I have decided to compile a list of what I have found to be the small touches that make all the difference in the business world when I apply them. You can probably get a much longer list on any other site. However, the list I have here is from my own personal experience. Enjoy!

1.    Dress Properly

The reason this section is called “Dress properly” is because just because you are in business does not mean that you have to constantly be wearing a suit, tie and shiny shoes. What it does mean is that you need to look presentable.

I would normally put this item on the list, but now that I am no longer in the faculty of Management I am finding most people don’t know how to dress. After completing a long 2.5 year minor in business I decided to study something I enjoy far more: Medieval Literature and the 18th Century social norms. While I have changed my topics of study I have not lost my touch for dressing in style. Unfortunately my Artsy friends never had such a thing!

Some of the styles I have observed that I know don’t “cut it” beyond University include: torn jeans with holes in the legs and crotch, stretched out sweaters, over-sized sweat-shirts and jogging pants. I really thought everyone liked dressing nice…at least that’s what I heart for High School.

Many people would argue that they don’t have the budget to dress nice. This excuse did have some ground 50 years ago. Today, with all the merchandise that is manufactured in Asia there is no excuse for not being able to find a decent brand name shirt for $5 on sale from $45; Or a pair of jeans (new jeans with no holes!) for $20-25 instead of $65-75. Particularly in big cities there are plenty of sales in the fall, spring, summer (side-walk sales are the best!) and Christmas.

For heaven’s sake people, throw out your worn out jeans with holes and buy a new pair instead of a beer.

2.    Watch

How many times has someone told you they really liked your watch, to which you retorted that you bought it in NY for $4? Or the dollar store for $1? Or how about (my personal favourite) eBay for $0.01? You don’t have to go out and spend $250 to have a nice watch that shows you care.

Having an impressive watch is also very nice. Personally, I am a fan of expensive bling because I think wearing it creates a good feeling of self-esteem, when done in moderation.

3.    Shoes

I’ve always had a hard time with shoes, simply because I have to replace them every year. Since I always want to get better quality clothing I find myself constantly spending more for each subsequent pair. But I never regret it! Come to think of it, as a guy spending $200 on shoes per year comes out to nothing compared to women…probably 5x that amount!

Jeans are really great because you can wear a pair of black dress shoes or white running shoes with a pair of jeans and still look great; as long as you shine your dressy ones every few months, and scrape the mud off the dirty running shoes from hanging out at the ranch.

4.    Briefcase

The briefcase says it all. Really. No one needs a briefcase, which is why if you cart even a small portfolio style one to an interview or conference you are immediately perceived as an organized person. This is probably the men’s accessory that I would say has created the most opportunity for me because interviewers and peers clearly see that I don’t like crumpling my paper or shoving it in a knap-sack.

5.    Know Who You Are

This “accessory” doesn’t cost you a single thing but information. It’s all about knowing what you represent in the business world. If you like Accounting, then when it comes to professional meetings, conferences or cocktails, you only really need to talk about Financial Reporting, Internal/External Auditing, etc. Don’t bother trying to come across as a jack of all trades knowing everything there is to know about business; this will just land you the “D-word” no one likes to hear: Desperate.

Looking professional in the professional world is 93% about body language. Standing up straight is also worth mentioning, but I feel that if you dress properly and have a lot of self-confidence the slouching will vanish.



Thanks to Daniel Massicotte for contributing this article to our briefcases blog:

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