What if?

[Jason Mosier]

What if you went to a Business Conference and a man walked up to you and Introduced himself as a networker and he had on overhauls and wore a strawhat. He also had poor communication skills, what would be your first Impression and would you take him serious?

Please answer and give your thoughts.

[Margie Wright]

Always being in some type of customer service you learn not judge a book by its cover. This situation would make you feel like you are wasting time with someone who dresses or talkes this way. Some people don't care if you like them or not and maybe I could learn something from this person but if I treat them like they are beneath me then I will never know. Always treat someone the way you want to be treated and I will always believe it will serve you well.

[Burcham Enterprises]

My "first" impression of him would be "Not too Favorable"...to attend a business conference (for the purpose of networking with other businessmen/women) in that attire doesn't give the impression of a serious businessman. However, it's too early to tell whether or not to take him seriously. "What do you mean?" (glad you asked). Yes, his first impression was not very good. It could be the result of several things: unaware of the other attendees & what they do/represent; not sure what the atmosphere of the meeting will be; naive as to the "unwritten rules" of what we call "Business Attire/Etiquette"; or, he simply may not care what you think of his appearance, and wants to be judged on his business/technical skills rather than "relational" skills. I am one to always give the benefit of the doubt until I find out more about the persons goals and character (if they "just didn't know" then I can help them along a bit). The only time I would NOT take this person seriously is in the latter case (not caring). To me, that is a sign of either immaturity and/or irresponsibility: he doesn't think "relational" skills are important and/or doesn't take the initiative to learn. The higher up the "Proverbial Ladder" one gets, the LESS important the "technical" skills become, and "relational" skills become the primary (moving away from entry-level/skills-based positions and into a Leadership/ownership position).
But chances are (with me) I'll give him the benefit of the doubt until he proves otherwise.

Great topic, btw!

[Luke Evola]

Even if he were the least likely person that you may want to 'network' with you never know who he may lead you to. The true essence of networking is infact to share your network with those that you network with. Networking is not collecting business cards-it is knowing what those people do and you knowing who in your network can benefit by their services.
There are also some very eccentric people that intentionally dress down to avoid being approached, except by ones that are truly interested in what they may represent as opposed to how thye appear at first. Sure the intitial reaction is to draw back and say 'who's he kidding?' Margie is right-never judge the book by its cover, turn a few pages and see what substance may be there.

[CarNegotiate]

Luke Evola said:

Networking is not collecting business cards-it is knowing what those people do and you knowing who in your network can benefit by their services..

Bingo!!! Don't just open the door in front of you...see what other doors are on the other side of this one!

[matthew pezzimenti]

In a sea of starched white shirts and red neck ties the one person that got noticed was the guy in the straw hat. Everyone at that meeting was there to get themselves and their product or service noticed, he succeeded. Now if he didn't bring anything to the table as far as his business, he probably was in the wrong meeting room or just wandered too far from the bar.

[Tina D. Shang]

My reply.
1. I never judge a book by its cover.
2. I sure hope you don't expect me to wear a suit or a fancy dress to our meetings. I don't own any. I will probably be wearing slacks, a nice blouse which may or may not be stained by the baby I would most likely also be wearing.... but I promise I will leave my straw hat at home. =D

[ET Social.com]

[F. Ann Jakubielski]

Some of the most interesting people I have met in my life have been themselves. Maybe this man was himself, by that, I mean, he was secure with his dress and manners and comfortable in his skin. It takes me a little longer to have patients with poor communication skills, but I am a work in progress and am learning. I liked the idea, that he approached me.
P.S. I likes your question