Personal branding at events - presence beats dress code
Hey Personal Brands in the Making,
The next few weeks are going to be wild again: conferences, OMR, Founder Summit, panels, networking events, launch parties, logo walls. And they all have one thing in common: everyone wants to stand out in some way.
But here's the catch: if you shout too loudly, you will quickly be overheard.
Personal branding doesn't mean telling everyone your "secret of success". It means being visible - but being real.
What really stands out? Presence.
And it has nothing to do with a business blazer or designer pumps.
You don't need a Patek, shoulder pads or a power dress. What counts is your attitude. Your energy. Your charisma.
Wear what you really feel.
Not what looks "professional", but what suits you.
An authentic look stands out when it's real.
Your favorite ring. Your baggy pants. The bright blouse that makes you feel like yourself. The suit with tie and vest - if you're feeling it...
That's what sticks - not the copy-paste outfit from the industry handbook.
Events are your branding laboratory
Whether you are at a side event for the first time or your 3rd OMR is coming up - events are the best place to test your personal brand identity live.
- Does your pitch match the way you present yourself?
- Do your socials feel like you?
- Are you actually talking about what really moves you?
And please: Listen more than you talk.
The strongest connections are not made through the perfect elevator pitch - but through genuine interest. People find the conversations in which they themselves have more speaking time the greatest. POV: Be quiet sometimes and let others talk. This impresses more, subconsciously, than barely catching your breath between sentences.
8 tips for events that you really feel:
- Come earlier. Small talk without noise is underrated.
- In the evening, write down who inspired you - not just who reposted your story. Give a sincere compliment or write a sincere message afterwards.
- Be present - offline and online. But not 24/7 in posting mode. If you look at your cell phone all the time, you'll miss everything.
- Have something to pass on - whether it's a business card, QR code or simply a good sentence.
- While waiting in line at the bar, at the portafilter machine or in the queue, it's great to strike up a conversation. Again: Stay away from your cell phone!
- You notice something positive: Why don't you give a sincere compliment?
- Are you shy? A good opener can also be "I've decided to talk to 3 strangers today, and you're number 1. I'm xxx, nice to meet you!"
- And please: say what you do. Clearly, directly, without buzzwords. That's enough.
Conclusion:
Personal branding is not about volume or etiquette.
It's about attitude. About the feeling you leave behind.
Whether you come with sneakers, statement glasses or in a 5k suit with Patek - if it feels like you, it will be just right.
See you - somewhere between the stage and the bar.
Chantalle
