KGCanada

Senior Executive

Arsonist

Executive

Tattoos - Where does THIS group stand on visible tattoos in 2021.

In my 40's with visible tattoos on my arms.

I don't care, don't explain and believe we should be past this stigma in our profession.

Where does THIS group sit on visible tattoos in sales.

Visible Tattoos in Professional Selling...

Attached poll

Who cares, it's art man.... Still a BIG NO... Maybe, just not for me... My opinion is strong and my comment will explain.

*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.

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101 comment

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BlueJays2591

Politicker

Federal Business Dev Director

I have 2 full sleeves from my time in the Army. Never had an issue with them.

LordOfWar

Tycoon

Blow it up

I have tats from my time in the service too, all my customers are in defence and although many say they like them, none have ever complained.

I made the joke they should be mandatory at the office, didn't go over so well...

Beasthouse

Opinionated

Corporate trainer

i know a firm that lost a contract cuz the new owner made the rule that tattoos where mandatory... they sold tat equipment lol

LordOfWar

Tycoon

Blow it up

Haha thats amazing.

"Ok, we agree to the terms, where should I sign?"
"On the line on my thigh, dude!"

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

GOOD!!!

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

That's badass bluejay 🌟

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

I don't have any tattoos but don't give one shit if someone else does and I see them. Unless you have FUCK YOU scrawled across your forehead and in that case I'll assume you're at least partially unhinged but other than that...who cares?

That said, anyone with visible tattoos should be prepared to be asked to cover them up if selling to traditional white collar industry contacts like Finance or Law. It's just the way it is still.

LordOfWar

Tycoon

Blow it up

What about knuckle tats? IMDA/JUGE and CASH/MONY should fit in well with law and finance, no?

I have seen way too many bad knuckle tats of "Love/Hate" or my favorite, an old Sgt I had who had "your/next".

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

Knuckle tat AND an incorrect use of "your" ...lord give me strength.

I recently saw a photo of a girl who got CERB as a knuckle tat...enough said.

LordOfWar

Tycoon

Blow it up

Hahaaa CERB, what a time to be alive.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Agree and agree. Thank you for taking time to write up your thoughts as well.

CoorsKing

WR Officer

Retired King of the Coors Knights

My opinion is anything except the upper neck/face is ok in a business setting. You can cover up other areas if needed if meeting with more conservative prospects, but other than that, who cares? What you do with yourself is no business of mine lol.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Appreciate the thoughtful response BIGMEECH!!

Beasthouse

Opinionated

Corporate trainer

i hate that i agree but i do cuz there's not much you can say to make face tattoos relevant or helpful to a meeting lol

tonysoprano

Big Shot

Sr. AE

i haven't heard of this being an issue especially in 2021. Most people don't even hide them anymore like wearing long sleeves to hide arm tats.
People might disagree with that when it comes to face tattoos, like if post malone walked into an interview, but at the end of the day it's usually self expression and should be treated as such, i think.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Great point (I agree) Tonysoprano... always curious what the response is under anonymity.

hurryupandbuy

Senior Account Executive

Regardless of your personal stance and whether anyone ever says anything to you, psychology and human nature dictate that it will always be a noticeable distraction, even if just for a second. Whether that's a good thing or bad thing depends on the prospect/customer.

Chep

WR Officer

Bitcoin Adoption Specialist

Big fan and from what I can tell in my short experience in the corporate world it seems like people are becoming much more comfortable with them

LordOfWar

Tycoon

Blow it up

It shows you can put up with a few pricks and stay in an uncomfortable position for a long time, it should be a perfect pre-req for a corp hire.

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

I see what u did there

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Thanks Chep!

