"What Do You Do"–– All in 20 Seconds or Less

The most commonly asked question at networking events and almost anywhere we go is, “What do you do?” We are all curious to learn about the other person and see if there might be a synergy or some type of connection. How you respond can be the beginning of a great business and/or personal relationship. We all need to be prepared to answer this question in a clear, concise, enthusiastic, and memorable way––all in twenty seconds or less! This statement is called your 20-second introduction or grabber. Here are several questions to help determine whether your personal introduction is effectively communicating who you are:

• Does my opening statement make the other person say, “Tell me more?” Your statement needs to leave your contact eager to find out more about who you are. Offer a brief and creative description of how you serve or help people and organizations.
• Am I specific or unique enough? Differentiate yourself. Be sure to paint a word picture in the other person’s mind that is easy to visualize. What is the benefit you provide.
• Do I enjoy what I do and does it show? Come across as enthusiastic and passionate. When you’re excited about your work and professional interests, you naturally come across in that way with total sincerity.
• What benefits and solutions to problems do I provide? Offer yourself as a problem solver. Think of how you convey what you do as a benefit to the other person or a solution to a problem.
• What makes me and my services unique? Distinguish yourself from the competition. Your grabber has to convey your exclusivity and the service you provide. Your personal introduction statement has to be particularly appealing when meeting someone for the first time. When preparing it, think about how you want to be remembered, what will make you stand out and show your uniqueness.

Think of several different introductions, based on each audience, group, market you serve—the list goes on. Keep coming up with different and unique and innovative ways to describe “who you are.” This is an exercise we go to school on daily. Once you think you have it perfected, it can always be improved upon. Watch people’s reactions and be aware of what you say that creates more of a dialogue and conversation. And then Listen to them and what they have to say.

Go to You Tube and other channels and watch as many “Elevator” introductions as you can—Take the best and leave the rest. Find what works for you in your style and personality and start to use it.