This may sound like elementary, but stop for a second and
pretend like you’re meeting me for the first time at a big event, what would
you say?
Then, pretend like 6 people came up to me within the past
hour and said just about the same thing with a different name, different state.
Now what?
Let’s talk about some of the more effective ways to
introduce yourself so you can effectively sell yourself and, most importantly,
be remembered. (Remember, 80% of the people you meet at ad events probably
won’t remember you. Especially the higher up they are on the totem pole – the
less likely they are to care for the little guy. Sadly.)
These aren’t hard and fast rules, just some tips I’ve
learned along the way that have helped me.
How To Introduce Yourself
·
You don’t always have to start with a formal
“Hi, my name is…” Sometimes you can start by making an observation, small joke
or asking a question. This is an easy and unintimidating way to test the waters
before you launch into your life story.
·
Don’t launch into your life story. Say who you
are, what you do and, if necessary, why you’re here or what you and he/she have
in common. Focus on three key points you want to get across early so they get
an overview of you and are intrigued to talk to you more.
·
Shake the person’s hand, look them in the eye
and repeat their name. And don’t get those weak, flimsy shakes. I hate hate
hate awful handshakes. Be firm, full-handed and not too rough or strong.
Practice on your friends to get feedback on what you’re doing right/wrong.
·
Watch your body language. Stand up straight.
Make eye contact. Lean into the speaker. Smile. Make sure they know that you’re
listening, engaged and interested. Similarly, watch their body language, if
they look like they’re itching to go – let them go.
·
Have something to say. Whether it’s a question,
observation or small story, find some interesting tidbit or common ground that you can share a
few sentences, and maybe a laugh or two, over.
·
End the conversation early. Don’t wait until
their eye starts wandering or someone else snatches them a way. Be concise, get
in, leave an impression and then keep it moving. If you want, you can always go
back and talk to them again later.
·
Close to the end of the conversation, ask for
their business card and if you can contact them later. Don’t ask for the
business card too early because that feels more like a closer and they'll hand it to you and say goodbye. (Tip: take their card so the responsibility to connect is in your hand, not theirs.)
Related Posts:
How to Show Off Without Looking Like a Show Off
Reality Check: I Don't Remember You
Make People Remember You
Tips on Talking About Yourself
Use Your Past Life
Interview Dos & Don'ts
