I recently spent the day at the national conference of the Canadian Society for Training and Development. Because I went directly to the conference from my weekly corporate networking group, I was still dressed in my 3 piece suit. And because it was chilly outside, I wore my new fedora (look left.) Picture the scene – this was a 3-day convention of workshops and lectures – not exactly a formal event. Most attendees were dressed in business casual attire. Now add me to that mix – a 6 foot 3 inch man wearing a custom tailored 3-piece suit and a wool fedora. I have to tell you, I felt a little over dressed at first (to say the least.) But I soon got over that initial feeling because I realized that I had a powerful tool to leverage. It was so easy for me to strike up conversations with the attendees and exhibitors because I literally ‘stood out from the crowd.’ As a professional speaker, that has its advantages. I didn’t need to push my services on anyone because each and every person I spoke with looked me up and down, then asked me what I do (even the exhibitors who are usually focused on giving their pitch.)
I was at the convention with my friend and colleague Lisa Taylor (read more about Lisa’s cool business Challenge Factory.) While I was exploring the trade show floor, she has a conversation with two women she’d never met. When she found out that they were seeking a speaker for their 2012 conference, she told them to find me and mentioned that I’d be easy to spot because of my hat. One of them said “Oh! Him! I was going to approach him and tell him how much I liked his hat.”
Think of that for a second – there were over a thousand people at one of Toronto’s largest venues. Out of all those people, this woman knew exactly who Lisa was talking about! (I ended up meeting them and am in discussions about presenting at their conference next year.)
So, what do you do to stand out from the crowd? How can you look or behave in a way that sets you apart from those around you? Let me know down in the comments!
Dan, your story reminds me of the dust-covered cowboy who tethers his flea-bitten horse outside the saloon. They both look like they’ve been buried in the desert for weeks. He orders a scotch and downs it in one gulp. Stepping outside, he removes a large bat from his saddle and faces his horse. He winds up andhits the horse on the side of his head – whereupon the horse wobbles and almost falls to his knees.
Another cowboy, having witnessed this bizarre behaviour, asks: “What the hell was that all about? The first cowboy answers: “It’s time for my horse to eat.” The second cowboy presses on: “But what was that whole thing with the bat? Ya almost killed your horse!” To which the dusty cowboy replies: “Yup, but first ya got to get his attention…”
We all have to figure out how to get our potential audience’s attention. Whether it’s a fedora or a bat, we’ve got to make it easy for them to notice us. Then, and only then, do we get a chance to shine – and show them what we can really do.
A tip of the bat – I mean ‘hat’ – to you for your insights. Keep them coming.
Bob Presner
President
Beyond the Box, Inc.
Great stuff Dan!
I read a really interesting book years ago written by a famous PUA(Pick Up Artist) and he called the technique “peacocking”. Just like the bird, you are showing your “feathers”. Just a way of making others(especially members of the opposite sex) open you instead of you opening them.
Sounds like it works! Lol
Always enjoy reading your stuff. Have a great Holiday Season!
Hart
Great Stuff.
I love getting these…especially on monday mornings…gets me thinking as I’m planning my week.
How do I stand out? I often wear jeans, and dress shirt and tie to work. It’s really comfortable, and I think it “confuses” people. Am I dressed up or dressed down? I mostly counsel 20-something students at a community college and I want to establish credibility as a professional (shirt and tie)…but don’t want to appear as an unapproachable, unrelatable administrator (hence dress jeans)… So I think my attire covers a couple of bases.
Now, if only I could pull off a Fedora like you do!
Great personal branding example here Dan. The way that you present your brand in terms of image is memorable but also comfortable that you could go from one event to another without having to ‘change’. It was also still relevant to both audiences. A favourite and distinctive colour can also be a great way to exude your brand and still remain congruent to your audience. Just my toonies worth.