How to dress up for a Zoom call so investors will shell out the funds right away
Invest in your looks and exude professionalism while remaining true to yourself
Even though it’s on Zoom, body language still matters
Instead of shaking hands, start off with complimenting their background
Show you’ve done research by finding something in common like an interest or job background
The most important statement of advice someone can give is to be professional and represent your startup in a way that an investor can trust. In the end, your visual representation will affect how an investor perceives the way you handle yourself, colleagues and the company. That being said, the workplace is “loosening” the ties a lot more due to the recent pandemic, work-from-home mandates and an increasing amount of Zoom meetings.
Look presentable
The most socially appropriate attire is, generally, business casual. Nonetheless, always do your research prior to the call to gain a better understanding of what their expectations are and how they present their image. You don’t want to overdress and you definitely don’t want to underdress and appear apathetic. By looking at how the investor represents themselves online prior to the call, you can more or less understand what kind of image they are looking for.
Is it okay to dress down?
According to the Financial Times, dressing down may not be all that bad. Perform your own proper investigation into industry standards, investor image and maintain your own professional look. Needless to say, the pandemic has increased the surge of wardrobe casualisation, but it never hurts to have in your closet a formal blouse or collared shirt for the occasion.
We’re all human, even investors
Depending on the industry, you can adjust your image. Industries, such as the arts and culture, may also appreciate self-expression or an individual approach to styling yourself. Modesty and confidence can also have a huge impact on your overall persona. Even in the world of business and finance, having a less formal approach can be acceptable. According to Jonathan Kewley, “Being more casual can be a way to get along and also remove some of the negative associations of people from the financial industries”.
Don’t lose your authenticity
Finally, one of the most important factors is being authentic and remaining true to yourself. You aren’t trying to lie or sell another version of yourself that appears to be organised while you’re raging chaos on the inside. By organising your closet, making your room presentable, and providing yourself enough time to prepare for the call, you can enhance your chances of making a lasting impression.
Good luck on your endeavours and remember to prepare for your next Zoom call by investing in a wardrobe that exhibits professionalism while remaining true to who you are.
