If you’re an early-stage founder, chances are you’ve been told to get out there. Go to dinners, show up at industry mixers and build relationships. But no one really tells you how to make the most of those rooms once you’re in them.
From a PR perspective, these events are goldmines. They’re where impressions are formed, reputations are built and whisper networks start talking. The good news? You don’t need to be the loudest or most polished. You just need to show up with a bit of intention.
At Bospar, we’ve seen firsthand how the most effective executives are the ones who treat informal moments as seriously as they do investor meetings or media interviews. These quieter interactions can be just as critical to brand perception and long-term opportunity.
So, whether you’re representing a company, pitching a product or simply looking to make meaningful connections, how do you make sure people actually remember you?
Spark curiosity by leading with insight, not information
In early-stage PR, intrigue beats information overload every time. The most memorable founders at the event weren’t rattling off funding numbers or product specs. They dropped sharp insights, shared contrarian views or told short stories that made people lean in. A polished elevator pitch is expected at this point. What sets a person apart is having one idea that’s fresh, real and just open-ended enough to invite a deeper conversation.
Too often, professionals approach networking events like it’s the first week college; front row, hands raised for every question. But the people who stood out asked fewer questions, made smarter points and let curiosity, not volume, drive the interaction. Share one strong insight, then listen harder than you talk.
Different is memorable. Be deliberate about it.
At a networking event, I like to give people a reason to remember me before I’ve said a word. I wear something that catches the eye like loud shoes or a patterned jacket. If someone mentions it, I’ll smile and say, “Thanks, I wore it to break the ice.” It’s a shtick, but it works. Once the ice is broken, I listen closely, ask questions about their role and aspirations and try to make the most of five focused minutes before politely moving on.
It may sound like theater, but intentional presentation is part of effective PR, especially when you’re representing your brand in a room full of decision-makers. Networking is one of the few environments where it’s okay to be a little transactional, as long as you’re warm and clear. I usually hand over my business card and let them know I’ll follow up. Think of it as professional speed dating: be intentional, present and worth remembering.
Follow up like a human
The follow-ups that stood out weren’t transactional, they were thoughtful. The people who make a lasting impression reach out within 24 hours, usually with a short, personal message that references something specific from the conversation. It won’t feel like a cold outreach or a veiled pitch. It will feel like they’ve continued the conversation.
There’s a balance here that’s important: be pleasant but not ask-y. The best follow-ups feel like a continuation of the conversation, not a sudden pivot into a sales moment. At Bospar, we like to say we’re politely pushy, meaning we follow up with intention, but always with respect for the relationship. Be direct without being demanding. Curious without being clingy. Give people a reason to remember you and a reason to respond.
How I put it all into practice
To spark curiosity, be deliberately memorable and follow up like a human, here’s what I did at a recent Unusual Ventures dinner in San Francisco.
When asked for closing remarks at the end of the dinner, I didn’t give a monologue. I shared a haiku:
Words shape perception
Trust builds before the bell rings
Markets need stories
It was short, unexpected and to the point. People remembered it, not because it was poetic, but because it was different. And the next day, I followed up in the same spirit: casually, personally and as “Haiku Guy.” A quick note. No big ask. Just a continuation of the moment.
And I wasn’t surprised when I got replies.
That’s the power of well-timed, human communication—the kind that PR is built on. You don’t need to dominate the room. You just need to show up thoughtfully, own your moment and give people a reason to remember you. Whether it’s a sharp idea, a statement jacket or a seventeen-syllable poem, when it’s real, it sticks.
