Do You Have a 30-second Intro?
June 25th, 2008 by Cristina Favreau
For the first time, I posted a question on LinkedIn, not really knowing what kind of response I’d get. I don’t know what’s taken me so long to discover the Q&A feature on LinkedIn (thanks to Lara for the suggestion), but I’m sure glad I did.
My question was a simple one: Do you have a 30-second intro? So far, I have not been disappointed with the replies.
My friend and colleague, David Cohen, started the conversation this way:
30 seconds? No way…that’s far too long…how about something short and sweet and catchy so you don’t drone on and on like everyone else at a networking event. Like, I help business owners grow their businesses by over 10 per cent…if this is a result you’d like in your business then let’s talk…
30 seconds is way too long…if you catch me doing that shoot me!
Most people who have answered agree with David — the shorter the better. I agree, although, to be honest, it’s something I struggle with.
So that got me wondering: What’s your take on your own 30-second intro? Are you consistently reworking it to be shorter, or do you find yourself trying to cram in as much information as you can in 30 seconds?
Ahh ! The Elevator Pitch!
You should have both!
The short one is the bait - the 30 ssecond is the hook that you hope the bait got for you.
A couple of 30 seconders as well depending on the audience.
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Great post — I definitely need to look into the LinkedIn Q&A.
Our CEO has one of the most unique and interesting intros I’ve ever ran across. “We focus on creating platforms and environments that help stars shine - and in our view, small businesses are the stars of America. If small businesses thrive, our world is a better place - more jobs are created, the economy improves and more people become empowered.” It may be a different approach, and it doesn’t really explain the industry, but it certainly opens up dialogue.
@Elliot - I agree 100% that you need both a 10-second and a 30-second intro (and a few variations of each.
Your “10-seconder” is what you say when networking informally (conversing with someone). You’ll end your 10 seconds with a question to get the conversation going and to get to know the person you’re speaking with.
To me, a “30-seconder” is mostly used in a formal networking environment, where each person is given 30-60 seconds to introduce themselves to a group.
@Chad - Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, your CEO’s intro leaves me more confused than informed or even intrigued. I would prefer to hear something a little bit more about me, in that, what can your company do for me? I don’t feel his intro accomplishes that. But, if it works for him, who am I to say otherwise?