Light up the Room

People often form an impression of you before you speak. That is, if they actually see you. How can you capitalize on that and get seen – and draw positive attention to yourself?

When I first started attending business networking events, years ago, everyone dressed the same. Arriving on site, I saw mostly a sea of black. Some navy blue, brown, and white. There was a stiffness of movement and conversation. Unless people knew each other well. But at networking events, you often encounter new people. Trying to get together can feel and look awkward.

A friend had started selling Mary Kay cosmetics and helping people find clothing colors that flattered them. I found my colors. But, it didn’t seem right to wear them to serious business networking events. I might stand out!

I had to admit that, if I could become more socially confident, I would welcome the opportunity to stand out. And benefit from it. Slowly spots of color were appearing at these events. Okay. Game on. I started dressing a bit more colorfully.

Then I found the jacket. I loved the look of it and how it looked on me! But I feared it would be too flashy. It was orange. Silky, shiny. I wore it over a black sweater - to tone it down a bit!

One day, I decided to up my game. I put on the jacket and walked into a networking event. I felt extremely self-conscious. Then people began coming up to talk to me and compliment me on the jacket. A man I’d never seen walked up and introduced himself. He said, “I saw you across the room and had to come over to meet the woman in the electric orange jacket!” This was actually fun!

Then it became easier to walk into a room full of strangers and stand out, be seen. You don’t have to wear electric orange or be flashy to draw people to you. Regular practice, loosening up, being curious, smiling, extending a hand to others – all of these things can certainly help you get noticed.

But do consider what you wear. Maybe something just a bit different from the crowd. Something that catches the eye, arouses curiosity, hints at your personality. A spark that lights up the room and draws people who might otherwise not bother to come over to your side to meet you.

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