I'm going to the boondocks

Next week. To Webster County, West Virginia to conduct an on-site investigation against a school.

When I say boondocks, I mean it. It's in the mountains of WV, and the closest hotel is an hour away.

I want them to feel slightly intimidated, but also comfortable enough to talk freely with me, thinking I'm their ally.

So, what should i wear? Suit? Business casual?

Message edited 1/16/2008 7:38:38 AM.

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

oh man!! well.. DHs family is all from way out in western PA- not quite west virginia, but very close! LOL so i know that kind of area and people pretty well...
everything is sooo much more casual in places like that that i think you would definitely intimidate them TOO much if you wore a suit... i would do some nicer business casual just to make yourself slightly more approachable to them. good luck!!

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I went to WV for a weekend...once! I felt like I was in another country!!

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

I would go as casual as possible, maybe even jeans. I think the goal has to be fitting in and blending. Good luck and enjoy your free nights. Heck a hotel is a hotel, even in the boonies.

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

Definately business casual & nothing over the top. I think if you even wear kahkis & a nice sweater, you will be good.

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

Don't underestimate the boondocks. They may live at a slower pace but they are probably more saavy than you think.

Business casual should be fine but conduct yourself as you would any other client.

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

Posted by 2girlsforme

I would go as casual as possible, maybe even jeans. I think the goal has to be fitting in and blending. Good luck and enjoy your free nights. Heck a hotel is a hotel, even in the boonies.

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

Posted by Bxgell2

Posted by 2girlsforme

I would go as casual as possible, maybe even jeans. I think the goal has to be fitting in and blending. Good luck and enjoy your free nights. Heck a hotel is a hotel, even in the boonies.

I don't know about that!! My biggest concern?? I'm a vegetarian. I have this sinking feeling I will be eating pretzels for 4 days straight

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

Posted by Blu-ize

Posted by Bxgell2

Posted by 2girlsforme

I would go as casual as possible, maybe even jeans. I think the goal has to be fitting in and blending. Good luck and enjoy your free nights. Heck a hotel is a hotel, even in the boonies.

I don't know about that!! My biggest concern?? I'm a vegetarian. I have this sinking feeling I will be eating pretzels for 4 days straight

bring a cooler with some stuff..are you driving out there?

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

I definitely think you are right. Sounds like mooo country out there!

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

I am sure one of the several towns between the hotel and the job site will have a local produce farm. You can either ask someone at the hotel or try google. You will not be stuck eating pretzels for a week.

ets: I agree with a previous poster, treat this job like any other job. People may live in smaller homes and have outhouses but they will be very savvy.

Message edited 1/16/2008 10:31:16 AM.

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

Definitely business casual! Maybe black pants and dress shirts?

My dad applied for a job in WV and most of the houses did not have indoor plumbing.

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

I live 45 minutes from WV right now. When you are expected to be dressed nice, things here are WAY more formal.

For example, I would wear dress pants a tee shirt (like a j crew tee) to work on LI. Here I have to wear at least a button down.

I would say to wear a suit, or at least a blazer.

Re: I'm going to the boondocks

I think if you have all your teeth you will intimidate them.

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Re: I'm going to the boondocks

I say dress business casual- sweater anda nice pair of pants.

To eat, bring some microwaveable stuff and stuff to make sandwhiches. I'm sure somewhere there will be a farmer's market where you can get some produce.