#ConferenceSeason Tip #10 – Dress To Impress
Conference Season is upon us, and with so conferences in different locations around the country, you should be thinking about the wardrobe you will be bringing to help put your best foot forward.
My number one dressing rule for any conference is WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. You will be walking and standing for most of the day. Plus, at many conferences there maybe a long walk to get from your room to conference center. A pair of uncomfortable shoes can leave your feet in shambles causing you to not have the same energy you would usually to mingle around a room or explore an exhibit floor. When talking with a prospective client, you want to be able to focus on what they are saying and not on how much your feet hurt.
You will also want to look into the location and time of year for your event to an idea on how to dress. For example, Affiliate Summit East will be held in Philadelphia from August 18-20. The average temperature in Philadelphia at that time is mid 80s. Now granted, most of one’s time spent at a conference will likely be indoors, but still you want to be sure that you are cool and comfortable when meeting prospective clients.
Look sharp, feel sharp, and be sharp.
Try to stay away from things like worn jeans, shorts, or anything that may look fine for hanging at a local bar. How you dress will definitely be a part of the first impression you give to those you are meeting with. So it is best if you give them the confidence that you are a professional and run your business in that manner as well. We have a saying here, that if you look sharp, you’ll feel sharp, and therefore will be sharp. Meaning, that even if you dress professionally that tends to have an effect on even the way you feel. You may feel more confident and ready to take on new business deals when you are polished rather than when you are coming from the gym for example.
How you dress could play a big factor in a prospective client’s decision to engage in conversation with you about your business. If you show up to a professional conference in a t-shirt and some sandals, they may wonder how serious you are about your online marketing business and have doubts about the possibility of a mutually beneficial relationship.
Now, I’m not saying you need to run out to the local tuxedo rental store and get a spiffy tux for the next show. In fact, many conferences in our industry are a little more casual than what I would image a conference for actuaries might be. There are not a lot of suit and ties on conference floors for example, but business casual is usually always acceptable. You can always take a look at some photo galleries on the website for the conference you will be attending. Typically, you can get a good sense of what the “dress code” will be for the conference based on past photos.
So remember, dress smart, smile, and you will be ready to talk to prospective clients and start building solid business relationships!
Today’s takeaway: Wear comfortable shoes, dress to impress, and you will have a successful conference season!
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