Mastering Your Signature Introduction

Engaging effectively in networking situations is essential for small business owners and entrepreneurs working to grow their businesses. And the way you introduce yourself can pave the way for lasting connections and opportunities.

Earlier this month, Keira Crooms and I went to the Sell Well conference in Houston, hosted by Catherine Brown. It was a great reminder that a well-crafted introduction is what sparks interest, creates rapport, and launches valuable new business connections. As a business leader, knowing how to articulate your value can open doors and lead to referrals that might otherwise go unnoticed.

You can hear my discussion with Keira on the Cover-to-Cover Influence podcast.

And you can grab our free resource to help you craft your own Signature Introduction HERE.

Your introduction builds confidence in your networking skills

Entering a room full of unfamiliar faces often creates anxiety, especially for those of us who identify as introverts. But, understanding and embracing your strengths can boost your confidence and help you get the most out of every opportunity.

As a former StoryBrand marketing guide, I frequently used a framework we called a one-liner. It’s probably the simplest form of introduction, but it can be very powerful. With this one,  you lead with the problem, include information about how you solve that problem, and paint a picture of the outcome once that problem has been solved.

For example, if someone asks, “What do you do?” Instead of answering with your business title, such as, “I’m a consultant,” frame it the way Keira does: “Many business owners struggle to streamline their operations. I help business owners optimize processes so they can focus on their strengths.” This format gives listeners quick insight into your business and invites further conversation.

Different settings call for distinct approaches. And identifying specific problems you solve allows you to create an introduction that can be easily adapted to your networking or conference audience.

Prepare multiple iterations of your one-liner and adjust your delivery for informal gatherings versus formal business functions, allowing flexibility in your networking strategy.

Another framework I’ve found helpful is Catherine Brown’s value proposition. I like this one because it’s an expanded version of the one-liner and gives you an opportunity to add nuance. If you own Catherine’s book, How Good Humans Sell, look on page 108. I’ve also included her formula on the download for this post. Catherine’s version allows you to dig a little further into the problems your audience is experiencing and consider how those problems are making them feel. And while she suggests solutions to the problem referenced in her value proposition, she includes more details around the benefits of having solved those problems.

Personalizing Your Signature Introduction

When working on this post and podcast episode, I began creating my own framework, which I’m referring to as the Signature Introduction. It combines elements of the one-liner and the value proposition, but in my case, I like leading with the aspirational identity – what’s possible because my business exists.

The formula looks like this and is also included on the download.

Desire + Problem + Solutions = Engagement

Here’s an example from Sparx360. Imagine that someone just asked, “What do you do?”

You know how so many business leaders want to write a book but don’t quite know how to make it happen? Maybe they just don’t have time, or they don’t understand the logistics of how to get it published. I offer a course called Your Book, Your Rules, which guides new authors step-by-step as they go from idea to Amazon. What about you? Have you ever wanted to publish a book?

Granted. It might feel a little awkward at first when you answer a question with a question. But this works for me because I want people to think about possibilities. I also want to close with an engaging question that keeps the conversation going. Yes, I’m asking a question about them, but it also relates to my business, which means I’m learning more about whether and how I can help them or their clients.

Combine these frameworks to suit your style

Experimenting with varied introduction frameworks enables customization that reflects your personality. The fusion of techniques creates depth while keeping it concise.

Feel free to create an introduction that’s uniquely yours. Practice it on camera or in front of a mirror. Role play with colleagues. How are your expressions and body language supporting your introduction? Practice makes progress.

Creating a Signature Introduction now, build your network and elevate your influence.