SalesSage

Valued Contributor

National Account Manager

I think the person judging has more said about them than the person showing the tattoo. I wear mine with pride. I have also sported a colored streak in my hair that was temporary when I knew I wouldn't be client facing. I did run across HR at the time and I was thinking OH CRAP but she actually said Oh, I want that too but I have to time it right for meetings etc.... so it is technically okay but potentially frowned upon for certain meetings, as I had already assumed. This was also 3 years ago and in the past few years I think things have really come a long way with all these subjects. I think the world could learn a lot if instead of judging or assuming something people asked for the reason behind the body art.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Beautiful take.
Appreciate the time to respond.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

You're obviously new. My name is incognito and 60% of my body is currently covered in tattoos. No, I'm not stopping any time soon and I currently work for one of the largest brokerages in the country in Manhattan.

I have spent most of my life with visible tattoos (I'm still wondering if I'm actually the oldest person in the WR haha), and I've learned a few things.

1. You will be judged, but it will only negatively impact you if you act self conscious about it. Cover them if you can, but don't think about it after that. Be yourself, and don't apologize.

2. Corporate absofuckinglutely cares. Get to a place where you're good enough to not give a fuck what they think or can be targeted for bullshit.

3. Your clients do not care. Even if they're the golden child of the Republican party, ultra religious and have the most conservative social values ever. Clients only care how you bring them value. If you're doing that, you could be wearing a clown costume every day (with the caveat that you have already won them as clients. If its a first introduction to a prospect, hide that shit or you better have a good reputation already).

4. If your tattoos are visible, know that you will have to work twice as hard as everyone else that fits the corporate mold. However, once you've made it, you'll definitely get 10000x more respect because you're unique and not boring.

5. For the love of fuck, don't tattoo your face. Ever. Or your neck. Unless you're selling crack on a street corner or actually a tattoo artist.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Interesting take, not new at all...appreciate the passion.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

apologies for assuming *everyone* already knew all about ME or they HAD to be new hahahaha

Also, I would assume that people are more open minded about these things in Canada. At least that has been my experience.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

I did too... we have idiots here - we hide them well I guess.
Liberal in some instances and stupid in others.

Great to "meet" Incognito...keep the excellent insights coming.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

*pssst* I'm an expat

But it's been awhile since I've been north.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

always welcome home.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

not yet - I wish! Last I heard there was still a mandatory 2 week quarantine. Haven't seen my family in like 2 years.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

2 vax shots, and there should be "limited" to no quarantine in the coming weeks... Family ties to the aviation industry helped with that update.
Happy to keep you (verified info) updated

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

I've been fully vaxxed since March. At least you guys are getting doses finally! It's all I hear about from the fam - worries that they won't have access.

CharmingSalesGal

Politicker

Account Executive

I've never had an issue with tattoos in general but I grew up in a household that they were NOT okay. My mom finally gave the standard of "they need to be small, tasteful and in a place that will be hidden by a wedding dress." I now have 8 small tattoos and only one is completely not visible in a work setting. I've never had anyone say anything to me but did have a colleague a few months back tell me that our CEO made a comment about her unprofessional tattoo and that it should be covered. Mind you, her tattoo was on her ribcage so maybe it was more about the attire than the tattoo itself...

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

When is it appropriate to show your ribcage at work? Lol, def sounds like an issue with clothing and not tattoos.

CharmingSalesGal

Politicker

Account Executive

Right. 😂 We have a pretty laid back dress code and she was wearing a cute dress that was halter style so when she moved, you could see it.

HappyGilmore

Politicker

Account Executive

I personally don't have any (just not for me), however I've got zero problem with those that have them and are visible. By all means it shouldn't be a detriment in our industry. It doesn't affect someones ability to sell and close deals.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Love the open minded approach Happy.

Gyro25

Notorious Answer

Account Executive

I have no tattoos and really don't care what people have on their body as long as it's not something like a giant forehead or neck tattoo with the monster energy logo(you'd be surprised how common that is).

LordOfWar

Tycoon

Blow it up

"No Ragrets"

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Thanks for the very vivid description of most MTV reality "stars"...
Moreover, thank you for sharing your thoughts as a non-inked human.

