I Have recently gotten more into B2B for Telecom sales. Phones/Trackers/Office Phones.. ect. Now that I am starting a role where I meet with business owners at their place of business and not mine iv come to the thought of how the they will react to me having tattoos on my left arm visible with a Polo. We normally wear suits so I have always been covered up but door knocking on businesses can be hot here in Florida. Does it matter if I cover them up these days. I feel like now a days it's not a huge issue. Also dont want to lose out on potential deals because of it. I may just be naive to it due to my age and how long iv been in Sales. Any advice would be great.
Are we talking a full sleeve or just something on your upper arm that may be visible with a short sleeve shirt on? I definitely don't think it's nearly as big of a deal as it use to be...that said better safe then sorry until you feel things out. Cover up at least to start with...
Full sleeve 🤷♂️ Nothing distasteful tho. Or ugly looking. Doesnt take up my whole arm like some people
@OP - I have a sleeve as well, and my advice is to cover it up and wear long sleeve shirts. This comes with the territory of getting tats below your elbows. Especially in sales, prospects are trying to find any reason to dislike you or not buy from you. Might as well nip this in the bud immediately and wear a long sleeve shirt. I'm sure you can find shirts with thin material that are good for the heat.
A cotton button down is a safe bet. A friend of mine has them but keeps them covered just in case. You can roll the sleeves up and down as necessary and cotton will keep you cool in the heat. Stay away from shirts made with blends... Because any synthetic will make you hot.
You can never assume how someone will perceive something as meaningless as your physical appearance. Some people will care, others won’t. I’m covered in tattoos btw, but I have the benefit of working in an industry where I’m in demand, very good at what I do, and most importantly, non-customer facing. They don’t get in my way, but I’m not silly enough to think that my experience will be everyone’s experience.
No I agree with you. I think being on the East coast we are a bit behind on the lax of the industry with suiting up vs. Polos. I tend to see alot of Sales people in other industries wearing polos but also have tattoos which is why iv come to this question. Dont mind wearing suits but man does it get hot here