Freelance Writers Dress for Success
From: Blacktieguide.com
One of the biggest inside “jokes” about the work at home freelance writer is the one about coming to work in your jammies and bunny slippers. In fact, some “serious” marketing from get-rich-quick internet companies espouse this as one of the greatest benefits. Okay, I admit that I have written a post or two whilst wrapped in my bathrobe, but I’m here to tell you that if you are seriously staying in your pajamas all day you are hurting your writing business.
Here’s a little story for you. A few years back, I was working for an overnight package shipping organization. I applied for an internal position and had to interview for the job like the two other candidates. Because they were located in different states, the interviews had to be conducted by phone in the interest of fairness. It felt a bit weird because I would be interviewing by phone a few doors down from where the manager would be on the other end of the phone. I showed up for the interview wearing a suit and tie. I took a lot of flak from folks. “It’s a phone interview, ya knucklehead. What are you doing?” Dress for success was my inner mantra.
I got the job. Was it because of the suit and tie? Maybe. To this day, I think it made a difference in how I approached the interview. I felt like I was in control and ready to act in a professional capacity – regardless of what the hiring manager could or could not see.
I think how you are dressed does make a difference in your performance. Sure, there is some writing I do that is less formal, and the casual mode of dress suits the writing. I often write the posts for my own blog in the early morning as I’m sipping my first few cups of coffee, dressed in my bathrobe. If I have a lot of writing to do, I get dressed fairly early and treat my writing job as just that – a job. The TV is turned off, I shower and shave and I wear appropriate work clothes.
If the day is one that involves any amount of client contact, I kick things up a notch. I might don a tie and I absolutely get rid of anything that might serve as a disruption. I know the client isn’t going to be seeing me (I guard my webcam “on” switch like a junkyard dog). Whether or not the client will see me makes no difference. I can see me. I know how I feel in terms of my attitude about the work day. For me, this makes all the difference in the world.
I know there are folks who will read this and think it’s a lot of hooey. That’s fine. For those folks that are bunny slipper bound, I would encourage you to just give it a shot. Change your dress into something more formal for a day or two and see if it doesn’t make a difference in your writing and your attitude about your clients and getting the work done.
Posted by: George
About the Author: A writer living in Alaska. A simple man with few passions: My daughter, writing, soccer and now and then a good cigar.
Steve | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
Good post and point, George.
Many times in the past I’ve donned business attire — even “casual day” clothes — and it makes a world of difference. It’s all about being in the zone, no matter where you are at work: your basement, kitchen table, coffee shop, etc.
The idea here is you are “at work” and this is “business”. Sometimes it’s best to dress accordingly — and for success!
Steve
Allena | Apr 10, 2010 | Reply
My husband wears a suit and tie day in and day out. I wear ts and shorts.
I’m going to make more money than him this year.
Getting into the serious state of mind, the zone, the business attitude can be achieved by any number of routines, like shutting my office door and turning on cnn in the background. I will never put on anything but the most comfortable of clothes to write.
Lissie | Apr 10, 2010 | Reply
Maybe its the years of working with men wearing the nicest possible suites and ties while exhibiting behavour not acceptable from you average 5-year-old.
I feel way more professional now – but I prefer ugg boots not bunny slippers LOL
LuSabal | Apr 11, 2010 | Reply
I totally agree with you and the mindset of dressing for the role that you are about to perform.
For my blog, I’m a simple as they come…shorts and a t-shirt, for work its jeans, a cami and a blazer.
Its all about being in the zone, all about ‘being’ the information that you want to convey. No bunny slippers here when its time to get down to business. I have a specific area in my home that is dedicated to writing, and research. In the space its all about achieving the desired results and moving to the next project.
Nice article.
Christopher Anderson | Apr 12, 2010 | Reply
You do make a great point. I can’t say that I get all fancy dressed up but I do actually get some clothes and shoes on usually before I work. It’s not that big of a deal for me, but it can make a difference.
I wrote a blog post awhile back about something very similar; How wearing something sexy can give you more confidence. Even if the other person doesn’t see you.
It’s all because you feel good about yourself and that comes off on other people.
Sidney | Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
…” working with men wearing the nicest possible suites …”
Lissie:
You probably meant to write, “nicest possible suits.”
– Sidney.
Craig | Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
Where I work, jeans and short-sleeve polo shirts or Ts are the norm. Nothing torn or ripped is permitted. Being my small company’s first and only technical writer, I try to dress a step up. I wear shoes with my jeans. I wear long sleeves. I think they look classier. I also wear lots of sweaters, even in the warmer months, because the air-conditioning is cranked up to Arctic conditions in our offices. To top off the comfortable yet professional look, I wear a nice blazer. A blazer also gives me a place to store a pen and notepad when I am pulled into a spontaneous hallway meeting.
repenttokyo | Apr 14, 2010 | Reply
As someone who spent his high school experience wearing a suit and tie every single day – 6 days a week – I can assure you that clothes do not have the impact that some people make them out to have. It is entirely a personal preference issue.
If you choose to make formal attire your personal totem for achieving successful performance, then that is up to you. However, it is the energy you invest in this belief that affects your performance – not the clothes themselves.
Mark | Apr 18, 2010 | Reply
Hey George, I think whatever works is whatever works. You wear what you like, mate. Allena, you wear Ts and shorts? Sounds like you wear the trousers in your house! Take it easy, TM!
bangladesh freelance | Apr 25, 2010 | Reply
Dear Howdy,
Dress is not important always to express anyone to others.
In fact, I really believe that “All that glitters are not gold”.
bangladesh freelance