Before meeting new people, prepare an intro that says who you help and why, uses a story, and comes out with confidence.
The idea
You only get one first impression, so prepare your introduction before you meet new people. Master connector Clay Hebert has a formula that's brilliant in its simplicity: tell people who you help, and why. Be interesting, by explaining through stories. Express yourself with confidence. Keep a few variations ready so you can use whichever fits the moment.
How to do it
Write one sentence on who you help and why.
Attach a short story that shows it.
Prepare a few variations, so you can pick the most relevant one in the moment.
Know the one easy action you'd like people to take if they're interested (your newsletter, a follow-up call).
Example
In my illustration of two brokerage colleagues heading to the same conference, Angela arrives with several introductions built around how she connects hospitals, clinics, private practices, landlords and investors so great medical care always has a home. Brian is charming, but he talks more about himself than about who he helps, and people leave with little sense of why to stay in touch.
Script
(adapted) "I connect hospitals, clinics, private practices, landlords and real estate investors to ensure that great medical care always has a home."
Watch out for
Talking more about yourself than about who you help.