Why Being Memorable Matters More Than Being Perfect
Photo: Sam Horn, speaker, author, and founder of Intrigue Agency. Visit www.intrigueagency.com to learn more.
When people think about standing out in business, they often assume they need a bigger marketing budget, a polished website, or the perfect elevator pitch.
In reality, it is often much simpler than that.
Sometimes all it takes is giving people a reason to start a conversation with you.
One of my favourite communicators is Sam Horn of the Intrigue Agency. If you have ever seen her speak, you will probably remember her before you remember what she talked about. Her hats, her outfits, her energy. She understands something many people overlook: when people notice something, they talk about it. And when they talk about it, a conversation begins.
That idea has always resonated with me.
For years, I found it intimidating to approach strangers. Networking did not come naturally to me. What I discovered, however, was that making myself approachable made those conversations easier.
Sometimes it was as simple as someone complimenting something I was wearing.
Think about that moment for a second. Someone notices something about you, works up the courage to say something, and suddenly there is a connection. When we receive a compliment with a genuine thank you, both people walk away feeling good.
That small interaction can be the start of a relationship.
You Are Your Own Brand
Many of us spend time thinking about how to market our businesses.
But how often do we think about how we market ourselves?
With so many people working remotely and connecting online, it is worth asking:
How do you make yourself memorable?
How do you help people remember who you are and what you do?
Being memorable does not mean being loud or flashy. It means being authentic in a way that helps people connect with you.
Your personality, your style, your story, and even the words you choose all become part of your personal brand.
Can You Describe Your Business in Seven Words?
Recently, Nora Perry from CWB shared an exercise during one of our Coffee Talks that really stuck with me.
The challenge was simple:
Describe your business in seven words.
It sounds easy until you actually try it.
I have been experimenting with different versions and even using them as conversation starters. I'll share two options with people and ask which one resonates more.
Not only do I get valuable feedback, but it also creates an instant dialogue.
If you want to try it yourself, grab a blank sheet of paper.
On the left side, write down all the common words people use to describe your profession.
On the right side, challenge yourself to rethink them.
Could you:
Use a different word?
Create a rhyme?
Make it more playful?
Say it in a way people will remember?
The goal is not to be clever for the sake of being clever. The goal is to be clear and memorable.
Because if people are confused about what you do, they cannot refer you.
And if they cannot repeat what you do, they probably do not fully understand it.
The Power of a Small Twist
This is something Sam Horn teaches brilliantly.
A simple shift in language can completely change how people respond.
She shares examples like:
Mitten becoming Smitten, a glove designed for couples who want to hold hands.
Happy Hour becoming Yappy Hour, an event created for dog owners.
The concepts are simple, but the names make people stop and pay attention.
That is the power of intrigue.
Think about your own business.
What phrase, tagline, or description could make people curious enough to ask a question?
A chiropractor might say, "I've got your back."
Short. Clear. Memorable.
Finding Your Own Version
Sometimes your brand becomes known for a phrase, a style, or a way of showing up.
Fashion icon Iris Apfel became famous for her oversized glasses and her belief that "more is more and less is a bore."
That was not just a fashion statement. It was part of her identity.
The same idea applies to business.
For years, the word networking has made many people uncomfortable. It can feel formal, awkward, or intimidating.
That is one reason I started calling myself a Connection Concierge.
The work itself did not change.
But the language created a different feeling.
People became curious. They asked questions. Conversations started.
And that is where opportunities begin.
Business Starts With Conversation
You do not need a perfect pitch.
You do not need a complicated strategy.
You do not need to sound like everyone else.
What you do need is a way to help people understand who you are, what you do, and why it matters.
When your message is clear, memorable, and genuinely you, people are much more likely to engage.
The best business relationships often begin with a simple conversation.
The question is:
How are you making it easier and more interesting for people to start one with you?
Learn More from Sam Horn
Much of the inspiration behind this article comes from the work of Sam Horn, one of my favourite communicators. Her ideas around intrigue, clarity, and memorable messaging have influenced how I think about networking and relationship building.
If you haven't come across her work before, I encourage you to watch her TEDx Talk and explore the resources available through the Intrigue Agency. There is so much value in learning how to communicate in ways that people remember and repeat.
TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xlg8zdSVjgg
Website: https://www.intrigueagency.com/
Keep Building Real Connections
The most memorable people are not always the loudest people in the room. They are often the ones who make others feel comfortable enough to start a conversation.
Take some time this week to think about how you describe yourself, your business, and the value you bring. A small change in language might create more opportunities than you expect.
For more networking insights and practical relationship-building strategies, subscribe to the Networking Naturally newsletter and tune into the podcast.
If you're looking to build stronger business relationships, create meaningful connections, and grow your network with confidence, Dalene would love to support you on that journey.
