Why I attended StyleCon

I’m funny. I don’t think I’m the most outgoing person. Heading into a room full of people I don’t know is not something I really look forward to but I’m working on getting better at it. That’s one of the reasons I have attended StyleCon for the last two years.

A few years ago I hosted an event with Brock McGoff, the man behind the Modest Man and he mentioned that there was this men’s StyleCon convention coming to Atlanta. I didn’t think too much of it and soon forgot about it. Shortly thereafter I was researching different sites to find the top male blog sites and stumbled across this post, Top Ten Men’s Style Blogs | 2016 Edition | Best Male Fashion Websites | 423 Men’s Style Bloggers Ranked.

My blog had been up for a while but I wasn’t very active so I certainly didn’t expect to see my name in the top 10. However when I saw there was a listing of over 400 sites, I assumed I’d be ranked somewhere. Imagine my surprise when my site was nowhere on that extensive list. Naturally, I was a bit salty. So of course the first thing I did was hit the comment tab on that ranking website.

This is what I wrote,

I wanted to say I enjoyed your rankings of male bloggers. I write the DCFashion Fool (www.dcfashionfool.com) I’m a relatively new men’s fashion and lifestyle blogger and I really have a passion for showcasing my style. With all the content out there, I’m finding it a challenge to break through and share my love with others. I was wondering if you’d take a look at my blog to see where I’d rank in your ratings. I’m always looking to make improvements and your opinion would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.

Partly self-serving and partly genuinely wanting feedback, I didn’t expect a response however 3 hours later, this was the response,

Thanks for letting us know, Barnette. Will definitely check your website out. 

Curious, have you considered coming out to Men’s StyleCon? It’s on this March 11th- 13th. As you could see we have a lot of brands and content creators there. I think it would be a great event for you to meet like-minded individuals and I think there would be a lot of value that you could get from this.

Let me know if you can make it.

Wishing you well,

Antonio

Hmm who was this Antonio? But there was that StyleCon thing again. And that was the impetus to get me to go to my first StyleCon. Still not knowing what to expect I booked my trip to the ATL. What I found was an incredible group of guys from diverse background all trying to build each other. It wasn’t just about style but it was about empowerment, self help and the free exchange of ideas and support.

Did it make be better at networking in new groups? No but I’m working on it. Have I made the top ten style blog list? Not yet but that’s just a matter of time. What I did get out of it was a great deal of useful information and some food for thought to give me the determination to continue on my quest to build the DCFashion Fool into something to be proud of.

And even in my awkwardness and shyness in networking, I was still able to make some great new friends as well as new connections that are just as passionate in their endeavors. It’s that passion, that brought me back to StyleCon for a second year. to reconnect with these likeminded individuals and continue the momentum.

This year, StyleCon featured even more well rounded very accomplished individuals who not only led incredibly informative sessions but also were pretty accessible for one on one chats and personal follow up. But the big take away was the fellowship of an amazing group of men (and a few women) with the common goal of helping one another succeed.

StyleCon may have changed its name to Menfluential for 2018 however I still plan to attend. And who knows? Maybe when I return I’ll command the room with my networking skills.

Shop  My StyleCon Style/Details

The J.Crew Ludlow Suit – mine Glen Plaid – see other styles;  Turtleneck – Ralph Lauren; Double monk strap – John Lobb; Windowpane suit –  SuitSupply