"Let's set up a one on one so I can see who to refer you to." Why? Over two weeks in the fall of 2020 I sat in the back of a run of networking groups, in person and on Zoom, to hear how people introduce themselves as things reopened. This episode is what I heard, the few who shone, and what I would do with a two minute pitch. I share the man who had clearly taken hits that year and spent his time asking others questions instead of steering back to his sale. The woman running a room who was there to find people she could stand behind, not just to be heard. And the emails that followed one big meeting: the finance guy, the insurance guy who still wanted the call after I told him I was not changing anything, and the scheduler links with no reason attached. My position on referrals: wrap your reputation around anyone you refer, which means vetting them first, and block the people who refer everyone and take responsibility for no one. Take half the time you would spend on meetings and spend it looking people up instead. Then the practical part. Have one page where a busy person can get a fast peek at you, short bio, a few quotes, a short video, before anyone asks for thirty minutes. Bring a different piece of usable information to every meeting instead of the same pitch. And when a call is not connecting, say so kindly and end it. You can decline to refer someone and still be nice. Invite the conversation with why. "I heard you say this, would you like to continue it?" beats a scheduler link every time. Written transcription, chapters and links: https://lorenweisman.com/2025/01/01/authentic-messaging-introductions/

Wait What Really OK is hosted by brand communications and optics strategist Loren Weisman.
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