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You're More Than a Label

A concern I often hear from soloists about creating self-introduction pitches (last week's topic, Working Solo Minute #17) is that they can pigeon-hole or limit the perception of one's business or capabilities. While no brief introduction can perfectly summarize your solo business, I've found that the larger issue is one of self-identification. In short: You are not your pitch. Some things to consider:

1. Avoid the rut.
If you've been introducing yourself the same way for months (or years!), you likely can rattle off who you are and what you do in your sleep. But does it truly reflect your current interests and capabilities? Can you present it with authenticity and enthusiasm? If not, it's time for an update.

2. Expand your mental boundaries.
Your self-introduction reflects your beliefs about yourself, and the more you repeat it, the stronger those beliefs become. Is it time to expand your boundaries? Are you limiting your professional horizons with your tried-and-true introduction?

3. Seek new perspective.
Those nearest to you may have heard your self-introduction countless times -- and could likely repeat it themselves. Is it time for new perspective? Find some colleagues and create a mutual "try-out" of revised introductions.

Solo business success rarely hinges on a single brief pitch about your company. Give yourself some latitude to experiment. Remember that the best self-introductions are those that seem fresh and unrehearsed -- they evolve over time and reflect current topics and language.

Don't become so attached to your "perfect" introduction that you create a robotic delivery or impose boundaries on your thinking. Yes, practice helps -- but a smile and confident self-knowledge beats a rehearsed spiel every time.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com

Next Week:
Navigating an Uncertain Economy