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What's Your Story? Learn to Network

It’s common to go to a networking event, job interview or even on a romantic date and be faced with the phrase: “Tell me about yourself.”

Now take a moment and think about how you have answered this question. Did it sound articulate and did you cover the most relevant points? We are often caught slightly off guard by the question and may awkwardly start with something of this nature: “Well, let’s see, I grew up in a small town… and went to college and majored in…"

In the span of the one or two minutes that we respond to the question, what does our audience actually learn that is relevant and important to the relationship? Therein lies the real question.

All of us should have a personal story or elevator pitch that represents what is most compelling about us. The content depends on the situation, your story at job interview would likely differ from what you would say at a cocktail party. Research tells us that it takes less than ten seconds to make on impression when we meet people so you need to get to ‘your story’ quickly. When we meet someone new, we generally aren’t interested in their detailed life story. We may be thinking “what’s their story” and want to get to it quickly. The goal in any situation is to make a connection when you tell your story. When we are networking for example, your story should leave the other person wanting to learn more thereby establishing the beginnings of relationship.

In creating your story, there are a few factors to consider:

• Where: Your story may vary sometimes dramatically in different settings. List all of the major situations where you would need to tell your story – networking event, job interview, cocktail party, book club, school etc.

• What: Make a list of your key messages for your story. A well thought out story allows us to reveal an aspect of ourselves that may not come naturally in conversation otherwise. For example, a professional story may be focused on your major experiences and accomplishments with key themes being highlighted. Plus we can cover what it is that we seeking whether it is a job lead, mentor or building your network. Your story should be memorable and highlight how you are unique.

• How: After identifying the setting and they key messages for your story, then it is time to practice how you tell it. Practice telling your story to your family, friends, pets and the mirror. Saying it out loud several times will be key to having it sound articulate in the real world. It should seem natural, not over rehearsed. Your story should be told with enough passion to draw in your audience.

• Time: Your story should be a minute or less in length. Could you tell your professional story to a key contact on a 30 second elevator ride? With less than 10 seconds to make an impression, our opening statement should immediately hook our audience.

And remember, “your story” will change over time so it is important to update it periodically. To deepen your learning on storytelling, read this book: The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling.

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