Frog Fast Five - Tips on Introducing Yourself

By Wynand Brand, Frog Recruitment, 26th September 2011

The handshake
Somewhere between the steel grip of death and a wet fish lies the perfect amount of force. More importantly - make eye contact and smile.

Less is more
Your first few sentences should tell the other person the bare minimum. If you tell someone your whole life story upon introduction, you’ll have nothing left to talk about. Broach topics gently instead of jumping in head first

Be appropriate
Introducing yourself as the CEO of XYZ Company at a parents sporting event may not be appropriate. A key part of networking is the ability to identify when networking is appropriate, and it not always is.

Understate
Don’t brag about yourself. Wait for the other person to ask questions, and then bring up that you’re the CEO at XYZ Company if necessary. Resist the urge to elevate yourself above the person you’re speaking with – this seriously impairs your ability to connect.

Focus on others
Connect through listening, not through speaking. Respond to what the other person says instead of reiterating your own achievements.

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