braid it (I'm black by the way), an ear piercing and eyebrow slits. I honestly thought that this would make me look more attractive among my peers.

But now I'm having second thoughts... I feel like this appearance would hinder me in the business (fastlane) space.

People -probably more than ever- tend to look at appearance, so do fastlaners have to look professional so that consumers feel more secure about who they are working with, or could I use my look as my USP: perhaps a "new generation" of entrepreneur who understands the market (polarizing)?

So what do you guys think? Go professional or go edgy in the fastlane? ​

In the gym, Paul Blart & Rocky Balboa both come up to you giving your exercise and diet advice.

Who do you listen to?

Appearance matters.

 

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[farouqali]

Well I've been thinking of this all day and I was aching to ask you guys what you think about it... ​

I'm 17 years old so I guess I'm still in that phase of "fitting" in and stuff like that, but I've learned to mostly get away from that space.

You could still say that I have this "edgy" look: I have long hair and I usually braid it (I'm black by the way), an ear piercing and eyebrow slits. I honestly thought that this would make me look more attractive among my peers.

But now I'm having second thoughts... I feel like this appearance would hinder me in the business (fastlane) space.

People -probably more than ever- tend to look at appearance, so do fastlaners have to look professional so that consumers feel more secure about who they are working with, or could I use my look as my USP: perhaps a "new generation" of entrepreneur who understands the market (polarizing)?

So what do you guys think? Go professional or go edgy in the fastlane? ​

Hey firelxrd,
if your inner voice tells you to change and you truly believe it will make an impact in business.....Take that Step.
As long as you are neat and presentable.. and smell fresh. Not like a Raggamuff and see how people will respond to you and your business !!
"forget trying to impress people just because you wish to fit in"..... quit that old you and smart up Bro !
best wishes !

 

[biophase]

In the gym, Paul Blart & Rocky Balboa both come up to you giving your exercise and diet advice.

Who do you listen to?

Appearance matters.

Maybe, but what if Paul Blart was a 5 time Olympic champion in his younger days and Rocky used steroids? Appearance may matter to others who make snap judgements, but we here should know better than to do that.

 

[starttoday123]

Try both in the extreme versions and see what reactions you get

 

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[BD64]

Maybe, but what if Paul Blart was a 5 time Olympic champion in his younger days and Rocky used steroids? Appearance may matter to others who make snap judgements, but we here should know better than to do that.

I used a simple example because OP is overthinking something that is already very simple. No need to use what if's and confuse him into oblivion.