You’ve made it – you finally monetized that hobby, invested in that critical asset, or sold off your genius startup idea to a top-dollar bidder. Now you’re living the life of luxury, lavishing in gorgeous designer time pieces, ultra-fast performance vehicles, and even rubbing elbows with the upper crust.
It’s only a matter of time before you’re invited to your first luxury event – think art opening, donors’ gala, or award ceremony. Absolutely everyone will be there. So, the question is, what should you expect? Don’t worry, if you’re feeling a little in the woods on this one, we can walk you through what you should know before you head into your first luxury rich people event.
Expect elegant wardrobes
Remember that suit you wore to your first job interview? The frumpy one your mom bought you from Khols? Yeah, that’s not going to cut it anymore. At your next luxury event, you can expect to see all the stops pulled out on wardrobe. We’re talking ladies in $50,000 dresses, gents sporting watches more expensive than new cars, and Italian and French designers as far as the eye can see.
Be sure that before you roll up in the limo, you’ve got everything you need to look the part. We suggest investing in a designer suit. Remember, the point of events isn’t just to look pretty on the red carpet. It’s where all the serious networking goes on. Looking your sharpest is an absolute must if you want to turn heads and land deals.
Security will be present
If you’re going to an art opening featuring high-value art assets, or a VIP-only event with important figures from industry and politics, you can be certain there will be significant security present. Don’t get too nervous – it’s just a matter of playing by the rules and making sure you don’t do anything suspicious.
The most common security protocols you can expect as you roll up to the event are an X-ray scanner like one you’d see at the airport, plastic wristbands like the ones you get at concerts, and huge dudes ready to deck anyone who steps out of line. Remember: it’s all there to keep you safe.
Prepare for exotic fine dining
Ever eaten a snail? How about raw ground beef? Frog legs? No? Well get ready, because chances are that all these items will be on the menu at the luxury event you attend. If you’re a little weirded out by the fancy food and aren’t sure what you can do to get a normal bite to eat, try sticking to familiar options like quiche, or even just bread and cheese. Of course, learning to like these fancy foods is part of getting in close with the really high society, so be sure that you at least give those frog legs a try before you turn your nose up.
You won’t be the richest one there
Ever since you made it big and all your friends think of you as the rich hot shot, you may have gotten used to being the wealthiest person in the room. Chances are that if you show up to an award gala with societies movers and shakers, your bank account will be dwarfed by a handful of people there. Don’t worry – you know how the old saying goes, if you’re the richest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Take advantage of the opportunity to network with mentors who are on the cutting edge of what you do, so you can learn from their craft and better your own business and investing models.
Network, network, network
Though the event may be billed as an art show or a thank-you to wealthy donors, everyone knows why they’re really there: business. Business never sleeps, and even at a fancy event, it’s time to start thinking strategically. Make sure to shake the hand of everyone there at least once, and try to get as many contacts as possible. You never know when someone you meet at a luxury event will turn out to be the contact that boosts your business to the next level.
Luxury events can seem intimidating to those who only recently made it big. Don’t worry. There’s a learning curve, but in time, you’ll right at home among the elites you’re in attendance with.
