Guest Contributor: Paul Walters - "1st Impressions"

Greetings! My name is Paul Walters and I have grown up with somewhat of an affinity for men's clothing (no, baseball caps and sneakers don't count) and often downright dandyism, and am pleased to be offered the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Today's post expands upon the notion of looking one's best. Down the road my writings will be graced with more specificity, but as this is my first, let's discuss why we spend our time visiting sites such as this. I assume all of us here have a desire to not only put our best foot forward, but to smash it down in the face of mediocrity and insolence.
Will Rogers once said, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Makes sense, right? Well, studies have shown that, upon your first meeting, an individual will give you a primary sweep and evaluate you within 30 seconds; and, it can take up to five years for them to change their initial opinion of you! If that is truly the case, I would hate to face the potential of meeting anyone important while running to the grocery store in worn track shoes and sweats. If this sits with you well, please read on.
The first impression is only the first step. Continuity is crucial. Consider this scenario: you have a job interview for an important position under an important boss. Five people interview, and all of you have the same qualifications. Obviously, the way you look when you walk into that room is how you will be viewed throughout the hiring process (assuming you speak with more intellect than Gomer Pyle). Did you look the part? Excellent! Let's move on.
Why waste any time presenting an image of poise and polish if it cannot be repeated? Maintaining a standard of excellence in your dress assures an employer that when you wake up in the morning, you take your time preparing to do your job. This assurance manifests itself throughout the whole of your work relationship. If you prepare to come to work, the assumption will be that you prepare to do your work. This is why two associates hired at the same time cannot both get a corner office with a window! The one that stands out is justly rewarded.
Shave daily, for crying out loud! Press and iron your clothes! Wear a tie! Shine your shoes! And then, imagine that everyone else does, too. Breaking through the corporate mold is where individuality finally comes into play. J.F.K. said, "If you accept 2nd place when 1st is available you make a habit of doing it for the rest of your life." Dress for first place, and all others can be nothing better than second.
Obviously, the workplace is a metaphor for all other areas of one's life, as work encompasses most of our lives, but the theory remains the same. I've never gotten shoddy service at a department store if I was dressed well. I've never repelled women when I was dressed well, and consequently, I'll always make sure that I am dressed well!
Hopefully my dedication to "the cause" has been well represented. My next writing will further explore developing stylistic individuality rather than simply explaining the nuts-and-bolts approach to self-representation, but remember: If you've found yourself here, the desire to look like a million bucks (whether you spend it or not) is obviously an itch that needs to be scratched, and you've come to the right place.
Cheers,
Paul