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Self Introduction in Professional Networking

The Situation: You’re in a room of people you don’t know. You quickly identify the benefit of getting to know most of the people in the room. How comfortable are you approaching a stranger and introducing yourself? 


It is common for people to be apprehensive in this circumstance. The problem isn’t being nervous; the problem is being paralyzed by your apprehension. There are 8 basic steps to the self-introduction. 

  1. Smile. The physical act of smiling will assist you in overcoming the discomfort. Your smile will communicate so much long before you speak a word. Your smile will generate enthusiasm; for you and for the person you are about to meet. 
  2. Move. Get out of the entrance and away from the exterior. Be willing to literally bump into people. Be where the people are. 
  3. Opening line. Have a phrase that opens the conversation. “Hello. I don’t know you yet. I’m ______.” Or create your own. Be very comfortable with it. If you need to rehearse, do so. 
  4. Shake hands. As you give your opening line extend your hand and offer a professional handshake. As you shake hands look your new acquaintance in the eyes. This will help you be focused and engaged in the conversation and prepare you for the next step. 
  5. Listen. Listen to their name. If you are unsure you heard it right, or think you may pronounce it wrong ask for clarification. Be interested in their name. From the perspective of your new acquaintance, this is the single most important piece of information they will give you. 
  6. Use their name. Make a valiant effort to use their name three times in the next 60 seconds. Too many people say they are not good at remembering names. This one step will change that for you. 
  7. Ask. Have a question prepared to ask that pertains to the circumstance you’re in. “What brings you here?” “How do you know ____?” This will help both of you remember the context in which you met. 
  8. The finale. As the conversation draws to a close end it with their name and gratitude for the “chance” meeting. This needs to be genuine and positive. You are going to leave on a good note. Be comfortable with your wording. 

There are folks that will stay in the perimeter of a group and scowl the entire time. Later these same folks will state the situation was a waste of time. Don’t be that person. Know these steps and get out there and introduce yourself. 

Expand your network.


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