FattySnacks

Senior Account Executive

Does having tattoos affect internal perception?

Hey Savages,

So I saw a similar post to tattoos when it comes to sales but nothing about the perception from the company you work for.

For context, I got out of the Marine Corps in 2015 with a full sleeve on my left arm. Had no expectations of getting into SaaS. The first tech company I worked for had a huge issue with my visible tattoos in the work place and I was asked to wear long sleeves in the office. (Primarily sold into F500 companies so it made sense.)

I'm in a new role at a new company now and work remotely. However, we have team events and SKO coming up soon.

I'm very self concious of my tattoos now that I'm in the tech world, but do I need to be? Do I cover them up when I go to company functions?

I am doing well in my role, and have great internal relationships with management, but I'm worried once they see all my ink that might change.

Am I overthinking this?

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38 comments

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UrAssIsSaaS

Arsonist

12

SaaS Eater

I personally couldn't care less about your tattoos. Only thing that matters to me is that you can perform at a high lever, and respectful in how you go about your business. It sounds like you have the first two covered so as someone that manages at a larger publicly traded company, it wouldn't change a thing in my mind.

That being said, there are probably some crusty old fucks, either in your org or working for your prospects that think differently. I say read your audience but for SKO type stuff you're probably fine.

FattySnacks

Politicker

3

Senior Account Executive

The crusty old fucks are the ones who worry me haha. It is nice to know there are managers like you out there who wouldn't care. And to be fair I doubt mine would either, but I have aspirations and I don't want tattoos to be the reason I'm held back. Not that I Can change that at this point in my life.

UrAssIsSaaS

Arsonist

4

SaaS Eater

You should just ask some people that you trust, and even some of the crusty old peeps that worry you. Worst case they tell you it impacts their perception and you wear a long sleeve shirt every day.

UserNotFound

Politicker

6

Account Executive

If you’re in SaaS, you’re selling to people who are adopting new ideas and who are forward thinking already. Challenge the status quo, just like you’re supposed to in prospect interactions! I actually find tattoos to be a great ice breaker- built in conversation starter. Also, honestly screw anyone who can’t deal with (non-offensive) tattoos on a client facing employee. It’s time we worry more about douchey employees who send dick pics, or have other inappropriate interactions more than we worry about tattoos.

FattySnacks

Politicker

0

Senior Account Executive

Love this POV!

privateryan

Politicker

6

Director of Sales

We just hired a rep with a full sleeve and gauges in his ears. You’re good…

alecabral

Arsonist

4

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

If they do change their perception, I'd say get a new job. There's nothing wrong with tattoos, and I get it, some people might be a bit impressed by them but that's on them, not on you. Tattoos won't affect your performance, and they will not affect your relationships with customers evidently so it shouldn't alter the way you are perceived as an employee.

That being said, you can't control what other people feel when they see them. Nothing wrong there either, but my point is don't sweat over it. you're fine!

Incognito

WR Officer

6

Master of Disaster

“Get a new job”’ should never be the answer to every single issue.

If I’m at a top firm and everything is awesome except that they want me to dress a certain way, I’m getting a new fucking wardrobe.

alecabral

Arsonist

1

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

It's not, but sometimes it is the right answer. Good thing here is it doesn't look anyone is giving him a hard time!

Incognito

WR Officer

1

Master of Disaster

Over hiding a tattoo? Seriously?

FattySnacks

Politicker

1

Senior Account Executive

"Get a new job" is the easy cop-out answer and what I was hoping to avoid. I love my company, team, and leaders. I'm not just going to leave even if this raises some red flags in their perception. I'm here to win not quit based on an assumption or even someone being rubbed the wrong way.

FattySnacks

Politicker

1

Senior Account Executive

Facts! Thanks Alec.

alecabral

Arsonist

1

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

Of course man, wear those proudly!

Incognito

WR Officer

4

Master of Disaster

🙋🏻‍♀️ Working on my full bodysuit here

as I stated in the other thread, I do wear long sleeves and attempt to cover them, but I don’t go completely out of my way to hide every damned line. I look professional, act professional and that’s enough.

if you’re self conscious about it, other people will make it a thing. If you don’t care, they won’t.

At the end of the day, if you’re making money they can STFU.

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

3

☕️

Great data points here: https://bravado.co/war-room/posts/tattoos-where-does-this-group-stand-on-visible-tattoos-in-2021

FattySnacks

Politicker

1

Senior Account Executive

Didn't even see this post, thanks!

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

1

Rolling 20's all day

I guess part of the question is what do you have tattoos of? People now more than ever care less about tattoos, but there are limitations obviously for what some consider acceptable.

If you are doing well in your role and have great relationships already, I wouldn't worry about it. If someone from your company decides to judge you based on your outward appearance after getting to know you (and you're pulling your weight) then they are the one who deserves a talking to, not you.

Even if an exec had a problem with them, your actions, performance and reputation that you've built should keep you in good standing. Just keep selling the shit out of your product and they shouldn't say a word.

FattySnacks

Politicker

0

Senior Account Executive

So this is my general line of thinking as well. And for context, my tattoos are definitely not "kosher". A good friend of mine was killed in 2012 so we took his art book and we each tattooed drawings of his on ourselves. Mine is large, dark, and not very "business friendly"

My plan is to keep crushing numbers and hope it doesn't matter. But that part of me still worries if my SVP of Sales will get a bad taste in her mouth. We just got bought out by a large company as well so that weighs on my mind.

