3 Ways We Brand Ourselves When Networking

Many people attend business networking events with the goal of marketing themselves and their company. Armed with a stack of business cards and possibly some flyers or company branded trinkets, they move through the event making introductions and handing out the above.

All of the above is relevant and can be effective in attaining the goals at hand. However, there are some finer details that should be taken into account as one hands out flyers, business cards, and company branded trinkets. It is the surface details and brands that I am speaking about.

Whether we realize it or not, when we come into contact with people for the first time, we are making unconscious impressions the whole time. We can take a advantage of these impressions if we pay attention to them.

The first step is our own awareness. When we are consciously aware, we can adjust and alter things in our favor. The following, are 3 brands we obviously present but leave unconscious impressions;

1. Our appearance.

You have probably met several people while out business networking and many may have had a stunning personality in which you could not forget. Do you remember what they looked like? If you do, they may have had an outstanding physical feature or it could have been in their wardrobe.

Branding is extremely important, especially when meeting for the first time. I know a guy who wears a bow tie opposed to the conventional kneck tie. He has a great personality but when he is referenced or comes to mind, I remember the bow tie.

2. Our mood and disposition

This ties into personality traits. If you attend a networking event and meet 30 people, what do you remember most about them? If they were dressed very uniquely, you would remember their wardrobe. If they said something insulting, you'd remember the bad comment. But, how much would you remember the person who seemed to be in an enthusiastic mood and made you laugh and smile? This person may not have even had an interesting product or service to offer but when he/she is following up with you, you will remember how good it felt to speak with them. There's the brand!

3. Our verbal delivery

Most people, according to Neuro Linguistic Programming are "Visual". This means that they will remember mostly what they saw. However, a great many are "Auditory". This means that they will remember how a person sounds and even the acoustics of the room. The way you speak to someone is very important when it comes to your tone. An uncomfortable tonal delivery can leave a traumatic brand in a person's mind. So, speaking pleasantly and in a calm tone will help to leave a more positive brand.

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John H. Lee (JohnTheNetworker) is a Lead Generation Specialist, Host, and Consultant, of professional and social events in the Greater Philadelphia Area, Philadelphia Pennsylvania.