As you already know, I am a firm believer in using fashion as an effective business tool.
Your next networking event is a great opportunity for you to put my philosophy into practice.
Why?
Because I know you will instantly get results! Plus, whether you’re aware of it or not, you’ve probably already been putting it into practice.
Has anyone every approached you at a professional networking event and complimented something you’re wearing? Have you ever jumpstarted a conversation this way yourself?
I bet so.
It’s human nature to visualize before we verbalize. Compliments are an easy ice-breaker. This means you want to use them to your best advantage and turn compliments into conversations.
Jewelry is the most successful fashion conversation starter at networking events. Both women and men feel comfortable complimenting or commenting on a piece of jewelry. It’s considered in the safe zone.
Plus, when another professional feels compelled to let you know they like something you are wearing…it’s as if you instantly have something in common…and if you have similar aesthetics, they’re likely to think, “I wonder what more we might have in common?”
Let me add, even when a fellow networker doesn’t actually say anything directly about the jewelry you’re wearing, if it’s something they like, they will still be intrigued by the piece and by you.
It doesn’t just have to be limited to the jewelry that you wear. You may have heard recently about the Batia Ofer charity event that involved Fabio Salini’s exquisite jewels up for auction. It was an event that was an embarrassment of riches when it came to the people attending. Events like that are a wonderful opportunity for networking, whether you’re there to buy jewelry, sell it, or just show support.
The networking business relationship often starts with the visual and ends with the substantive.
Necklaces, earrings, and rings have the most impact because they are at eye level with other networkers. Wear your favorite networking bracelet or ring on the hand that holds your drink beverage or food plate to bring it up to eye level. For example, if you are a right-handed person, you may want to wear your Two Finger Ring in your right hand to show it off in the most traditional way.
On a similar note, there are other fashionable rings apart from gold, silver, or platinum that one can wear as an appealing accessory to business events. For instance, you can wear a silicone wedding ring as a statement piece. However, you may have to search for Silicone rings for women online and find a good store where you can get them.
I recommend wearing one eye-catching piece of jewelry to networking events. It doesn’t have to be dramatic or over-the-top to be effective; it’s most important for it to be visually fascinating and personally flattering.
Here are some jewelry ideas to wear to your next networking event:
Gold Crescent Cascade Necklace, Baublebar, $32 | Kate Spade Scallop Hoop Earrings, Piperlime, $68 | Aqua Enameled Bangle, JCrew, $98 | Trink Turk Ring, Piperlime, $85 | Pave Links Bracelet, Baublebar, $78 | Ruby Shan Necklace, Baublebar, $28 | Emerald Drop Earrings, Baublebar, $24 | CC Skye Spike Bracelet, Shopbop, $125 | Hive & Honey Swirl Ring, Piperlime, $18.
Do you ever buy jewelry specifically for work and networking events? If so, do you have any more recommendations for readers? If not, have these fashion biz tips helped you view jewelry in a new way?
Image credit: traditionalelements.tumblr.com. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.
Interesting! I believe you can show confidence in what you wear, what you say and how you act. It’s really important that you discover your own personal style so you don’t have to look like someone else. You can be you. Dress how you want to dress but dress appropriately. Think about what others might be thinking of you because you only have those 7 to 17 seconds to make a great first impression so you have to make it count.
Great post – I had never considered jewelry to be a networking tool before, but I would have to agree, it’s an easy conversation starter.
YES! I am a huge believer in this! (Plus I just love bold jewelry.) Madeleine Albright stated that many of her negotiations started off with comments about the other person’s accessories (e.g., “I really like your tie!”) I blogged about that here – http://www.curvyceo.com/2012/07/26/make-a-statement/
This is brilliant. You’re totally right too – it’s a great way to start a conversation, and it’s definitely something people have used to start conversations with me.
I’ve been reading other advice to not wear splashy jewelry, to let the personality and competence shine through at interviews, etc. But it seems to boring! I prefer to add a little punch to an outfit, but I hope to still keep conservative. Any tips for navigating that line?
Great question! There are multiple effective and non-boring ways to wear jewelry for an interview. One I recommend wearing is the minimalist jewelry trend which offers simple yet modern designs. Check Gorjana brand as an example.