Does A Webmaster Need To Wear Ties?

A client confronted me that most web designers don’t were ties. Is it important that we wear ties to meetings just to make it 'FORMAL'?

Tunde

It depends.

1)
The hidden rule of thumb (at least in the US) is to always dress formal during your first meeting with a client and one step above the client on all subsequent visits.   First impressions count.  Although I have no stats to prove this, I dare say that dressing formally could add a buck or two more to what you intended charging the client.

2)
There is a proverb which goes something like this: Dress for what you want to be and not for what you are.   If you see yourself in a position other than coder, by this proverb, you shouldn't follow the stereotypical example of fellow "geeks" and wear Tshirts and Jeans.   This of course doesn't mean you must wear a 3-piece suit either.  I would imagine you could wear a decent traditional attire and still look professional and responsible.  Please proceed to #3 below.

3)
Weather-wise, is this really a good call?  By dressing formally, I imagine the implication is a shirt and tie with maybe a suit to match.  I remember one time visiting a bank while in Nigeria.  This man came in dressed in a suit.  Temperature as always was at least 30 Celsius.  The guy was dripping sweat so badly, yet he wouldn't take off his suit.  I asked myself, "regardless of what this guy does, is it really worth it?"

So how do I dress at all times? Semi-formal - Golf/dress shirt with a pair of trousers.

As always, my 2 cents.

It all depends on what one chooses as a way of dressing. And I recommend being decent, neat and maybe corporate too.  But in all your dressing may I remain you that;

You Are Addressed The Way You Dress.

So appear the way you want people to look and regard you!

Majority of the companies I have worked for and I have seen friends work for do not impose corporate wear on the members of its IT department. IT people are usually seen as nerds and comfort is one of the key and should not be abused. I wear my teeshirt and jeans most everyday to work. I have always been this way even though I try to be as casual corporate as I can for my own personal preference but I have never been told to wear a suit, even to interviews ( for those it is best you consult the company on what is acceptable or not). I would hope I never have to live in a world where I get to work in an IT department that demands I wear ties ,  Aaarrrrrgghhhh!!! that would be a nightmare!!!

And just to add that not wearing a tie is not the only thing that webmasters have been accused of.

A client also said webmasters don't like to sign their contract papers/proposals.

So when you are sending your proposal to corporate outfits and organised businesses, remember to add your signature to the proposal.

Yes, some of those companies are soo professional that they will look at such things.

Where i used to work, ties or dressing bla bla bla did'nt determine anything for web masters. we did'nt attend any meetings. the only meetings were in house meetings and since there was no one to impress or look good for, its always just another day. We had a head of IT department. He was the one who always worried about buying new suits with his salary because he followed the MD and PR guys to every meeting. We were the framework.

For Freelancers or Self employed guys, this is different. And u should listen to mycents post it'll help.

Secret to making money - you shall wear whatever makes your customer drop the dollars.

no none is going to trust a shoe maker who walks bear footed!

especially if you are on direct marketing!

Well where i work,  your only required to dress formally if you are going to be in contact with any of the clients, asides that ties are not necessary. If you are posted to a client's site then,heck yes u must wear a tie and represent the company well

I don't think a webmaster should wear shirt and tie, Where i work as assistant web developer we don't wear suit or tie.
my believe is wear anything that will be comfortable if you are comfortable in jeans and T shirt fine put it on

Here where I work, all IT staffs must come in a shirt, trouser, tie and jacket Monday to thurs

it depends, Webmasters in my office go to meetings and consulting is all about image

you bi really olodo,  if they ask you to start wearing tie at your office refuse and be fired .wearing does it tell us that we copy white. huh ? if i employ u and i tell u put on tie when coming next week and you objected twice

i no go look uche face ooo i go fire u striaght

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Thanks

Webmasters should just see themselves as a businessperson, especially if you are running your own biz. Even if you are working for a company you will have to dress formally when meeting clients.

it is good for a webmaster to wear tie, because the way you dress determines the way you would be addressed and again first impression matters