When we meet people in networking situations, both formal and informal, it is important to have an introduction that creates some curiosity and interest. First impressions are important. As an example, if the first thing you say about your business is that you are "a real estate agent", the initial (and lasting) impression isn't that exciting or memorable. However, if you say that you "make dream homes reality homes", it is more much interesting and engaging to the other person.

Here are three things to consider when you are deciding how to introduce yourself and your business to new people:

What you Do vs. What you Provide - It's very easy to get stuck talking about the mechanics of what you do and the individual tasks and responsibilities you have. We often identify ourselves with our career so when someone asks what we do it's very easy to respond with a rote job description. Instead, talk about what you provide to your customers and clients. Let them know what you can give.

Features vs. Benefits - There's an important distinction between features and benefits. This relates to the above point. Your features are a description of what and how you do what you do; your benefits are how this supports your customer and clients. When introducing yourself, don't focus on the specifics of how you provide your services; rather look at the outcome of those services. Make the connection between the services you provide with what's in it for your customers (and the person you are introducing yourself to). The more you can introduce the benefits you provide, the better.

Talking About You vs. Talking About Them - In introducing yourself, you obviously have to spend some time talking about you. Don't get trapped, however, only talking about you. As fascinating as you might be, the more you can engage a person you've just met, the better. When we meet someone new, we are making a decision (albeit usually a subconscious one) about whether there is a connection between us and them. To create a strong network with many people in it, you have to make sure that when people meet you, they find that initial connection.

These three points focus on the relationship between you and your customers, and that indirectly mirrors the relationship between you and a person you've just met. Even if they aren't a prospective customer, you want to captivate your "audience" quickly. The important thing about your introduction is that it should be a way to begin a conversation. In many ways, it should "beg the question" - others should want to find out more about you and your business. By quickly engaging the people you meet, you'll create powerful relationships that will lead to business opportunities.