Accessorize Your Personality
Accessorize Your Personality
This last week in NYC the city seemed so much more friendly, so much more welcoming than I even remember from when I called it home. I connected with so many new people, and strangers started conversations everywhere my feet took me. I started realizing that there was one common thread that made busy New Yorkers actually stop and speak to me, so I thought I’d share the secret. Not that it is revolutionary but to my surprise it was measurably effective. However, it did require me to step out of my comfort zone, and of course, I had to do my part to continue the conversation and turn the chance meetings into relationships.
My friend, Sue, a jewelry designer, sent me to New York City with a box of treasures while making me promise to give my traditional diamond studs and pearls a break. I was not living up to my accessory potential in her assessment and needed to kick it up a bit. Well, okay, a lot. So, I trusted her and promised to wear something different everyday. And everyday I would stand in the mirror wondering if I could really pull it off… and guess what? I could!! People consistently commented everywhere I went.
I had ZERO clue that one promise to Sue would be the catalyst to cultivate new relationships and open up a world of opportunity. Seriously, it was the jewelry that made NYC more friendly, more engaging, less scary. If it can work in NYC, it can work anywhere.
Take the leap, wear something unique and see what happens. But be ready for the conversation that follows and make it count! Smile, be friendly, engage and say thank-you. Return the compliment and go from there with witty banter…. it will work. If you want to see some of what I wore to make new friends, check out: www.suesurdi.com