Developing Your 20-Second Infomercial

In a previous Networking Nugget we discussed PBS, or Personal Brand Statement, and why it is important when you meet new people, to let them know quickly and clearly who you are and what you are. You need to do this in a way that is concise, enthusiastic, and memorable. Sometimes a PBS is too long. You may only have time for a 20-second “infomercial” about yourself that keeps people interested using the following S.T.R.A.T.E.G.Y.:

• S Make your introduction Short and Succinct.
• T Think of it in advance. Practice so that it rolls off your lips. I always thought of this as – it rolls off your tongue
• R Remember the Results you want to achieve.
• A Articulate your message and your ‘headline’.
• T Time is of the essence—20 seconds or less is optimal. We all have a short attention span.
• E Speak with Enthusiasm and Energy. Be passionate about what you do. It shows
• G Set a Goal to attain.
• Y Focus on the “You” (the other person). We have all heard of WIIFM (imaginary F.M.radio station- What’s In It For Me- Now Focus on the other person—with an A.M. station MMFIAM- “Make Me (the other person feel important about myself)

If you carefully plan how you introduce yourself, you will start dynamic conversations that will lead to more information about your new contact and ways you can keep meeting. Always make the person you are speaking with curious and interested. Tell them something that will stay in their mind when they think of you. The bottom line is to introduce yourself in a way that will make people want to know you better. Developing those relationships is the heart of networking.