Last week at a healthcare conference in Connecticut, I met someone who specializes in PBJ – the analytics kind, not peanut butter.
I suggested he ditch the usual business cards and hand out tiny jam packets instead, like the ketchup packets at fast-food restaurants.
Picture this: a tiny jam packet with their contact info printed directly on it. You wouldn’t just remember them – you’d smile, tell a friend, maybe even spread the word.
That’s branding. Not louder. Not flashier. Just stickier.
Left: At Zimmet healthcare conference: Catching up with clients and making new connections.
Right: The Mohegan Sun lobby comes alive with a Dale Chihuly glass masterpiece.
The ideas that stick aren’t always big campaigns. Sometimes it’s the tiny, unexpected touches that make people notice, and remember – you.
A dash of creativity. A pinch of humor. A spark of surprise. Suddenly, you’re not just another face at a conference – you’re the one everyone can’t stop talking about.
And that PBJ guy? Let’s just say his next conference will be jam-packed.
Master the Meal
At a conference meal, you walk into the dining hall and pause. Where to sit? The safe tables are full of familiar faces, but the people who spark new ideas and open doors are often outside your usual circle - and conferences give you the chance to meet them.
Scan the room. Spot a table that feels promising and test the vibe. Not the right fit? No stress. Stand up, grab a bit more food, and slide into a better table. Smooth. Fast. No awkwardness.
A few smart moves each meal, and lunch isn’t just eating - it’s strategy. Connections, insights, and opportunities most people never notice.
Stop blending in. Make your brand impossible to ignore.
