First of all, make sure it is appropriate to introduce yourself. In networks focused on a particular topic, rather than more general networking, personal introduction messages are often consider "clutter", as they are off-topic. Remember the Golden Rule of Netiquette - "What would happen if everybody did it?"

In those cases, you want to simply join the conversation - ask a question, share your opinion, etc. But even in those cases, you can still introduce yourself as part of your first message. And of course, in other networks, personal introductions are not just accepted, but encouraged.

So how can you introduce yourself most effectively online?

Just as I was preparing to teach my first seminar on online networking back in December of 2002, I saw an introduction from my good friend, Ruben Gonzalez, in the Entrepreneurs Network here on Ryze. I put it here for your consideration:

Hello everyone... Happy to be a new member. And a new entrepreneur.

I had been in sales for about 10 years but always wanted to own my own business. While competing at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, a friend in Houston asked if I would consider speaking at his son's school. I spoke to them about chasing your dream in life and what I had done to make my Olympic Dream a reality, and it went so well that I've been a Professional Keynote speaker ever since.

I now speak at conventions, corporate events, schools, and churches everywhere. Lots of sales groups.

The funny thing is I never thought about becoming a speaker. I'm actually an introvert. But put me in front of a crowd and ask me to speak about the Olympics and how to make your Dream come true, and the Passion comes out!

Feel free to visit www.thelugeman.com and please pass the word about my services if you know anybody who's having an event.

Looking forward to getting to know you all.

Here are the key elements:

• Positive emotion - Be positive and upbeat. Smile, and the world smiles with you.
• Why you’re here (expectations) - Let them know you're here on purpose, not by accident.
• Short, relevant history - Give people context. Context promotes understanding and builds connection.
• What you do now that relates - Connect your past to your present.
• Break down barriers by sharing something deeply personal - This is so important online. This is how you build trust and intimacy with these people you've never met and never seen.
• Invitation to connect with you - Be open and receptive, but also be specific. What kind of connections are you looking for?
• Affirm your commitment to participate - Perhaps the most important of all. Give, don't just take.

If the network doesn't allow intro-only messages, this is still the perfect lead-in for a question, comment, or tip related to the topic of the network, or more specifically to a recent discussion. If you can set up your question/tip/whatever by having a tie-in of some kind to your intro, that's even better.

Feel free to practice by responding to this thread with your introduction, and I'll be happy to offer feedback, as will others, I'm sure.

- Scott -

Private Reply to Scott Allen (new win)