The Networker #19: Craft Your Perfect Introduction at Networking Events
“So what do you do?”
The most common question you navigate at a networking event.
And my guess is your answer ticks one (or more) of these:
-
- Changes each time
- You reel off a blabbering list of services and achievements
- Vague and generic
- Full of industry acronyms and buzzwords the person on the receiving end has no idea about (but are nodding away like they do)
- It’s dull and boring (or you do one of my pet hates and play down what you do – e.g. “oh I’m just another boring X”)
Today, we fix that.
As your answer to this question can be a big factor in the direction that conversation (and relationship) takes.
Let’s dive in.
This week I’m outsourcing the knowledge in The Networker.
To Clay Hebert.
Because over the weekend I came across his TED talk; The Best Way To Answer “So What Do You Do?”
And every networker needs to see it.
I’ve watched it 3 times. And counting.
Why?
- Introductions are so often a car crash at networking events
- He and I share the belief that the idea of an ‘elevator pitch’ is outdated and needs to be killed
- First impressions count – and this will drastically improve your chances of making a good one
- You’re not taught how to craft the perfect intro (and if you are it’s in an archaic method)
- His method to creating a memorable and intriguing intro is too good to not share
The video is 12 minutes 13 seconds, and is delivered in a compact, concise and formulaic way that anyone can apply.
It’s so worth your time.
You’ll come away from it with a new way of thinking.
And a smarter networker.
My Takeaways
-
- Typical Intro v Perfect Intro
- Typical: About you, complete, accurate
- Perfect: About who you help, interesting, confident
- Shoot for intrigue, not for information – this gets people wanting to find out more
- His perfect introduction formula – which not only will help with your introduction at events, but clarifying your target audience
- It’s ok to have more than one introduction – depending on who you’re speaking to or the context
- How creating the perfect intro helps find compelling stories to bring what you do to life
- Linking your perfect intro to a compelling story is the magic package
- Typical Intro v Perfect Intro
In doing so, he asks; who wouldn’t want to connect with you?
Craft your perfect intro by watching it below.
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