An assured self-introduction conveys an impression of Executive Presence. It is a necessary prelude to conversation when people first meet.

Your own self-assured introduction provides an immediate return on investment and plays an essential role in advancing your business relationships.

The way you introduce yourself sets the tone of a relationship. Okay Tom, you’re at a company function, you see Michelle and you approach her to introduce yourself.

Heeey.  How you doin’? I’m Tom.

Heeey.  How you doin’? I’m Tom.

Heeey.  How you doin’? I’m Tom.

The self-introduction is your opportunity to present a polished and professional image. It works in harmony with your handshake. Now, let’s see how Tom scored.

No handshake. Tom should have extended his hand and initiated a handshake.

No full name. Tom should have given his first and last name.

No details about himself. Tom should have provided some brief details. What do you want people to know about you? Make it relevant to the event.

Even in today’s more casual business atmosphere, your introduction creates a powerful first impression.

So Tom, as you approach Michelle, get ready to shake hands as you give her your full name, your department and some relevant background information about yourself. And this time, do it at a leisurely pace.

Hi, I’m Tom Preston with the IT department. I work with Pat Stern and if you need any tech assistance, I’m the one you’ll be calling.

That was great, Tom. Now you’re on your way to developing the first stage of your Executive Presence skills.

Executive Presence means more than a perfectly conducted introduction – it’s NOT just business etiquette – or looking and acting the part.

It is far more than skills, ability, and talent. Executive Presence combines leadership, communication and engagement expertise in a powerful mix – leading to continuous upward mobility.

Executive Presence:
Neither Exclusive nor Elusive™
It can be learned!

For more info: 416-967-1221
Or email: michelle@corporateclassinc.com

As part of every business introduction, a business card exchange follows specific Executive Presence protocols.

Your mastery of the business card exchange produces an immediate return on investment and moves your initial introductions to follow up opportunities.

Today, we’ll review a situation where business cards would be exchanged. Tom, you’re meeting a prospective client, Michelle, for the first time after getting to know her over the phone. OK, now exchange cards.

Michelle, So great to finally meet you!

Hi Tom, Delighted to finally meet you too.

I’ve got something for you too…My card!

Thank you, and I’ve got something for you too!

Now, let’s point out where Tom went wrong.

Tom aggressively thrusts his card at Michelle. Tom doesn’t look at her card; he just puts it in his pocket.

Tom’s card is shabby and dog-eared

Michelle you handled that well. But I think we can agree that there were a

few bloopers on Tom’s part. Tom, let’s try that again — here are some guidelines.

Yes, I want to learn to do it properly.

Okay, for starters, greet; shake hands.

Hi Michelle, I’m Tom, great to meet you

Hello Tom, Delighted to meet you.

Now, Tom, reach in your inside jacket pocket and at an easy pace, present your business card, face up so it can be easily read.

My card.

Tom, this time, when Michelle hands you her card, look at it — and then place it on the table.

That was great. And just a final tip, always make sure your cards are fresh and clean. A card case is a good idea. And now, once more on your own time.

Hi Michelle, I’m Tom. Great to meet you

Hello Tom, delighted to meet you

My card.

Thank you. Oh that’s great, nice logo.

Thank you

And here’s mine

Thank you

Your office is in a great location

Yeh, very close

Executive Presence means more than presenting your business card correctly it’s not just business etiquette – or looking and acting the part.

It is far more than skills, ability, and talent. Executive Presence combines leadership, communication and engagement expertise in a powerful mix – leading to continuous upward mobility.

A surefire test of Executive Presence is the ability to successfully Work a Room. It’s the optimum to meet and make new connections.

Knowing how to work a room rewards you with an immediate return on investment by making every networking second count whether your connecting with C-Suite executives or meeting new clients.

Today, you’re at a company reception. It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to someone new in the company.

This is Stage One of the process where you’ll learn to Command a Room.

Hi. I’m Tom

Sorry… Tom.

Uh, Tom. Tom Preston.

THIS, this is a first for me! The following is the proper procedure that Tom failed to perform.

Eat before you go. Don’t arrive hungry. Because, all you’ll think about is eating and drinking.

Meet some people first, before you even think about a drink or eating. You’re invited to the event to network, not because you’re hungry and thirsty.

Meet and greet. Always keep your right hand free to shake hands and introduce yourself. And remember, you’re there to mingle and work a room.

Okay Tom, I think you know where you went wrong? Remember, you were invited to attend and mingle.

AND secondly, here’s an occasion where you have a chance to make a great Executive Presence first impression. You don’t want to blow it.

Let’s try that again.

Hi, I’m Tom Preston from the IT department.

Hello Tom, I’m Michelle from marketing.

I haven’t seen you around before. Have you just started?

Yes, I’m new. Delighted to meet you.

Welcome. Would you like something to eat?

Executive Presence means more than understanding how to Work – and ultimately Command – a room. It’s NOT just business etiquette – or looking and acting the part.

It is far more than skills, ability, and talent. Executive Presence combines leadership, communication and engagement expertise in a powerful mix – leading to continuous upward mobility.

Projecting self-confidence is pivotal to Executive Presence and there may be no greater opportunity to demonstrate your confidence than during presentations.

Your polished presentations bring an immediate return on investment.

Effectively sharing information secures your role as an emerging leader.

Tom, you were asked to prepare a presentation for today and now, the floor belongs to you. Please begin. Hi,

Okay,

Just bear with me just one second here; I got to get need to get to my introduction.

Aha!

Okay…

No, no that’s not it at all

It’s not the end at all

I wish

Okay

Life Financial Incorporated with your retirement in mind

by Tom Preston

So I’m going to talk for just a little while this morning

It’s 9 o’clock now and we’ll have you out of here by … uh… noon.

I hope. Probably.

And after some recaps and questions and question and answer period, naturally.

Not too long at all

So we’ll jump right in, we’ll just jump in

I want to give you all a sense of 300easy-to-remember-tips for planning saving for your retirement. Easy peasy. Nothing too new here.

We have this slide which is self-explanatory, I mean we’re all professionals here…

The results, the expectations, the swings the growth, you’ve heard that before.

Is it hot?

Investment portfolio management as I was saying

The results and expectations…

Okay… that’s it. Thank you for listening to my presentation

Tom… that was something else. I think we all just learned how NOT to make a presentation. I think you need a little more training.

Executive Presence means more than making a professional presentation – it’s NOT just business etiquette – or looking and acting the part.

It is far more than skills, ability, and talent. Executive Presence combines leadership, communication and engagement expertise in a powerful mix – leading to continuous upward mobility.