I rarely wear fuzzy slippers, period. I do sometimes start work in my house shoes while that first cup of coffee wakes me up, but then I have to get dressed. Sometimes, dressed for me is my oldest, rattiest jeans–but I’m comfortable and I write better when I’m comfortable.

This was a great post. I have to admit that I cringe when I hear the phrase, “Work from home in your pajamas.” Jammies are for lounging and sleeping–not for working. LOL

Thanks for sharing!
.-= Patti Stafford´s last blog ..Where Has Language as We Knew It, Gone? =-.

This also translates to how I deal with clients; I think there can definitely be a balance, and that one can be both professional and have a lot of personality. Like George mentioned, it’s possible to gauge a client, read their language and adjust to their needs, but I think it’s also important not to take is so far that you’re losing what makes you you.

We’re never going to be able to please everyone, so it’s best to focus on pleasing the audience that’s right for us. I recently rebranded my entire website, and while at first I was afraid to show too much personality for fear of turning off “buttoned-up” clients, I realized that the kind of client I’m trying to attract would appreciate what I’m offering and how I’m presenting myself.

I think I must be a button sideways kind of guy. I do a little of both up and down.

I gauge my client by the initial interaction with them – email, phone, whatever. Some are more uptight, and I wear my professional face and voice for them. Some are more human with a sense of humor, and I’ll be a bit more laid back with them.

Your point about dressing the part is a good one though. A while back I worked for a company and had to do a phone interview for an in house position. Even though we were in the same building and it was a phone interview, I wore a suit and tie. Did I get the job? But of course.

George
.-= George Angus´s last blog ..Read An E-Book Week =-.

May be after a while I will be able to approach corporate clients and become a button up writer. However, I have to admit that it is real difficult for international writers(I am from India).

Cheers,
Dana
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Demand Studios Now Hiring Canadian Writers and UK Writers =-.

I love it when blog posts inspire such detailed feedback.

Some days I dress more professionally for work because I actually feel more professional when doing so. If I have a client meeting on the phone I always make sure I’m dressed as it helps me feel more “ready”. But…it’s wonderful to lay on the couch with the laptop in my yoga pants, too.

I often sit cross-legged at the office chair as well. Not real ergonomic when I’m sitting here for 12 hours though. LOL.

I had a client that was 100% business only with for 2+ years. There was an ice-breaker moment a few months ago, though, that had us both let our hair down and now he’s a totally different person with me. I like the relationship better now. But, I also know that some relationships are better when 100% professional.

Thanks very much for your replies.
Dana

I’ve carried this realisation over into my writing career and realised that as long as my clients perceive that I’m either a ‘button up’ or ‘button down’ worker, what I honestly am doesn’t particularly matter.

Naturally, I’m a ‘button down’ worker. Even when working in the corporate world I brought a somewhat relaxed approach to it (and did literally never fasten my top button!), but importantly I knew when it was needed to push my tie up further so it appeared that my top button was fastened and this is something which I still know and do today.

For example, I have some clients who I am extremely friendly with. We talk about each other’s personal lives, partners, children, holidays, etc and it’s just like working with a friend (except they don’t expect “mates rates”!). Conversely, I’ve also got several clients who work for multi-national companies and are very formal. In these instances, whilst I push my tie up to cover my open top button and speak in a more formal tone, I’m no less friendly than I would be with a less formal client – it’s just that the friendliness level is different.

This is a really good post, Dana. I enjoyed reading it and it should be one of those posts that someone looking to start a career in freelance writing (or any type of freelancing in fact) should read first, as being able to swap between ‘button up’ and ‘button’ down can be a really, really useful personal tool.
.-= Dan Smith´s last blog ..Arm your small business with help from BizAmmo =-.

I have found that I tend to relate to clients however they relate to me. When they contact me, if their persona comes across as “strictly professional” I respond in kind with short, to-the-point contacts that deal strictly with business. If they offer up a more relaxed “lets be friends” connection I’ll soften my tone accordingly.

Both sorts of clients are actually good to blend. If I worked for the “strictly professional” all the time I’d get bored very quickly. I’m an Aussie and Aussies are famous for being overly casual about everything. I don’t want to feel “corporate” or “dress for success”. But it’s good to work with clients who are all about the job, who don’t get distracted from it with personal life, and who don’t give sob stories about how hard their personal life is. Equally, I appreciate the deeper connections and friendships I’ve made with the clients who do go there.

It’s good to have a balance between the two.