How to introduce yourself well - The key to networking

Recently, I had the good fortune of meeting Susan RoAne. Susan is the best-selling author of several books, including "How to Work a Room" and "Secrets of Savvy Networking". If you haven't already read these books, you might want to seriously consider clicking on the link below to Amazon.com and ordering them! I was inspired and refreshed with Susan's down-to-earth attitude towards networking and meeting people. Certainly networking is an important way to meet people with whom we may be able to do business, but she also reminds us that we need to see people as people, instead of simply prospects. Her philosophy reminds me of that of Zig Ziglar, who feels that you can get anything you want out of life, if you help enough people get what they want.

So how do we introduce ourselves in new situations? Most people find it intimidating to enter a room full of strangers and initiate a conversation. Do you find yourself stumbling over your words when someone asks "what do you do?" Ms. RoAne suggests that we have a 7-10 second introduction prepared and practiced. Too many people ramble on for 30 seconds, when people have often lost interest after the first 10 seconds. If you can't tell someone what you do in 10 seconds or less, then perhaps you really need to clarify your mission statement for yourself first.

I used to introduce myself as a professional speaker and writer. That's not exactly an exciting, dynamic statement! Now, I tell people that I specialize in high-stakes communication - teaching concrete skills to professionals and parents. That is a far more interesting opening, and often leads to further conversation as people usually ask "How do you do that?" or "what is high-stakes communication?" I then have the opportunity to explain that it means learning effective skills for communicating in situations which are particularly nerve-wracking, for example, public speaking or dealing with teenagers. My initial introduction is "short and sweet". If people care to know more, they can ask, but they aren't bombarded with information.

How do you introduce yourself? Think about a statement that describes a unique aspect of your business that would lead to questions. Ideally, you want to create interest that will make it easier to begin a dialogue. Remember, the person to whom you are introducing yourself might feel just as awkward as you do in these situations, and will appreciate a conversation that flows naturally out of asking for more information. Look at what you do as part of the larger picture - how do you fit into the business world. I often think of that old story about two brick layers. When asked what they do, the first one said "I am laying bricks". The second one said " I am building a cathedral". We may not be doing research to be awarded a Nobel Prize, but what we do has ripple effects in our community. Each one of us is an important cog in the business wheel, and we need to see the value of our contribution. This attitude should make it easier for us to clarify what we really do, so that we can create our 7-10 second power statement.

Remember to polish and practice your self-introduction so that it flows smoothly and
requires little thought. Not only will remove a great part of your nervousness, it will enable you to concentrate on what your dialogue partner is saying. You can then remember to smile, and show a genuine interest in getting to know the other person. If you also remember to see the other person as a potential friend, instead of as a prospect, you really can't go wrong. Now get out there and meet someone new!

PREVIOUS ARTICLES
If you would like to read one of my previous articles please send me an email listing which article you would like to receive.

1. Pitfalls to avoid when working from home: December 1999

2. Setting up your home office: November 1999

3. Balancing Professional and Home Life in the New Millennium: Winter 2000