“A Costume?” (What Are We Super-Heroes or Something?)

What do Batman, Super-man, and Donald Trump all have in common?

They wear “costumes” that create a sense of power to the public.

Yes, even Donald Trump has a ‘costume.’  (I’ll get to that in a minute.)

What if, instead, Bruce Wayne showed up without his Batman costume and was wearing a turtleneck with a scarf and blazer? Would criminals still fear him?

What if Clark Kent showed up in his three-piece suit to “save the day?” Would that be as dramatic?

What if Donald Trump wore a plaid suit to work to do million dollar deals. Would that make him appear ruthless and powerful as a businessman?

Probably not.

In fact, Donald Trump wears the same type of blue suit every single day he does business. It’s a signature “power suit.” You know he’s there to do business because he’s in his blue suit.

Why all this important? Because as a consultant, it’s important for us to be treated as the experts we are. To have an “air” of authority, just like a doctor, attorney, or CPA.

We have to have control of how we are perceived, and in part, that comes from having a costume that helps us NOT look like an average consultant, but like a super-hero. When we meet a client or potential client, they need to say to themselves, “Oh yeah! This is who we want to work with”, just by looking at us.

If we don’t want to be treated like “just another consultant”, then we can’t look like “just another consultant.” We need to dress in a way that gives the perception that we are powerful and that they are lucky if we decide to work them.

I know it’s a different way to think. But, just remember: Consultants solve problems. We are experts at what we do. Therefore, we dictate the rules, not the client. And, if we want control, we have to give the perception that we are powerful… just by looking at us.

If you like this article, please leave a comment. Or, send me an email at Craig@FormerStrugglingConsultant.com

Craig Valine, “The [Former] Struggling Consultant”
http://FormerStrugglingConsultant.com