Remember networking? Back when before a “personal brand” when it meant lurking near the bar, gripping a glass of cheap Chardonnay, pretending to laugh at small talk you’d already forgotten, and stuffing business cards into your bag, thinking, Yep, I’ll definitely follow up.
Fast forward to 2025. Those days are toast, along with flip phones and fax machines.
These days, networking’s on your phone, whether you’re into it or not. LinkedIn, TikTok—they’re where NYC planners have to hang out if they want to stay seen and not fade into the crowd.
Here’s something no one prints on a business card:
Your personal brand is usually what gets you the gig.
It’s not just your portfolio. Or glowing testimonials. It’s you—your style, your personality, the funny or messy bits that show you’re a real human. The stuff that makes people feel like they know you.
And in NYC? There’s always another planner waiting in the wings. Staying quiet’s not an option.
If you’ve been lurking in the digital shadows… It’s time to poke your head out. Let’s talk about how.
LinkedIn: Way More Than Corporate Blah
People love to complain that LinkedIn’s all suits and jargon. And yeah, some of it is. But for planners? It’s a goldmine that most folks barely tap. Think of it like a cocktail party. Only fewer shrimp-related disasters. And no sticky name tags.
Here’s how to make it less awkward:
- Your Profile: Sound like an actual human. Skip stiff titles like “Event Professional specializing in B2B corporate events.” Instead, say something like: “I help brands throw events people actually want to attend, without the awkward icebreakers or rubber chicken.” If you’d say it at a bar, it belongs on LinkedIn.
- Share Real Stuff: Ditch the endless humblebrags. Instead, talk about how you handled the night the venue’s power went out an hour before guests arrived, and no one ever noticed. People remember stories more than titles.
- Comment Like You Care: Don’t just toss “Great post!” and move on. Chime in. Share a thought. Ask a question. That’s how people remember you, and how the platform decides to show you around.
Bottom line? LinkedIn likes humans. Be one.
TikTok: Not Just Teen Dances
TikTok. Terrifying, right? Especially if your world is polished websites and mood boards color-coded within an inch of their lives.
But here’s the thing. People want to see the chaos. The scramble. The “oh crap” moments you never post on your website.
And no, you don’t have to be a TikTok star. Or dance. Or lip-sync. Just show up as yourself.
Stuff that works for a professional and personal brand:
- Record how a ballroom goes from empty echo chamber to full-on showstopper.
- Spill a vendor horror story (anonymously, obviously).
- Drop your top three NYC venues and why they’re worth the price tag, or which hidden gems no one talks about.
- Hijack trending audio and give it a planner twist. (e.g., chaotic music + text: “When the bride’s cousin decides she’s ALSO a wedding planner.”)
Good news? TikTok loves scrappy, real videos. Wobbly camera? Doesn’t matter. That’s what makes people watch.
The Magic Mix
LinkedIn’s for building trust. TikTok’s for grabbing attention from people who’ve never even heard your name.
Used together? Killer combo.
- Share a TikTok clip, then expand on it in a LinkedIn post with more details.
- Find other planners on LinkedIn who’ll repost or even collab on videos.
- Let one platform give you ideas for the other. Something funny you filmed for TikTok might become a longer story for LinkedIn.
Point is: you need to be wherever your clients (and partners) might be scrolling. Because you never know where the next referral might come from.
One More Thing About a Personal Brand…
Don’t overthink this stuff. Really.
Nothing kills a personal brand faster than staying silent. You don’t have to be an influencer. Or dance on camera. You just have to show up and talk like yourself.
Worried you’ll look silly?
Here’s the thing. Looking silly online is a million times better than disappearing into the background. Especially in this business (and in this city) where everyone’s fighting to stand out.
Want more ways to keep your name out there in NYC’s wild event scene? Come hang with fellow planners, speakers, and industry pros at The Event Planner Expo. In this city, staying ahead isn’t optional. It’s how you survive. Get your booth locked in for this premier NYC conference today!
