The Four to Five Sentence Connection
I have been working recently on resumes’ for a number of clients. Being able to present yourself, who you are, what you do, and more importantly what value you bring to others, is essential when looking to obtain something that you want. In some instances the belief is that one needs to describe in detail everything that they do and ideally something will connect with their listener. Others take the opposite approach. They will just list the various jobs and titles they have had, how long they may have done that role, and out of it a prospective individual or company that can use their services will want to speak with them. Both approaches could not be further from reality.
In first meeting with clients and ultimately working with them, I try to see how they are able to describe themselves in four to five sentences. Usually, I’m able to decipher or get those sentences and thoughts from the summary of a resume’, the ABOUT or Introduction section of a Linked In profile, or if hearing them verbally in their 30 to 45 second introduction of themselves. And, yet so many I meet do not have a Summary on their resume’, (or an appropriate title defining what it is they do). Their Linked in profile will describe them by the job title they have likely at their most recent employer, (if they still work there or not). Expressing themselves verbally is usually also a challenge, because either if not limited by time, they’ll ramble on and on describing themselves, or if timed, they will stumble and stammer as to what to say.
Are you able to describe yourself, (and who you help), in four to five sentences? If not here are some tips on how to do so. What is the most important thing you want people to know about you? That should be your first sentence. Unless you are a world renowned celebrity, usually the first thing people want to know is your name. Say it for them clearly, slowly and distinctly, and they also want to know what it is you do. While this second part of that first sentence can get involved if you let it, try to make it simple, (and don’t worry about having to explain it). For example, if one asks me what I do, the answer that I have developed is “I help those that work with me develop strategies for what it is they want to do next in their life.” Yes it may lead to ambiguity and questions, but I am comfortable I am going to clarify in the next couple of sentences. It also sparks curiosity and interest.
The second sentence clarifies the first, and generally is the 2nd most important thing I want them to know about me. Again in my case, that would go something like this, “I help my clients identify what it is they want to do next, research and target where to find it, and help them to determine the resources they need to make it happen.” I now have myself positioned, to move from stating “what it is I do” to the special skills I possess or something I have accomplished that make clients want to work with me. For example, it may be something such as “I’m trained to listen to those with whom I work, clarify with them what I have heard, and begin making suggestions on how they may want to go about conducting their search.” My final statement usually has an enthusiasm for the work I do, what I gain from it, and reinforcing the type of individuals I am looking to help. It may sound like this, “So if you know of someone who is having trouble moving to that next great activity in their life, I can help them build the steps on how to get there.”
Will my listener have other questions? Absolutely, in fact I hope that they do. If their mindset is so what, or why would I or anyone need that, then I have a few choices. This may be an individual with whom I am not meant to connect. They have no need of my services. Or, if they do, and I have not connected, it is a lesson learned in how I need to re-construct my four to five sentence introduction of myself for future encounters. The point being, without that initial connection point, (whether it be in a resume’, a Linked In profile or a verbal communication), I may never get to the next step of the person wanting to extend the conversation with me or learn more about what it is I do.
If you are finding that you are having a difficult time getting people to connect with you to even discuss possible opportunities for yourself an how you can be of assistance to them, go back to check your major communication vehicles. Do they introduce who you are? Are you leaving it for others to figure it out for themselves if they should continue the conversation with you? And, if so, take the steps you need, (or get help if necessary) to craft that four to five sentence introduction.
