Appearance is important. Several years ago, a professional colleague offered to meet me for lunch. I wore a sport coat and tie. He showed up in shorts and sandals. The message I received was: Bill, meeting you is a rather ordinary experience. I don't need to present a businesslike appearance." Not surprisingly, that was the last time I met with him. True, standards for appropriate clothing have changed a lot. Maybe the best advice I can share came from someone I met. She said, "I don't dress for the job I have now; I dress for the job I want to have.”