You’re sitting at a networking event, waiting for your turn as people introduces themselves one by one.
“Hey everyone, I’m…” someone begins.
They describe who they are and what they do. You catch bits and pieces. Most of it you barely remember, because you’re too busy wondering what to do when it’s your turn…
“What’s the right thing to say?”
“I feel like such a beginner compared to these people.”
“I hope I can impress everyone.”
“I hope I can meet the right people.”
If you’re at a networking event or conference and your top priority is to learn and meet great people who can help take you to the next level… there’s a certain 10-word phrase you need to try at least once.
Because it works like magic
(On the other hand, if you’re #1 goal is to win some clients, avoid this phrase. It’s also not for when you’re at a meeting for a company that employs you, unless it has a certain culture. You’ll see why in a moment.)
This magic 10-word phrase accomplishes many things simultaneously. Its magic power is derived from subtle communication, the true difference-maker (especially when it comes to becoming wealthy, attracting the opposite sex with uncanny ability, and living a charmed life).
Okay, so let’s imagine this phrase in action…
Finally, the person to your left introduces himself, and you hardly hear what he says because you’re focusing on how you’re going to speak next (another mistake, but we’ll work on that later).
Then, the room grows quiet and eyes shift to you.
In the past, you were nervous and unsure
But today… you’re doing your best to hold back your Cheshire Cat grin because you know everyone in this room is about to love you.
You take a deep, dramatic breath in and say:
“My name’s… and…” then the phrase, “… I’m here to get my head out of my ass.”
(Then a little pause if there’s a reaction.)
“Okay, here’s what I mean…”
Then talk about your business, or whatever the focus of the meeting is. Describe what you want to accomplish. List out the roadblocks you’re experiencing, including the solutions you’ve tried. Add a little about how it’s been making you feel. Then your call-to-action. Say you’d love some advice and to meet some great people who could help.
Done
If this seems like a ridiculous way to begin an introduction, then let’s go over the subtle communication:
- You’re confident. Sheepish people would never say such a thing for a first impression.
- You’re fun. You don’t take yourself too seriously, and that’s magnetic to other people – especially those with high self-esteem. Those are the only people you want gravitating towards you.
- You’re humble. This is a wonderful trait to communicate if someone already thinks you’re confident, because there’s a risk of coming across as arrogant.
- You’re okay with dropping the bullshit of looking polished and “arrived.” This is a bit more nebulous than the previous traits mentioned, but it deserves special attention. Many people shuffle through the business world concerned about their image to the point of being hoisted by their own petard (Google it if you need to, it’s a cool phrase). Image is crucial, but best build through a solid foundation, not a façade. If you’re a beginner in a certain area of life and you’re struggling, own it. Wearing your current “head up your ass” state of being with acceptance is very magnetic and charming.
Keep in mind, this works both ways. If you get a negative reaction, this is valuable feedback. But not necessarily against you. Instead, it probably means your group contains a bunch of overbearing, stick-up-their-ass, arrogant people. Not the kind you want to hang around unless you’re fishing for clients.
One thing’s for sure when you use this 10-word magic phrase…
You will stand out
Everyone else in the room just tried to put their best foot forward. You, on the other hand, gave everyone a jolt of pleasure with your humor, and showed them what a great person you are, instead of telling them.
Which helps, because hardly anyone listens or remembers facts, anyway.
This idea isn’t original with me – I’ve seen very successful businessmen deploy it. One approached some office staff during a meeting, stood there, and simply said, “My incompetent ass.”
After getting a laugh, and a request for more details, he revealed he needed help connecting to the WIFI. They did it for him.
Another man helping run a $50,000,000-per-year business introduced himself in a high-level meeting by saying, “We want to suck less.” Two years later, they’re up to $120,000,000 per annum, so he’s no fool.
Try it out, and marvel at how eager people are to contribute to a head-ass-removal procedure.
