10 Second First Impression


By Dr. Iris Fanning


Whether you are currently in a corporate position, entrepreneur or business owner your FIRST introduction can make a lasting impression...or fade you into the woodwork. It's your choice. Typically you have 10-30 seconds to introduce yourself in a way so that your listener/audience knows exactly what you do & why they would want to work with you.

DEVELOPING YOUR 10 SECOND FIRST IMPRESSION

What you want to do is develop & practice a 10-30 second “speech” or introduction that describes the benefits of your business to others. It’s often referred to as an elevator speech because when you’re in an elevator you have about 10-30 seconds to chat with the other person on the elevator and then one of you leaves.

Why create this introduction? – Because you're in BUSINESS and business succeeds when you have customers. Others are interested, but they’ll never know what you do unless you create something interesting.

You will want to write down several versions of this introduction. Here are the key points:

• Compelling, people want to listen

• Solves a problem

• Makes you the expert

So, let’s look at some examples of what NOT to do.

• I am a VP at Eagle Credit Union.

• I own a construction company.

• I do counseling

I think you can see immediately that these greetings are NOT compelling! Let’s take those ideas and add YOUR mission, vision & answers to THEIR problems. Here are a few EXAMPLES. Be sure you tailor your speech to fit what you really believe in.

1. Instead of – I'm a VP at Eagle Credit Union…Say for example: I am a VP at Eagle Credit Union in charge of Marketing and Product Development. Under my watch our marketing efforts have increased our membership by 35% in a year and we've developed 3 products to improve the quality of our members' financial lives.

2. Instead of – I own a construction company… Say for example: I own Big T construction. We recently completed the overpass exchange on budget and under time. The other project you may have seen is the Natural History museum. We came in both on time and on budget.

3. Instead of – I do counseling…Say for example: I am so enthusiastic about working with families to help them create a happy, healthy loving home… whether they are married or divorced. I am a specialist in families and I find that my clients reconnect with each other, learn to communicate & discover their home to be a nurturing place to be after working with me.

IT’S YOUR TURN

Now, write your speech. Come on. It’s that important. Try tweaking it with several different words. Once you have one or two versions, practice in front of the mirror. Watch your eyes, smile and demeanor. If you don’t really believe what you’re saying, it won’t work. You’ll either need to write what you really believe or become confident enough to say what you believe. OK, do this NOW!!!


More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Networking Information:

Related Articles

Networking in the Change Room: 5 Ways to Network Effectively While Getting Undressed
There's a time and place to network with people in order to generate leads, build rapport and form meaningful relationships. The change room at your gym, spa or country club isn't one of them.
The Five Step Formula For Getting Prospects to Call You
Are you tired of prospecting for new business?Are you sick of networking, begging for referrals, or spending a small fortune on advertisements that produce little results?Wouldn't it be nice if you could just sit down at your desk and have the phone ring knowing that new business is on the other end of the line?Who wouldn't, right..
10 Effective Ways to Remember Names
Sigmund Freud says "a person's name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten." Feelings of embarrassment and social ineptitude are conveyed through this forgetfulness, and unfortunately, the problem persists daily.
Measuring Value for a Networking Group
How do you measure a group's worth to your organization?It is sometimes necessary to measure the value of a group. You may be asking yourself why you would want to measure the value of a group whose purpose is business.
Where to Find a Cash Windfall of $10,000 - $1,000,000 - You Never Knew You Had
There is a rather famous true story called "Acres of Diamonds".It is about a successful farmer who risks everything searching the African continent for diamonds.
Unforgettable First Impressions Part 1: Discover the CPI
People like others whom they are like. So if you want to make a flawless first impression, it is your duty to discover what you have in common with every person you talk to.
Successfully Meeting And Greeting - Ten Strategies For Getting Off To A Good Start
A day in the life of every businessperson is made up of a series of meetings and greetings. Whether you are making the initial contact with a client or a colleague, you want to get off on the right foot.
Building Great Business Relationships
If you're in a business relationship with anyone - a client, vendor, or customer - how important is that relationship to you? Do you value the relationship? Do you want to nurture it?A business relationship, like any relationship, is a two-way street. The expectations of both parties needs be clear and easily understandable.
A Vital Habit For Selling Big Ticket Items
I hope the title of this article aroused your curiosity! What could this habit be that will help you sell Big Ticket Items?It has nothing to do with copywriting or creating beautiful web pages. But it does have to do with something even more important - building relationships!What is this habit? Well it has many names but the most familiar one is probably is "networking".
Creating Successful Alliances and Partnerships through Networking
Douglas Wilder, former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first elected Black Governor in the United States gave me advice that I will never forget. He said, "From this point on, when you walk into a room, walk in that room like you own it, when you talk with people remember to stand on your principles, keep your word, and people will want to associate with you.
How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid
June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have been made and most are already broken.
Networking - How To Do It
Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effectiveand least expensive way to get more business. Itdoesn't necessarily involve selling your product or servicebut it does mean selling yourself.
9 Ways to Spice Up Your Nametags for More Engaging Conversation
Nametags are worn for a variety of jobs and functions, but people don't like to wear them because they're annoying, damage your clothing, clash with your outfit, and eliminate anonymity.Picture this: you see someone's nametag and decide to strike up a conversation with them:"Nice to meet you Jimmy, my name is Gary.
The 7 Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers
Networking is a term that didn't exist (academically) until almost 40 years ago. It's a word uttered in and around the business world every day, yet is unclear to most as to how it actually works.
Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)
Although, this is about giving the gift of your name to others, it certainly runs a close second in importance to "Whats' in a name?"What is giving the gift of your name? Giving the gift of your name is when you see someone you haven't seen in a while and you are kind enough to give (remind) him or her your name (the gift) again without any hesitation.It's not nice to keep someone guessing about your name.
Keys to Successful Networking While In Transition
Let's be real. With other pressures of life upon us, having to network can be a burden and increase stress levels.
7 Step Plan To Get Going With Networking
Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you have the gift of gab or just don't know how to make small talk, networking know-how is very important for your business success. There is a notion in business that I believe most of us subscribe to that says "all things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to those they know, like and trust.
Planting the Seeds of Greatness - Make it Great Newsletter #7
Thought of the WeekThis week, I'd like to challenge you to try something: Give something to someone that you know can never repay the favor. This could be something simple like opening the door for someone with their hands full, or buying lunch for a complete stranger at your local bistro.
Make Money on the Internet - The Lifestyle Advantages of Professional Marketers
Some of the most successful businesses in existence today started in a box room, bedroom or garage. It isn't how you start out to make money at home that is important.
Youve Got Personality, Use It!
For the self employed professional, nothing is more important than the image you project to your clients and potential clients. Napoleon Hill put it best when he said, "People buy your personality and ideas long before they buy your products and services.