The importance of shoes when networking

We all think that successful business networking is down to focus, discipline and very often the preparation you do before an event. However, successful business networking is more than just this. I’m sure we all know that how you look on the day matters as well – but how many of us give our footwear another thought? Something as trivial as the footwear you have on, can have a big impact on your state of mind and attitude when meeting people.
Let me explain:

It was 18:00 in the evening, and I’d seemed to have crammed a week’s worth of stuff into the day – and the working part of the day was not over yet. Even though I had carefully chosen comfortable footwear, my feet hurt. Two little blisters on my toes meant that my ‘comfortable’ flat shoes for walking between locations were anything but comfortable. So I changed into my heels for the last part of the days – these are ‘every day comfortable shoes’ according to Clarks...

Two hours of working a room, really does allow you to road test how ‘every day comfortable’ a shoe really is. (If you are wondering, these failed the ‘ball of the foot burn’ test).  I’d don’t know about you, but when my feet are hurting and I am tired, I really don’t have the energy or va-va-voom to circulate and be witty, charming, friendly and positive. A slight problem when your brand suggests that’s who you are...

So, what’s the answer here?

• Wear comfortable shoes when you are going to be standing up and working the room.
• Don’t try and do too much in a day and then go networking in the evening
   

What are your suggestions for how to bounce back when your feet are hurting and you have to spend the next two hours standing on them as you work the room?