We have all been faced with meeting someone we have never met in a public place – in the lobby of a hotel, for example, or in a crowded restaurant. It can be frustrating for both parties.

It’s good practice (and brand building) to make it easy to find you. Here are a couple of ways to help others identify you:

• Send them a jpeg of a professionally taken headshot before the meeting (make sure it really looks like you and reflects your personal brand attributes). Sending them a link to your web site where this photo resides is also likely to get them to learn more about you before your meetin
• Wear or bring something with you that is recognizable. The Reach Certified Strategists all seem to have their own way of doing this. Paul Copcutt, the Business Development Manager for the Reach Personal Branding Certification Program says he always carries a bright orange folder with him so that people can instantly recognize him. Another strategist, Bonnie Kurka, says that red is her brand color and she always brings her red journal, red briefcase and red pen with her. Sue Brettell can always be recognized by her trademark purple. She always wears purple and carries purple business accessories.

I had a colleague who always wore a colorful scarf. People would always describe her as ‘you know, the woman on the 7th floor who always wears a scarf.’

Of course, another way to ensure people can find you in a crowd is to tell the concierge, front desk clerk or restaurant host who you are and for whom you are waiting, but that would take away your opportunity to send a subtle but important brand message.

Making it easy for people you are meeting is good practice for all personal brands. And if you do have a recognizable trademark, like the bright orange folder or purple scarf, you will reinforce your brand attributes among those around you.

> what are your brand attributes? You can describe your brand here.
> learn how to be a superstar networker with this presentation from the Reach Branding Club
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