When you first introduce yourself to new or potential clients, you’re doing more than sharing your name. You’re trying to convey your uniqueness – your intellect, experience, and reputation. What you have to offer, both in who you are and how you serve, is special.

Aside from the pressure of conveying that uniqueness in a simple introduction, is the additional pressure of doing so in a way others understand and feel compelled to learn more. Because if you can’t convince them during your introduction, they’ll just walk across the street to the next person doing the same thing as you.

If you want to thrive in the competitive marketplace, your introduction must get people interested in learning more about how you can help them.

How? By focusing on impact.

Introductions typically come in response to the question “What do you do?” And most people respond by reciting their business card:

“I’m a physical therapist, mostly working with youth athletes.”
“I’m a personal trainer at a gym in Brentwood.”
“I’m a group fitness instructor at XYZ.”

‘Title introductions’ are dead ends.

Ask yourself: “How are the people I serve better because of what I do for a living?

“I help high school athletes get back to playing the sport they love after an injury.”
“I help women feel better about themselves by teaching them how to properly lift weights.”
“I help people get in shape while listening to great music and hanging out with their friends.”

In closing

When people ask you what you do, what they’re really asking is how you can help them. For a winning introduction, focus on impact.