There seems to be a few interesting myths floating around
about start-up styles. I was reminded of
this at a pitchfest recently. Pitchfests
are short events, usually a couple of hours, at which about a dozen companies
have three to ten minutes each to convince the audience and sometimes judges that
their companies are wonderful businesses and that they should be funded. Pitchfests can be terrific for refining your
story or connecting with potential investors, mentors, and customers. There are very few opportunities where a
company founder can talk to a room full of people who actually want to hear
about the idea. However, before a word
comes out, you better believe that an impression has already been made. Many people forget that clothing and body
language speak volumes. No, you don’t
have to be the best dressed or have the perfect stage presence, but you do have
to look like you care. Here are a few
tips about what not to wear.
1. Backwards baseball hat, or any hat for that
matter. Even in Silicon Valley, a backwards
baseball hat is sure to make audience members snicker and roll their eyes. It doesn’t matter if it has the company’s
name on it, it doesn’t look good. It is
very difficult to listen to a CEO when you are wondering if they just woke
up. And if someone can’t wake up in time
for a mid-afternoon presentation, how do they run a company?
2. Sweatpants. ‘nough said.
3. The hoodie.
That is so 2007. Do you really
expect us to believe that you are the next Facebook? Even if you are, we don’t care.
4. Sunglasses.
See hat.
5. College paraphernalia. I love my
alma mater, but wearing my favorite college sweatshirt to talk with investors is
a flag of insecurity. “Really, I went to
this school and you should be impressed.”
Or not. Save this one for grocery
shopping.
6. Haute couture or expensive designer wear. If you are talking to potential investors you
are asking for money. You are asking for
money to pay your salary. Why should
they pay you to wear better clothing than most actors unless you are starting a
fashion company?
7. Gum.
Warning. Don’t sit in the first
row. You may get hit by projectile gum during the presentation. It happens.
8. Shorts or skinny jeans. Whoa
nelly. This distraction just makes one
wonder which season it is. Is this pitch for a resort? Leg hair removal? Liposuction?
Plus, not many people can wear these and look professional.
9. Gimmicks. It is one thing to dress in clothes that reflect the nature of
the market in which you do business.
There is a fine line between looking cute and looking stupid. Even if your app is the must have for
skateboarders, dressing like Hawk or White mid-tre flip is not going to show
others that you can run a company. Just
don’t go there.
10. Goggles – No, I am not kidding. And it wasn’t even a gimmick.
11. Dirt. Unconsciously, people connect
cleanliness and competence. This means,
don’t eat spaghetti before talking with others.
Since I am prone to spills, I shy away from wearing white. It is sure to end poorly.
12. Like any teenager you know, even if you are a teenager. You are not, nor will you ever be, the
coolest person in the room. Stop trying
to be.
And last, but certainly not least…
13. Smug smile.
Why are you here?
As in any situation, it is your job to convince the audience
of your story. Part of this is how you
dress. If you were trusting a stranger with thousands, if not millions, of
dollars, how would you want them to look?
Be respectful.
