Dressing to Impress, 1990s, Fran Wallace

From MemoryArchive

Who: Fran Wallace
What: Dressing to Impress
When: 1990's
Where: Toronto, Canada

During the 1990's I was freelancing in the fundraising field. A friend had put me into contact with one of the colleges at the University of Toronto to talk about a possible contract.

After an initial introductory meeting, where I was briefed on their need, I arranged to meet again to discuss my plan for their funding needs. The day of the meeting was a gorgeous spring day. I was wearing a new suit, reflecting the new season, feeling buoyant and looking forward to the presentation. I made my pitch but wasn't getting a lot of feedback from the prospective client. However, I really didn't have time to reflect on this, as I had another meeting with an existing client.

My next meeting involved a discussion with several senior staff and volunteers with a craft organization. Included in this meeting, was a young man who was just learning the craft of fundraising. I quite liked him and over the weeks, had spent a lot of time coaching him. At the conclusion of the meeting we went back to his cubicle to review meeting outcomes.

First thing he did was ask me what was on my suit. I asked him where, expecting to find something like a drip of coffee. He pointed to my arm. I lifted my arm and held it out towards him when I didn't notice anything. So he pointed again, and said "under there".

I looked. And there, hanging from the underarm of the suit jacket, was a small plastic bag with a couple of extra buttons for the suit. Embarrassed, yes. But I also thought it was humerous. I dressed to make an impression -- which I certainly must have done. Of course, there are good impressions & bad impressions. Not much I could do about the two meetings I'd already attended.

Needless to say, now I always check out new clothes for tags, size labels & yes, extra buttons before I leave home.