1. Introduction (5 min)
Goal: Set the stage and establish relevance.
- Opening Question: “If someone asked ‘What do you do?’ right now — could you answer it in 20 words or less?”
- Reality Check: Most professionals stumble on the simplest, most predictable question. That costs them credibility and opportunity.
- Workshop Promise: By the end of this session, you'll have a clear, concise, and compelling introduction that makes people say, “Tell me more.”
2. Mindset Shift: Be the CEO of Your Career (5 min)
Goal: Reframe how participants think about introductions and personal branding.
- The CEO Mindset: You are the brand, the product, and the spokesperson.
- Why It Matters: People buy clarity. Confusion kills deals, interviews, and opportunities.
- Your 20-Word Intro: Think of it as your professional “elevator button” — it should open doors, not close them.
3. The Psychology of First Impressions (5 min)
Goal: Explain why this matters in hiring, networking, and sales.
- The 7-Second Rule: People decide if they want to know more in seconds.
- WIIFM Principle (“What’s In It For Me”): Your intro must answer this immediately.
- Power of Curiosity: Your goal isn’t to tell them everything — it’s to make them want the next conversation.
4. Anatomy of a 20-Word Power Introduction (10 min)
Goal: Teach the structure and give examples.
A. Formula to Follow
[Who you help] + [Problem you solve] + [Result you create]
- Who You Help: Be specific (e.g., “mid-sized companies,” “growth-stage founders,” “senior leaders”)
- Problem You Solve: What pain point do you remove or goal do you accelerate?
- Result You Create: The outcome they care about most.
B. Examples
- “I help small businesses align financial, personal, and strategic goals so they scale with less chaos and more profit.”
- “I guide executives through high-stakes career transitions so they land roles they love — faster and with higher pay.”
C. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Too vague: “I’m a consultant.” (What kind? For who?)
- Too long: Anything that requires a deep breath to say.
- Too focused on self: Focus on them — their needs, not your resume.
5. Workshop Practice: Build Your Own (5 min)
Goal: Apply the lesson in real time.
- Step 1: Write one sentence using the formula.
- Step 2: Edit ruthlessly until it’s under 20 words.
- Step 3: Pair up and test it — does your partner want to hear more?
6. Closing & Next Steps (2-3 min)
Goal: Reinforce the message and inspire action.
- Key Takeaway: Your introduction is your brand’s headline — not the whole story.
- Action Step: Refine and use it in every conversation: networking, LinkedIn bio, interviews, even email signatures.
- Final Thought: Be intentional. Great opportunities don’t go to the best — they go to the clearest.