What actor doesn’t want to master networking? Or be seen as a connector? Or make an impression in a super-easy way?
When you can introduce others with confidence and clarity it changes the game in high-level networking. You are then perceived as someone who fosters engagement and connections—a very powerful and intangible key to business mastery 🙂
Look, in my 20’s I spent a lot of time wanting people to like me. I was too afraid to let my guard down and be myself… just in case they didn’t. Rather than building authentic relationships, I was succumbing to my own ego and fears.
Then I decided to reframe the fear and negative connotations I had with networking and take the pressure off myself.
Instead of going out to “network,” I started saying that I was going out to “expand my community”. I knew it was more important to add to my team of people and to connect with them in a genuine way than it was to let my fears control my actions.
Once I had this positive framing around the once-despised context of “networking,” I realized the key to be a genuine networker is to become a master at making introductions. Not only was I building my own support system, I was also able to support others! I was able to draw people to me and make starting conversations a breeze.
You may not feel like you have the skills to be a gracious connector and make impeccable introductions. Well, I’m here to tell you, you can! If my nervous 20-something self was able to do it, so can you!
You can get better at any skill you set your mind to. The benefit of making people feel comfortable and at ease serves you and others, so use the following framework to get you started.
These four steps build on one another, so practice them in order to feel the flow of gracious and successful introductions.
1. Say the person’s name—first and last—especially if the introduction is of a professional nature or involves the industry. And always repeat it. Give people a second chance to hear the name.
Example —
Sarah, this is Dennis Jenkins. Dennis, this is Sarah Pringle. Sarah, meet Dennis. Dennis, meet Sarah.
2. Give people a frame of reference when you introduce them.
Example —
rah, this is Dennis Jenkins. Dennis, this is Sarah Pringle. Sarah, meet Dennis. Dennis, meet Sarah. Dennis and I just met; he is a director. Sarah is an actress and dancer, and one of my closest friends.
3. Say something nice about the person and highlight his or her strengths or successes.
Example —
Sarah, this is Dennis Jenkins. Dennis, this is Sarah Pringle. Sarah, meet Dennis. Dennis, meet Sarah. Dennis and I just met; he’ s a director and his show Wild Card is opening next week—it sounds amazing! Sarah is an amazing actress; she’s one of my closest friends, and she is one of the most electric and engaging dancers I have ever seen!
4. Point out any similar interests and highlight what they have in common. Be the springboard to jumpstart a conversation between the two people you’re introducing.
Example –
Sarah, this is Dennis Jenkins. Dennis, this is Sarah Pringle. Sarah, meet Dennis. Dennis, meet Sarah. Dennis and I just met; he’s a director and his show Wild Card is opening next week—it sounds amazing! Sarah is an amazing actress; she’s one of my closest friends, and she is one of the most electric and engaging dancers I have ever seen. And, incidentally, you both went to NYU and you both live in the West Village. Small world, yes?
I love this framework for a couple of reasons: First, it works, and it enables you to be an ace at Introductions.
Second, it means you pay attention in your conversations, it keeps you engaged, and gets you to ask deeper-level questions.
I invite you to practice this at your next event or party. You’ll be surprised how effortless it’ll become 😉