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

Ooh you know someone with a Monster energy neck tat? Sexy, do you have their number?

BillyMays

Good Citizen

Account Executive

My friend has a neck tattoo and sells Mid-Market SaaS at a great startup soon to IPO. It’s been hard for him to find work, but he’s been successful. Very boomer to judge someone’s ability to perform based on some ink.

LordOfWar

Tycoon

Blow it up

100% boomer attitude. A bit of mid-life crisis mixed with "the kids these days" mentality.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Agreed, happy to see the overwhelming responses in support of tattoos.

detectivegibbles

Politicker

Sales Director

Who gives a flying f***?

Are they a good person? Do they bring value to your business/job/life?

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

pretty much how (most) here feel as well.
Curious to see how others feel.

AssistantToTheRegional

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

I was one told you couldn't make it in sales if you had visible tattoos and I can tell you from a w2 perspective that's a LIE.

I have a full sleeve. Top 10 in my company.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Crush it and record the results in more art!

queenops

Opinionated

Maker of Sales

I haven't ever had any issue with my tattoos with management, BUT I do get a constant inflow of "what do your tattoos mean?" in the workplace. I find this annoying because their significance is personal to me, but maybe it's an opportunity to connect with a customer if I can come up with a better answer than "uhh... I like birds."

How do you all field this question if you get it?

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

Just get so fucking many that they don't know where to start.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Yeah, that one is always fun...have some "stories" for idiots that are fun and then the truth for others.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

@KGCanada - you have to tell us at least one fun "story". Don't leave us hanging!

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

I have a large eagle on my back that (for me) is a reflection on 11 years sober. Touchy topic....
I've told people its the bird that scooped up and killed my cat in the backyard and I never want to forget.
I've *very excitedly* yelled.. "THERE'S AN EAGLE WHERE?!?!?!"

queenops

Opinionated

Maker of Sales

lol my favorite is always "what, WHERE?"

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

I have flames tattooed on my crotch. I did it when I was *barely* 18. I still think it's hilarious. SO MANY JOKES.... (while singing "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash)...."burning bush", "play with fire, you'll get burned", "too hot to handle"....I actually don't even tell anyone anymore because I forget it's there. I will say that any new lover gets a bit of a surprise, but I'm so covered anyway that it isn't really.

Mr.Pickles

Arsonist

Sr. Customer Success Manager

I love tattoos - don't have any yet... but I don't see why not :D

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Its one of those topics that has evolved over my life time.. curious to see if others believe in progress.

Mr.Pickles

Arsonist

Sr. Customer Success Manager

I'm stoked to get one - I love foxes, bears, and owls... something around those animals. Tattoos are part of every single culture especially the American (north and south America) I think is the legacy of our roots :)

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

THAT... my friend, is a GREAT take!!!

More of this.

Mr.Pickles

Arsonist

Sr. Customer Success Manager

Thank you - Holistic approach to this topic is necessary

Beans

Big Shot

Enterprise Account Executive

Chest and both arms, knees and calves here. As long as they’re hidden when I’m suited that’s all that matters to keep the old guard quiet.

Mudmoon18

Politicker

Sales Manager

I don’t have any tattoos but tbh I think I do judge people based on the QUALITY of their tats. We interviewed one guy who was visibly tatted on his hands and neck but they were so nice. Like real David Beckham type stuff. Hired him and he’s awesome. Like maybe it just signals to my brain this person holds themselves to a high standard and won’t settle for poor quality. On the other hand we hired a CS leader with super ugly tats and she ended up being garbage. Kinda confirming my bias…

plssircanigetanotherpo

Executive

It really depends on which type of customers you're selling to. If it's old-school, suit-up-to-the-meetings, selling to the VITOs who will address you as "sweetie or young man", then it's best practice to hide your tattoos unless it's impossible to do so coz you're like Mike Tyson and got one on the face.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Full Mike Tyson...but only when demanding PO's and collecting invoices....

sugardaddy

Politicker

🍬

I got full sleeve on both arms and a whole back. No problem for my clients.

