What do you wear to meetings during your search?

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March 18, 2020

by a searcher from University of California, Los Angeles - UCLA Anderson School of Management in Los Angeles, CA, USA

I've been thinking about the pros and cons of various styles of dress when it comes to meeting with potential sellers. What has been everyone's experience? Does it vary with the size and industry of the business? More conservative business suits, or something with a little more casual flash? Are people still wearing ties? (I spent too long in Silicon Valley, clearly!). Thanks!

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Reply by a searcher
from University of Pennsylvania in Dubai - United Arab Emirates
You need to adapt your dress code for the occasion and the audience. what you wear speaking to a 60 year old founder of a professional services firm from the midwest will be different from the 45 year operator of a manufacturing firm in PA. If you are meeting the lawyers that changes things again. I have always entered a room trying to be a notch more "dressy" than my counterparty and then downshifting in the meeting e.g. take off tie, remove jacket, role up sleeves
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Reply by a searcher
from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, USA
I agree with ^redacted‌, but believe the most important thing is to just be yourself and feel comfortable. If you don't like wearing sport jackets, then don't wear one. If you prefer sneakers, go for it! Your goal is to build a relationship with the seller and see if you are a good fit with their culture, so you need to be authentic.
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