Things I would say to Warren Buffet if I ever met him…
If I were in an elevator with Warren Buffet, I wouldn’t start with that cheesy elevator pitch. Because I’m not expecting to work with Mr. Buffet or gain him as a client or collaborator. In fact, when you happen to be in the same space as someone you recognize or perhaps admire, who has significant influence and presence in the public eye, the last thing you should do is ask them about things you’ve read - like you know them. It’s just CREEPY! Imagine some stranger asking you about something they’ve read about you in an online magazine. You vaguely recall giving an interview and felt proud about it. But then someone actually read that about you. Your facial expression will give off, “OMG, get away, weirdo” vibes, even though you’re somewhat flattered that someone read something about you and remembered you.
The same case applies to Mr. Buffet. I don’t expect him (or anyone else for that matter) to care about anything I have to tell him about me. But here is one tip I can share with you as a former diplomat-turned-personal brand expert. Don’t assume you know something about the person you’re trying to engage. Instead, approach them with curiosity and ask something simple. Here’s a nod to my diplomacy days.
Back when I was an impressionable diplomat in training, I was at an event at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the United Kingdom. The high golden ceilings, the chandeliers, the opulence and grandeur are enough to impress anyone. But I had my eye on ONE individual who I wanted to get to know, but unfortunately, everyone had the same idea as me. This was the Head of the United Nations Political Team at the Foreign Service, a senior civil servant who had a lot of clout and influence. But I bid my time while I watched other individuals just like me circle him like sharks. Except, I was the hammerhead shark who was off in the distance, but keeping my eye on the prize and competition.
As the event was wounding down, the excitement was dimming too. People were tired and just wanted to go home. But I was a woman on a mission. I needed to get his business card and make an impression on him for my future diplomatic career. I decided it was my time to strike! I very casually walked up to him, waiting for conversations to quiet. And I waited until he said hello to me.
My opening statement to him was: “I have a very important question to ask you.”
And as I expected, he was NOT impressed. In fact, he looked a little fed up that someone was going to ask him yet another question about the diplomatic career and foreign affairs prospects. I could see him take a deep breath to brace himself for another dull exchange which would go on for another five minutes.
Very casually, I asked him: “What’s your favorite color?”
It felt like the room went quiet. I could hear the empty wine glasses clink against people’s watches and hands. He looked at me completely confused. And I repeated myself: “No, seriously, what’s your favorite color?”
Somewhat flustered, he answered: “O-orange.”
With that, I said, “Oh, that’s a shame. Orange isn’t my color at all. It clashes with my skin and I don’t think we’ll get along.”
Then I walked away. I could actually hear other people gasp like I was CRAZY.
But he came after me because he was curious. I got his attention. Now he was receptive to learning more about me and what I really wanted. We exchanged business cards and got a coffee meeting set up the following week.
For an hour we talked about the ethical dilemma I was experiencing about representing my government and I didn’t think working for the Foreign Service was my calling after all. He agreed and suggested that I would be better placed if I started my own business where I would work with politicians and diplomats as a consultant. Based on our short exchange, he said he saw something different in me and I could open doors others would struggle. I demonstrated that at the Foreign Service event and continued to do so at our meetings.
So… I started my diplomatic consultancy and worked with politicians and diplomats on their personal branding for a decade, hosting award ceremonies for public figure officials and training individuals on building up their personal brands as diplomats and ambassadors. Then I moved to the United States, starting a new business called Boss Diplomat, and pivoted my attention to solo entrepreneurs who struggled with personal branding as business owners.
Having worked with some impressive people in the public eye, there is one common thing I noticed when engaging with clients one-on-one. People LOVE talking about themselves. That’s why starting with an elevator pitch telling a total stranger about what you do is the wrong way to go about getting their attention. Deep down, they really don’t care. And even if you were to ask them a question about themselves, you’re likely to talk to someone who has their defense wall up high. They will want to know what your ulterior motive is and figure out whether you’re worth their time, even if you have them cornered and they have nowhere to go.