It’s art man! 😂👏🏻

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Would ya come on man..... its just art bro!
Love it... thanks

Kanyebut4sales

WR Lieutenant

Account Executive

Ink my whole body... maybe avoid the face

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

DO IT!!!!! LoL. Great post.

No_ty

Politicker

Sales Dir.

I have tattoos, so does my husband. We are 30+. So I guess it depends on how comfortable you feel about it

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

yeah, this has been really passionate a topic.
Appreciate the response.

Swarthymovie

Arsonist

SDR

I have tattoos, but not on really visible places like my hands or neck, I would LOVE to have them but it's a big no for a lot of companies and I don't want to miss a dream opportunity just because someone thinks that I'm a criminal ore something like that just because I have a lot of tattoos #SadBoi

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

This is what I expected to hear more of truly. The World is changing views, hope you have opportunity to express yourself and crush opportunities as well.

Swarthymovie

Arsonist

SDR

thanks mate, hopefully my dream job wont mind if i have neck and hands fully tatooed hahaha

Justatitle

Big Shot

Account Executive

I get that there’s preconceived notions about tattoos. With that said what does the persons looks and appearance have to do with what product they are offering… hint:absolutely none. Disclaimer: I don’t have any tattoos but people who judge others for their appearance are dregs of society

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

Thanks for the honest thoughts. Appreciate the support!

Boutdamtime

Politicker

Client Executive

I have visible tattoos and I wear long sleeves all the time even on hot days. I don’t want potential prospects to judge me based on that because they inevitably will. The hardest objection to overcome is the one never spoken but only thought.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

This 100% SUCKS and is also very real.
Sorry to hear you feel this way about your art, hope the views change for us soon

Boutdamtime

Politicker

Client Executive

I know the people I sell to are judgmental pricks with old money. It’s just my reality. I wish I was selling to people my age but the reality is C suite executives in their 50s aren’t all cool with tattoos. 😞

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

old money.... we hit the actual issue on the head I think.

JesusChrist

Good Citizen

Sales Manager

I have full sleeves… Depends on the role, but when I was a suit guy I wouldn’t have to worry about it. Now I’m casual and on zoom - but I still catch myself placing my arms out of camera view - for whatever reason the conservative part of my mind feels that people view it differently. In reality they are likely more intrigued.

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

It sucks, and listen...it's a small pain in retrospect...
But judgement sucks and that's the point.

Be well out there, thank you for the comment!

APalmoze

Good Citizen

Business Development

hmmmmm

Blackwargreymon

Politicker

MDR

I have 2 full sleeves from my time in the Army. Never had an issue with them.

fuzzy

Notable Contributor

CMO (Chief Meme Officer)

I am all about tattoos, but if they're in "bad taste" then cover that shit up. I don't want to stare at your teenage mistake all meeting.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

curious about your thoughts on the new "black out" trend

fuzzy

Notable Contributor

CMO (Chief Meme Officer)

Kinda lazy imho. Of course it’s circumstantial. a talented artist could do a cover up.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

some people are really into it. I have cover ups, and for sure it's not hard to do. Most of the people I know who have done it are heavily tatted up anyway, and want a different, clean look. Personally, I'm not a fan but I'm not a tribal aesthetic kinda person anyway.

There's also the extreme black out crew. Those who do it to inflict/receive as much pain as possible. It's kinda a cult. Like blood everywhere.

AutoSmiler

Arsonist

Account Executive

You're honestly an ignorant prick if your judging someone's professional demeanor because they have tattoos. Some of the smartest people I know are the most tatted people I'll ever meet. As they say tho, ignorance is bliss...I guess

KGCanada

Arsonist

Senior Executive

for some I guess it is. I'd rather less ignorance, but hey!

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KGCanada

Tattoos - Where does THIS group stand on visible tattoos in 2021.

Visible Tattoos in Professional Selling...

101 comment

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