How Every Entrepreneur Should Dress for a Conference
If you’re an entrepreneur at a conference, first impressions are everything. It all starts with the way you dress. As a professional and innovator, you want to leave a lasting impression to attract new business and buzz around your idea. Here’s a look at a few handy tips for how to dress at a conference.
Know Your Industry
Before you even hit the showroom floor, it’s important to understand your industry. As an entrepreneur, chances are you have total control over your dress code. But what does your industry consider appropriate? Can you get away with working a uniform T-shirt and jeans or do you need to dress in custom business casual attire? Understanding your industry standard will help you get organized for your conference wardrobe.
Show off Your Brand
As a new figure on the scene, it’s important to take advantage of any opportunity to get your brand name out there. Consider using innovative ways to wear your brand. Perhaps that’s with a clever screen print company work shirt design, or maybe you make jewelry to show off your brand. Whatever it is, it should speak to what you’re trying to accomplish as an entrepreneur and bring a sense of intrigue. Get creative and think outside of the normal logo slapped on a T-shirt. Instead, use custom clothing to ask a provocative question, use a funny tagline, or create a hashtag to drum up some buzz. The point is to come up with something that will attract people to ask about your idea and company.
Dress Smart
Even industries that boast a more casual atmosphere require careful decision-making when it comes to outfits. Tuck in your shirt, don’t wear wrinkled or messy clothing, and smile. You don’t want to be intimidating, but you want to look smart, organized, and approachable. Your outfit should reflect that. Don’t be afraid to switch it up each day, but always keep those three principles in mind.
Be Innovative
You’re an entrepreneur. This means you are an idea person. You think outside of the norm. Your style and marketing should reflect that. Go beyond the basic branded work shirt and think about how those older innovations can be revived to work best for your brand. Don’t be shy about promotional products and be innovative from head to toe. Walk the walk by applying the same concepts of your unique idea to the way you dress at a conference. The result is a forward-thinking appearance that encourages people to approach and talk to you.
Be Friendly
Don’t be intimidating. For entrepreneurs, conferences are particularly tough because chances are you’re a new player on the game board. No one knows your brand or who you are just yet. You’ll spend a lot of your time approaching others instead of having a line of people waiting to approach you. It’s time to set your ego aside and be friendly. Dress in an approachable way. This goes beyond your outfit and translates to your accessories, hairstyle, makeup, and even your smile. A simple smile and charismatic attitude go a long way to make others feel comfortable. Don’t just tell, ask. See what other people are interested in and tailor your pitch to them. Don’t be afraid to chat with people who may not be interested in your idea—you never know who they are connected with. Be friendly, be kind, and be human.
Feel Confident
If you’re the kind of entrepreneur who isn’t too social, conferences can be tough spaces to survive in. You’ll want to dress in a way that gives you confidence. The last thing you want is to be fussing with an uncomfortable outfit. Think about wearing men or custom womens business uniforms that are comfortable and confidence-inspiring. Go for a silhouette that you are confident in. Stand tall and be proud of what you do, but don’t be over-zealous. Be bold, yet approachable. Professional, yet friendly, confident, and reassuring.
You’ll rock your next conference with these styling tips for entrepreneurs. Conferences offer a great opportunity to create real, lasting connections with potential partners, customers, and supporters. It’s an essential part of being an entrepreneur. Remember, it’s all about celebrating that innovation that brought you to this point in the first place while remaining professional and approachable.