I love my role and company and as much as I'm a "take me as I am or don't at all" type of person, I don't want to take a step back.

Incognito

WR Officer

2

Master of Disaster

I have skulls and naked ladies everywhere so 🤷‍♀️

Also, I’d bet $100M that corporate would rather you cover up giant tats of unicorns

FeedTheKids

Politicker

1

Solutions Consultant

I think you're overthinking it.....

95% of ppl don't care. I've worked for the "old school" CEO who does and it just ends up being a way for him to give me shit.

These days, I feel like the stats have to be crazy where something like 1/5 employees has at least 1 tat.

(They are not always visible...)

Anonymous_Sales_VP

1

AVP, Enterprise Sales North America

Keep in mind that most leaders in organizations today were born in the 80s or 90s and them having tattoos that you may not see is likely. I have tattoos, you can see them if I am wearing a polo or tee and I don't care. All I care about in my people is their work product, the results, how they interact with each other and the rest of the organization. I could care less if they have tattoos visible (the obvious exception being anything offensive or inappropriate) so I'd encourage you to spend your mental and emotional energy on your impact on the business vs your tattoos. How you dress and present yourself is going to have a far greater impact even than your tattoo.

happyhunter

Politicker

1

spittin' sunshine

In this day and age most people don't care but I completely understand where you are coming from. I would talk to your fellow coworkers and managers and get their input in regars to the types of people/businesses you will be facing (because yes you're right, people still do suck unfortunately).

I have a small tattoo behind my ear and my manager just noticed it for the first time after 1.5 years working here. He asked why I had it but didn't seem to care too much (def still thought it was a weird placement for a tattoo but whatever).
I'll still most likely make sure it's covered when I'm in certain client-facing situations thought just because there are still people out there who think tattoos=you're a bad person hahaha.

Upper_Class_SaaS

Politicker

1

Account Executive

I have had the same thoughts in the past as well. I definitely eased my way into the role and got to know people and let them get to know me and my personality so that they don't judge me based on my tatts.

So I'd say once you feel you've established relationships with your peers and management there should be no reason to hide them.

Jimsalestheblue

Opinionated

1

Sales development representative

I think for a more professional look tattoos should be covered up but hey it’s 2021 now almost everything is acceptable

TheDeplorable

Politicker

1

AE

I just got a half sleeve and my sales manager and VP commented that they loved it

CastleIsland

Tycoon

1

Associate Account Director

I'd say if it is a real SaaS startup that lets people wear whatever/look however you want, you're fine being yourself internally and showing your tats proud. If you're out in the field face to face with prospect/clients, or at a conference, I'd go with the wearing sleeves route.

Smackdown

Good Citizen

1

Regional Sales Manager

I sell SaaS, I’m currently a clean skin working on the biggest deal of my sales career, as soon as I close it, I’m tatting up baby! Been hanging to reward myself for all the effort 👊🏻

FattySnacks

Politicker

0

Senior Account Executive

Oh shit now this is what I like to hear! Any ideas what the piece will be?

SaaSyBee

Politicker

1

Founder

Tattoos are typically welcome in tech. The last company I worked at, everyone was tattooed. (Like 80% of the people)

AssistantToTheRegional

Politicker

1

Enterprise Account Executive

I have a full sleeve. I think it does, but I think the times are changing as ole BD would say. I used to catch a lot of shit but pivoted into an industry where people look like me and it's made it a lot easier.

Still frowned upon within front line sellers but not as much as it was 7 years ago.

CaneWolf

Politicker

1

Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract

You’re overthinking this. I know people waaaay more inked than you in some pretty senior roles.

SaaSGuy313

Opinionated

1

SDR

Usually from my experience Sales doesn’t generally mind tattoos, but I definitely agree the older more traditional crowd tries to bring up visible tattoos (I have the top of my arm and forearm done) more often than younger peers. I live by the belief that my tattoos don’t define my skillset, if I’m getting the job done as it should be and hitting quota, that’s what should matter imo not how inked I am

FattySnacks

Politicker

0

Senior Account Executive

Love this

TheShark

Good Citizen

1

VP

When my staff learns/sees that I have tattoos I think that they sometimes think I'm a lot cooler than I actually am. I'm not.

Fenderbaum

Politicker

1

Retired Choirboy🪕

Face tattoos are a no... be on the safe side and cover them.

Alex

Executive

1

Account Executive

Depends on your segment for sure. If you're in a startup selling to startups, nobody cares. That may change if you sell more traditional products to more traditional companies.

I have half a sleeve and 3/4ths sleeve, been at two startups (350 people or less), and nobody batted an eye at either. People thought it was cool, and it was a conversation starter. With prospects, they usually don't see, or if they do, it's after we've had a few calls and I'm comfortable enough to wear a tshirt on Zoom. For initial calls where I feel they may be more traditional, or legal is involved, I'll just throw on a long-sleeve.

Blackwargreymon

Politicker

1

MDR

I personally couldn't care less about your tattoos.

Error32

Politicker

0

ISR

Great question! Personally, I think it is. Not kiss up to them, but being visible in the company and having a positive feeling towards yourself from others goes a long way without a doubt.

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