“"I've always believed that one woman's success can only help another woman's success."— Gloria Vanderbilt

The Woman in the Orange Dress

Last week’s WiseMind session was one of those conversations that stays with you.

Not because it was complicated, but because it was honest.

And it reminded me of a moment I had recently at an event.

I walked into a room where about 90% of the attendees were men. And almost all of them were dressed the same. Some version of khaki, black, or blue. It was a sea of stiff shirts and khaki pants.

And then there was me.

In an orange dress.

I stood out. And I did it on purpose.

Not to be flashy. Not to be distracting. But to be seen.

Because here is what we talked about in WiseMind:

Being in the room is not enough. You have to be remembered in the room.

Being in the Room Is Not the Goal

There is a lot of encouragement right now around “just getting in the room.”

That matters. It takes courage to walk into new spaces, especially in commercial real estate where many women still feel like outsiders.

But here is the truth:

You can attend every event, sit at every table, and still be invisible.

You might as well be the doorknob. Everyone passes by. No one remembers.

Opportunities do not come from attendance.
They come from connection.

And connection only happens when people understand who you are.

Not All Rooms Are Worth Your Time

We also talked about being intentional with where you spend your time.

Some rooms are comfortable. Some rooms are familiar. Some rooms feel safe.

But the rooms that grow your investing journey often feel different.

They are the rooms where deals are being discussed.
Where relationships are forming.
Where people are actively buying, selling, and raising capital.

The question is not just, Do I belong here?

The better question is, Is this a room that moves me forward?

Because not all rooms do.

Confidence Is Not What You Think

One of the biggest mindset shifts from the session was this:

Confidence is not what gets you in the room.
Confidence is built by how you show up once you are there.

Confident investors are not the ones who know everything. They are the ones who:

• Speak at least once
• Introduce themselves
• Ask questions
• Stay in conversations
• Follow up afterward

They are not perfect. They are present.

The Advantage Women Often Overlook

Back to the orange dress.

In WiseMind, we talked about something practical and surprisingly simple.

Women actually have an advantage in these rooms.

We can stand out more easily.

In a professional, respectful, and intentional way, we can use color, style, and presence to be remembered.

Most men in these rooms blend in by default.

We do not have to.

That does not mean being over the top. It means being intentional.

Because when you stand out visually, it becomes easier for people to remember you conversationally.

“Oh yes, I met her. She was wearing the orange dress.”

And now the door is open for a follow-up, a connection, an opportunity.

The 4 Moves That Make You Memorable

If you are wondering where to start, keep it simple.

You do not need to work the entire room. You need a repeatable approach.

Speak once.
Connect with a few.
Stay in the conversation.
Follow up.

That is it.

Done consistently, those four moves will change your network and your opportunities.

You Are Not Starting From Zero

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation was around how women introduce themselves.

Too often, we lead with what we have not done yet.

“I am new.”
“I am just getting started.”

But that is not the full story.

You bring years of experience, skills, and perspective into this space.

The shift is simple:

You are not starting from zero.
You are expanding into something new.

You Are One Conversation Away

This was the line that landed for many women in the room:

You are one conversation away from a new opportunity.

But only if people understand who you are and what you are building.

Clarity creates connection.
Connection creates opportunity.

Your Next Room Matters

As you walk into your next event, meeting, or conversation, do not just ask if you belong.

Decide how you are going to show up.

Say something.
Introduce yourself.
Stay in the conversation.
Follow up.

And maybe… wear the orange dress.

Not literally.

But intentionally.

Because the room is not the opportunity.

Your presence in it is.