Have you had a tattoo yet?
Do you remember the last time you met that guy who hijacked you to lecture about his lofty ideas on justice and freedom? How was it? Long and boring but you don’t remember anything of what he said… I guess. Good, this is an example of what a networker should never inflict on new contacts!
Actually, you should never let the others ask; they shouldn’t have to, because you should have your ideas tattooed on yourself. Are you the walking banner of your ideas? The first impression is the most important. The ideas that you communicate before open your mouth count for everything.
Are you in control of it? Have you ever thought about your non-verbal communication? What do you hang on your body when you go out? Do you plan it or just wear whatever you like?
These are not just futile questions for young fashion-victims. Every leader has a style and has had to create it. Every human association requires an identity. The style is just its expression. The style identifies its members and is recognized by the others.
If you have a huge ego you might hope for la grandeur de Luis IV but don’t forget the budget for the Versaille. If you feel radical and want to keep it simple a beard or a veil would make point. Otherwise, roll yourself in a rainbow flag if you want to become very popular.
You might start following a style but if you are serious with your carreer you must develop your own style. But please be creative. The typical NGOs’ “never a tie” style doesn’t make any sense since Bill Gates and the other dot.com kids don’t wear one anymore either. You might event look like a junior civil servant from Sheffield.
Find your own way. My favourite items at the moment are an electric blue handmade silk Chinese jacket for international events. I’ve naturally become the most popular amongst delegates from developing countries and can annoy the politically-correct Westerners as well. This kind of outfit is recommended during the Olympics.
The other one is a Chapelet, a Muslim rosary I bought in my last trip to Senegal. First of all, everybody notices it because I wear it with the suit. Have you ever seen a man wearing a neckless under his tie?
Someone might think that it’s a first step to gender transformation but this is not the case. I’m not planning to become a tranny activist. On the other hand, it’s my statement about tolerance. As Voltaire famously stated “I don’t believe in your idea, Sir, but I’m ready to fight so you can express it”.
Voila. I’ve become the guy with the Muslim rosary. So when the crowd runs out of topics they don’t have to talk about the weather, they can talk about me!
