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?

Category 30-Second Intro, Common Challenges, Defining Your Services, Filling the Pipeline, Marketing Strategies, Networking, Self-promotion, Selling Your Services, Visibility | Comments

  • This is the first time I know LinkedIn. Though I'm neither employer nor employer nor employee, it is worth to create online profile.

    Thank you for sharing
  • Cristina,

    I know this is late to post a comment but I just came across your blog. I'm starting to blog about the social side of business networking and was looking for some other thoughts on the 30 second intro. Many people feel nervous and intimidated about networking so I am trying to offer ideas and discussion to get people over the hump. The 30 second is great for official networking functions, but I agree you need a less structured version for social and other situations. I am making a push for even having a 5 word version. I spoke to my son's 3rd grade class once and I realized that I should always explain what I do as if I am speaking to an 8 year old. Not in an insulting way - but to a kid you just want to be clear and simple, not try to impress them. We get tripped up with the 3 syllable words we throw in to make us looks like we know what we are talking about.
  • Beth, thanks so much for joining the conversation.

    I love that you're encouraging others to have a simple 5-word intro. Short and sweet is the best. And I really get what you're saying about speaking so that even an 8 year old gets what you're saying. In other words, use every day English words. Keep it simple. Keep it fun and exciting!
  • @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?
  • 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.
  • 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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