Okay, we just talked about overcoming fears in networking, and you have entered the room, stuck out your hand....and then what?

How do you introduce yourself: with your name, company and job function?

So how's that working for you?

Do people's eyes glaze over?

"I'm a financial planner or I sell insurance, or I'm in the manufacturing and waste management industry."

No matter what your role, by just stating your name and job function, you'll be hard pressed to excite the listener. I mean, think about the last time someone came up to you and said "Hi, I'm Joan Smith with ABC Corporation and I sell widgets."

Oh boy. Not only do you NOT need widgets, you don't really understand what kind of widgets Joan sells and she hasn't described them in a way that makes you want to ask, right?

So try this, the next time you have an opportunity to introduce yourself.

Forget your name, company and job title and just tell them what you DO for your customers.

What if you sell widgets that help a company's existing equipment work fast, more efficiently and cost effectively?

Put your hand out there and proudly say, "Hi, I help my customers be more effective and drop more money to the bottom line."

WOW. I bet you'll get some interesting responses.