There are ways to distinguish yourself when making introductions in those crucial networking situations. Whether you’re a cashier in a retail store or a pet groomer at a local animal salon, you can creatively affect someone’s first impression of you by considering the words that you use.

Most people take a basic approach when introducing themselves. They offer the one or two word title that is generally used by their counterparts in the same field. We have all heard and participated in such meetings: “Hi, My name is Bill. I’m a loan officer.” “Nice to meet you. I’m Jennifer. I work as an computer technician.”

The first Rule for breaking this pattern is to avoid this type of acquainting. Skip the meaningless job title and go for an explanation. Describe the benefit that you offer to your clients. For example, one successful professional when asked what she does for a living replies, “I design sustainable, organic food experiences for people related to the seasons and natural environment”…. “I’m a chef,” she then follows up with.

This approach might be very different from what you have been familiar with. You may have gone your entire career letting people know that you are a newspaper publisher. What might happen if you explained to inquirers that you actually “work as a informative resource for the local public to stay informed of political, social, and safety issues critical to the town’s well-being.”? How would others react to you? How might their impressions be different from previous meetings? How could this encourage further communication about your work and purpose of the paper?

Change can be difficult, but if it could lead to enhancing the way that you are perceived by the public and alter your overall image, what do you have to lose?

Consider these other examples as inspiration for developing your own unique introduction.

Instead of a massage therapist, one healing arts practitioner describes himself by stating, “I work as a body awareness facilitator, allowing space for people to return to wholeness.”

An administrator at a small day care center for young children explains, “I assist parents in helping their kids make the transition from home to school.”

One web designer claims, “I professionalize business’ visual image in order that they attract the caliber of clientele that they strive for.”

And, an executive at a custom home building company states that she “helps people to design the house of their dreams at a price that they can afford.”

An investment banker explains that he “manages wealth for a person’s enjoyment and security for their children.”

A co-owner of a beauty product franchise simply states, “I help people to look and feel better.”

And, there are other strategies to grab listeners’ attention. Introductions that forgo the typical one word explanation often lead to no real reaction, or worse stereotypes that don’t fit what you actually do.

What can be really cool is wowing an acquaintance with a title that they haven never heard before. For instance, an industrial contractor could provoke much more interest by calling himself a "commercial wiring specialist" than he could by using the traditional title, "electrician." It is only natural that people pause upon hearing such unique descriptions and then continue to ask, “Just what is it that you do?” If this certain person only referred to himself as an electrician, wouldn’t people jump to obvious conclusions about his business?

What’s more is that you can also tweak this strategy by formulating an individualized moniker or professional nickname. Therefore, instead of referring to yourself as "a ____," you can actually title yourself "the ____." One small business owner who watches pets for wealthy clients calls herself “The Fairy Godmother.” This produces quite a different reaction of course then referring to herself as “The Pet Sitter.” Her customers associate her with tender loving care, and almost an angelic quality. Hence, the power of a self-imposed name.

It’s been said that if we want change, we have to be the change. The results that ensue and conversations that are evoked will show you that the run-of-the-mill intro probably isn’t serving you as well as other techniques might. Be bold and take the initiative to modify your approach to personal introductions.

Author: Rick Sheldon has 18 years experience in the Promotional Products Industry and is currently President of Click 4 Promos.com a discount Online Promotional Products Company He can be contacted at 877-238-2421 or go to his site: Promotional Items

email: info@click4promos.com

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