I recently attended a networking function – you know the kind where you have to stand up and give your 30-second introduction.
Most of the self introductions follow the same, boring pattern: Hi! My name is ‘Silly Sally’, and my company is Just Like the Other’s. We help you ‘totally become part of the wallpaper and not standing out at all’.
One woman stood up to speak … her mousy brown shoulder length hair was tousled; in fact it looked like she hadn’t brushed it that morning. She had on no makeup; her button down shirt was just a tad tight and was hanging outside her pants.
Imagine my surprise when she said “… I help you navigate through the world of beauty of image…”
I don’t think I want to be navigated through her world of beauty and image.
Is what you say about yourself, your capabilities, your company, congruent with how you look and what you present? You have about 7 seconds to make that all important first impression and to distinguish yourself from everyone else. What does your image, and your brand, say about you? And are you reminding your listener of something negative in their past?
It wasn’t what she said, what I saw did not match what she said.
