Introductions at networking events are always a challenge. They can become tedious and repetitive. When numbers are high, or the time is not well managed, they can feel like they are going on forever. And then one has to question the value of them.
However, some form of introduction is necessary especially when there are new people in the room. So how can you make an impact with your introduction?
What’s the purpose of your introduction?
I believe that the core function of an introduction is to enable your fellow networkers to file you in their brains appropriately. If you overload them with too much information you can’t do that. So, keep your introduction short and simple.
There is a limit to what you can achieve in an introduction, and it is not a sale. Your aim should usually be a follow up conversation. What would trigger that?
Your audience.
Think about who your audience is and what they already know. If you are speaking to the same people every week/month you need to add a bit of variety to your introduction. If you deliver the same pitch every week the chances are that regulars will have stopped listening. And if they’ve stopped listening they’re unlikely to be keen on a conversation.
The biggest problem with your networking introduction tends to be when you have a mixed audience of people who know you well and people you’re meeting for the first time. Perhaps a new case study or service will appeal to both.
What do you want your takeaways to be?
Don’t be overly ambitious for your networking introduction. Remember you are just one person in a long line of speakers. There is a limit to what your fellow networkers can absorb in a short space of time so don’t overload them. Think what you want to them to take away from this event. Here are some ideas…
- Your name
- Your business name
- How they could work with you
- Who they could refer to you
Remember that not everyone is your ideal customer so there will probably be some people in the room who aren’t going to be a good fit, but they might know someone who is.
Some people may never become your customer but they could become a key collaborator. Should a conversation with potential partners be the focus of your introduction?
Gain attention.
When it’s your turn to speak you need to move your audience’s attention to you. How will you do that?
We typically miss the first three to four words that someone says so make sure they’re not the vital information. A question can help your listener engage their brain. Using the word ‘you’ helps. Adding some energy to your voice or some movement can also help.
Will a strapline or tagline help?
A strapline that you repeat at every meeting can be a great way to be remembered. We have one member who has us so well trained we all repeat the strapline with him, ‘I am the incredible bill shrinking man’. It’s a clear message we all understand. Can you come up with something similar.
A 15 word introduction.
This month we are challenging attendees at our networking meetings to introduce themselves in no more than 15 words (names and straplines are not included in the word count).
This will encourage people to focus on their core message. It’s a good exercise even when you may have a longer opportunity. More time doesn’t always mean more clarity.
Keeping to 15 words will require thought. So here are some examples to help you think about your own introduction.
- ‘Know your numbers and keep the taxman happy with our Accounting support.’
- ‘How do you ensure a happy staff? Use us, Happy People HR, to put the systems in place.’
- ‘We provide the strategic direction to enable your marketing to win the right customers.’
- How do you find the people, ideas, and support to help your business thrive? Join Fabulous Networking.
- Is your website winning enquiries from your ideal clients? If not I can help.
Monitor results
As with any form of marketing it’s a good idea to measure results. Which messages land best? What did your fellow networkers do after your introduction? Did your introduction lead to any conversations?
Remember your networking introduction is not about winning the sale it’s about starting the conversation. Take the initiative, start the conversation or ask for a follow up.
