The Importance of a Professional Appearance

Appropriate turnout for a schooling show.

I had an interesting experience this week. I was called to an interview with a local marketing firm in regards to open positions that the firm needed to fill. I arrived a few minutes early, appropriately dressed in a business suit and prepared with my resume, business cards and questions.
What I found was an empty reception area in which the only piece of furniture was a plaid loveseat and the only occupant another interviewee. The hiring manager, while dressed appropriately, was disorganized and rushed through interview.
The truly shocking thing about this experience is that the company in question was interviewing to fill account support roles for a nationally known client looking to expand its market share.
A marketer is expected to make his or her clients look good. To do that, the marketer must instill confidence in the client by presenting a professional appearance and demeanor. This extends to the physical surroundings, which should be welcoming and conducive to the work at hand.
In marketing horses and horse businesses a professional appearance is often specific to the task at hand. In regards to the physical environment, farms are working facilities so there is no need to worry about vacant office space. As long as there are no obvious safety hazards and the aisles, pathways and arenas are neat, all is well suited to business.
My appearance will reflect the task at hand as well. When I'm at a farm or show grounds, either for a consultation or photo shoot, it is unlikely that I would wear a business suit. Instead I'll wear clean, well fitted jeans or khakis, paddock boots, a fitted shirt and, when necessary, an appropriately fitted jacket or sweater. If I am presenting a horse, I'm dressed appropriately for the class.
When I turn a horse out for show or sale, it will have been bathed and/or thoroughly groomed and presented as is appropriate for the breed and discipline being represented.
 

Next time: my favorite turnout tips.

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