You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

While first impressions are critical (whether we like it or not), when is it appropriate to begin placing more emphasis on substance than initial impressions? Is what someone drives or wears as important as what they know? Probably not.

Flashy new cars and expensive clothes can be as deceiving as an old clunker (e.g. Sam Walton and Warren Buffet) and blue jeans (e.g. Bill Gates and the Google Guys). If you judge a book by its cover, you’re likely to either be surprised or disappointed.

Our business culture has slowly begun to recognize that it’s not what you wear but how you do your job. Casual Friday’s, once an anomaly are now the norm. The explosion of high-tech employment has given rise to casual “everydays”.

Common sense is beginning to take hold. When it’s 100° F outside, why wear a suit…duh!

Comfort leads to creativity, creativity lead to innovation, innovation leads to discovery, discovery leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to success.

I’m more impressed with a well-spoken person who is clearly comfortable in their own skin than I am one who is obviously trying to impress those around them with the “stuff” they have acquired.

It’s not about what you have…