Err on the Side of Fun

In my professional life, I usually err on the side of 'conservative' when it comes to business attire and accessories, meeting etiquette and so forth. I have my go-to starchy button-up shirts and staple, black pencil skirts. I have my black leather portfolio to take notes at meetings. My laptop bag? It's rather forgettable, to be honest. But, I think I am on to something...I have a new business / networking secret! Do you want to sit down at a business meeting and immediately start a conversation? Form a bond? Have a quick laugh? Relax the tone of a meeting? You can take it further-- do you want to go on a date and immediately have something to break the ice and talk about?

ROCK A RAD PHONE CASE. 

No joke. What's your phone case look like? I always opted for something basic. Clear. Black. I then upped my game to the striped Tory Burch or Kate Spade designs- basic and refined. Don't get me wrong, I still appreciate the traditional phone cases-- but I have discovered that showcasing your unique style through small accessories like phone cases or iPad covers affords one many benefits:

• It's a great conversation starter.
• It shows that you are human. 
• It tells people you have your own style. 
• People just might be more apt to relate to you. 
• It can be funny and start meetings with a nice laugh. 
• It can indicate creativity and fun.
• It allows you to tell a story.
• It's an amazing icebreaker, and usually you yourself are not the one initiating the conversation.
• It is memorable. 

Check out my last three phone cases:

Currently, my phone is housed in my french fry Moschino iPhone 6 case, and it has been the best conversation piece I have ever had, period. Who doesn't like french fries? I get people of all ages asking me about it. At the most serious of business meetings, I sit down, formal as usual, and set my phone on the conference table for all to see. The result? High-level executives busting out laughing and asking me about this crazy case. I've had people grab the phone and pretend they are eating it. It's hilarious!

It's such a simple thing, but I can't even begin to tell you the conversations that come from this $30.00 phone case. Now, every Christmas, I ask my family (who live in Okinawa, Japan), to get me the most crazy, unique, kawaii phone case that they can possibly find. See picture above on the left: crazy cloud pink bow thing, Christmas 2013. Far right: panda chewing dangly bamboo case - Christmas 2014.

My crazy phone cases have become a trademark, an attribute of my personal brand, a fun hobby, and the most sensational conversation piece I have in my arsenal.

Overall point of this post? Be yourself. Be unique. Err on the side of FUN. Don't feel that you always have to opt for the conservative option. Get a phone case, or purse, or attache that suits you and makes you smile. Work should be fun. Life should be fun. And people tend to like and gravitate to fun.

Now imma go eat some french fries....mahalo for reading.