Ok, i recently started my own business and my 20 year old sister is my "right hand man." We do a lot of business with engineering companies and deal with City Hall face to face much of the time. She has asked me if i have a problem with her getting a tiny diamond stud pierced in her lower lip on the side. I am conflicted about this and i was wondering what your first reaction is in this situation. Part of me feels that since she is already a young woman in a profession composed primarily of older men, it is already difficult to be taken seriously, and the other part feels that if she is knowledgable and intelligent and does her job well in every other way what does it matter how she chooses to 'accessorize'. But being a new business i don't want it to affect the way our customers think of us or make them hesitant to give us their business. Any thoughts?
2007-03-21 15:09:12 · 10 answers · asked by theburlaces 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
Engineers. Gov't officials. I think your answer is clear. MAYBE with some people, the piercing won't be a problem. It is the one or two or twelve people that object that will sink a business.
Unless she is such a superstar, better than anyone else you could possibly find, that her abilities outweigh the reaction issue, don't let her do it AND represent your company. Let her work in the office as a receptionist, as a business analyst... just don't let her represent your company.
Yep, the world is unfair, her abilitiy should speak for itself, blah, blah, blah... everyone knows the rules, and they suck. I wish I could dye my hair blue. But, I can't. I work in a corporate environment, and I, if I have to say so, pretty good and have a great reputation. That said, I have to put on a suit and tie, and shake hands the right way, and say the right things, etc.
2007-03-22 15:21:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you think being knowledgeable and intelligent is all it takes then why should she even bother to shower before coming into work? She should just show up in her pajamas. Obviously, how you look and dress does matter, at least to some degree. That being the case, I'd have real questions about just how intelligent a 20-year old was if she showed up to work with a pierced lip. If she's 20 then she doesn't have a college degree and needs to do EVERYTHING possible to appear professional.
If she doesn't like that answer then she can go get a job elsewhere.
2007-03-21 22:28:20 · answer #2 · answered by Box815 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As your "right hand woman" your sister has an obligation to uphold professionalism on the job. Unfortunately, depending on the type of business you are in, that can run on the conservative side. Would your business partners react negatively do you think? Might they think she is risky and not want to place business with her/you? Some who have met her before and now see her with a stud, will not react favorably in my opinion. I do not think it is a wise business career move. My opinion.
2007-03-21 22:15:58 · answer #3 · answered by yowhatsup2day 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be nice to think that if you are knowledgeable and intelligent and do your job well that your appearance wouldn't count. However, in the business world, the whole package matters. People are passed over for things like tattoos, weight and so on (its horrible and grossly unfair, but true). If she really wants a piercing tell her to get one she can hide. Best of luck.
2007-03-21 22:30:18 · answer #4 · answered by Me 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want to appear professional, no facial piercings. I don't care how smart or capable she is, it will reflect poorly on you.
Put it this way, the only way people will know that she is smart, capable, and knowledgeable is to spend time working with her. The piercing will stop potential clients from ever getting to that point.
If she wants to get her face pierced, tell her to go work in a record store or tattoo parlor where that is acceptable. If she wants to work in a professional, white collar environment, no piercing.
2007-03-21 22:14:25 · answer #5 · answered by Wango138 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I understand the need for self expression, but I feel you are right. I do not think it would be professional at all. If nothing else, wait until your company is established, and then say okay. Even then, as much as I hate to say it, I would not let her be the first person new clients see. This is just my opinion.
2007-03-21 22:14:22 · answer #6 · answered by There can only be one - (ANSWER) 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a CPA and I would expect something like that from somebody serving coffee at starbucks. Not a professional, even clerical. I would immediately think that the person thought more of their rebellion than of the job.
2007-03-21 23:24:15 · answer #7 · answered by toledogolf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It looks unprofessional. In my opinion piercings are fine, but have her take the stud out during working hours, and especially during meetings with clients.
2007-03-21 22:18:39 · answer #8 · answered by Reno M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, she is ur sister. and she'd probably sit there and listen reasonably to y u don't want her to do that. When doing business, it is important to give a good first impression to customers. And a pierced lip isn't exactly my idea of a good impression.
2007-03-21 22:13:55 · answer #9 · answered by Produh G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she gets one, your business will go downhill.
In a professional environment, most people do look at face value closely.
2007-03-21 22:17:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