Personal branding is very much about showing people the REAL YOU, and having the ability to show a part of yourself that exudes confidence (without the ego), trust (without the sales pitch), and likeability (without acting desperate). When you know what part of you you’re showing to the public, you’ll start to figure out what angle is the right approach when trying to connect with an individual you actually have an interest in. Don’t jump in being overly enthusiastic and sharing everything you have to offer because you think they are the perfect client or collaborator for you. They are the judge to decide that.
As a Personal Brand Consultant who trained as a diplomat, the subtle art of reading people, reading between the lines, pulling pieces of a disjointed puzzle together, and coming up with a strategy that makes sense for that individual is everything that I bring to the table.
Personal branding is not a reality TV show where you share what you ate for breakfast and what you get up to outside of work, unless you have a lot of following and people are now curious about your work-life balance. It’s about telling your story in a way that positions you as the expert in your field. Your personality, your experience, your journey, your trials and tribulations are all things that should be explained as part of your personal brand without you having to explain yourself or showing them your scars.
Your expertise should come through loud and clear on how you hold yourself together and the valuable content you share with your primary target audience. Your personal brand is personal because you’re no longer separated from your business but very much a part of it. Without you, there is no business, even if you have a team of people working below you. Your business will not work without your leadership and your personal brand is very much responsible for the success or failure of your business growth.
If you don’t have a personal brand and feel satisfied with how your business is currently going, the sad news is that a competitor will one day take over doing the same thing as you, and then you’ll compete over price. There will always be someone who is willing and waiting to do something cheaper than you. So why not charge more and be premium. There is less competition up top. But what can’t be replaced is the person behind the business who is willing to be the face and Ambassador, sharing what you know because you do it better than anyone. This isn’t ego. This is confidence that is positioned in front of an audience who are waiting for the information you’re providing.
Personal branding goes beyond just business success. It builds a lasting legacy. When you establish a strong personal brand, you set yourself apart in a very crowded marketplace that continues to swell in size. Clients and customers don’t just buy products or services. They buy into stories, personalities, and visions. A strong personal brand develops trust and loyalty through what you share, making you the go-to choice for your audience. This trust translates into long-term relationships and repeat business, allowing you to charge premium prices for your unique expertise and perspective – when it’s done correctly, of course!
Moreover, personal branding offers the flexibility to pivot and adapt in your life goals. As markets and industries evolve, your personal brand serves as a stable foundation upon which you can build new ventures or shift directions without losing credibility. This adaptability is crucial for solopreneurs who need to stay relevant and competitive – which is all of us! You are never stuck in the same position that you’ve started, and your personal brand will naturally evolve with you. But you need a base, a foundation, an anchor that holds your brand together, and that is the work I do for my solopreneur clients.
Another significant benefit of personal branding is the ability to attract opportunities that align with your values and goals. When your personal brand is clear and authentic, you naturally attract clients, partners, and collaborators who connect with your message and vision. This alignment not only makes work more fulfilling but also ensures that you’re building a network of supportive and like-minded individuals who can propel your long-term vision forward. You can’t do it alone and having a sea of fans who love you and what you do will help you along for moral support.
In essence, personal branding is about creating a meaningful and impactful presence that differentiates you from others because of YOU. It's about understanding and articulating your unique value and consistently delivering on it. By doing so, you not only stand out in your industry but also create a lasting impression that keeps you top of mind for those who need what you and what you have to offer, even if that’s years down the line.
Investing in your personal brand is an investment in your future. It requires time, effort, and a deep understanding of who you are and what you stand for. But the rewards—greater visibility, higher income, more meaningful connections, and a legacy—are well worth it. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, building a strong personal brand is essential for achieving your professional goals. Charge more, hustle less, and actually live your life!
So, to go back to my original point, if you were to meet Warren Buffet in an elevator, what would you say first?
Me? I’ll start off by saying: “Hi, would you by any chance know the Fairy BOSSmother?” … wait for the answer…
Me: “Well, you’ve just met her. I’m Talyn Rahman-Figueroa, your Fairy BOSSmother and Personal Brand Consultant. It’s really nice to meet you.”
