Get a Job During the Holidays: 11 Tips & Scripts for Mastering the Art of Introducing Yourself
I had an interesting interaction with a former classmate in a grocery store. I hadn’t seen Tim in 45 years. He is a third-generation farmer in my small town and I really know nothing about farming. I had time to spare so after some quick pleasantries, “How are you, I’m sorry about your Mom’s passing, how is your health?”, I asked him about his profession, his passion — farming.
He told me about planting beets, and how Monsanto puts Roundup around the seeds so the farmers don’t have to spray 17 times to kill weeds like they used to. How the government and the co-op pay him for some crops and to keep some crops in the fields, and about crop insurance and how that works. I learned so much just by being curious about his passion and profession.
That moved me to think about the discomfort that some clients feel at events. And with the upcoming holiday season, I would like to explore the art of introducing ourselves at parties, networking events, or just reconnecting — and mastering it. Even in the midst of a career transition, you can navigate these situations with confidence and charm, building and enhancing your personal brand along the way, by being curious.
You’ll learn:
- Understanding the Power of Storytelling
- Tip #1: Crafting Your Elevator Pitch with Personal Branding and Be Curious About Others
- Tip #2: The Importance of Genuine Enthusiasm and Personal Brand Alignment
- Tip #3: Building Connections Through Shared Interests and Your Unique Perspective
- Tip #4: Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity in Line with Your Brand
- Tip #5: Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities — A Testament to Your Resilience
- Tip #6: Leveraging Transferable Skills to Reinforce Your Brand
- Tip #7: Presenting a Positive Future Outlook Aligned with Your Brand Values
- Tip #8: Engaging Conversations with Open-Ended Questions Reflecting Your Curiosity
- Tip #9: Actively Listening and Responding — A Hallmark of Your Brand’s Empathy
- Tip #10: Cultivating a Support System Grounded in Your Brand’s Collaborative Spirit
- Tip #11: The Power of Following Up — Strengthening Your Brand Relationships
Understanding the Power of Storytelling
You’ll want to be memorable at the events and to learn storytelling skills, I recommend listening to the podcast Curious Minds at Work hosted by Gayle Allen as she interviews Karen Eber author of The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire. Sharing your experiences through stories makes you memorable and relatable as Tim did with me.
Below, I’ve written a few tips and scripts that may help you get started. I have found that some people need additional ‘Curiosity Prompts’, as I call them. These are follow-up questions to keep the dialog going.
Tip #1: Crafting Your Elevator Pitch with Personal Branding and Be Curious About Others
Script Example: “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. What brings you here today? I’ve found the pattern in my life to be about [Your Unique Value Proposition]. In my [X years] in [Your Industry], people seem to come to me for [Key Achievement], where I enjoy expertise in [Your Key Skills]. Now in a job transition, I’m excited to leverage my strengths in [Your Industry] to make a meaningful impact. How about you? What are the patterns that you’ve experienced in your professional journey?”
Curiosity Prompt: “I’m curious to know, what inspired you to pursue [their industry/field]? Is there a particular aspect that you find most fulfilling and honestly, happy?”
Integrate key elements of your personal brand into your elevator pitch and spark curiosity with open-ended questions.
Tip #2: The Importance of Genuine Enthusiasm and Personal Brand Alignment
Script Example: “What values drive your professional choices? While I’m currently navigating a career transition, I’m genuinely enthusiastic about [industry/field]. It aligns with my passion for [Your Brand’s Core Values]. How about you?”
Curiosity Prompt: “I’m always intrigued by individuals who are driven by their values. Can you share a specific experience where your values guided a significant career decision, and how you have found the right companies that match those values?”
Ensure your enthusiasm reflects the authentic alignment of your personal brand with your chosen industry, and understand theirs.
Tip #3: Building Connections Through Shared Interests and Your Unique Perspective
Script Example: “I’ve always been passionate about [specific aspect of your industry], and my unique perspective, shaped by [Your Personal Experiences], has influenced my approach. What is your unique perspective and how has that helped in your career?” I’d love to hear your take.”
Curiosity Prompt: “As someone deeply interested in [shared interest], I’m always looking for fresh perspectives. How do you think our unique experiences could contribute to addressing [relevant industry challenge]?”
Highlight your unique perspective and foster shared interests by delving into thought-provoking questions.
Tip #4: Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity in Line with Your Brand
Script Example: “You know, the job market can be challenging, and it’s also an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned so much about [personal or professional development], and it’s becoming a core aspect of my personal brand. How about you? How do you integrate continuous learning into your professional identity?”
Curiosity Prompt: “I find that vulnerability often leads to growth. Can you share a moment in your career where embracing vulnerability brought about positive change?”
Embrace vulnerability in a way that aligns with your personal brand’s values and encourage others to share their experiences.
Tip #5: Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities — A Testament to Your Resilience
Script Example: “Facing a career transition has been a journey, and I see it as an opportunity for growth. It’s a testament to my resilience, a quality that defines my personal brand. How have you navigated challenges in your career while staying true to your professional identity?”
Curiosity Prompt: “Resilience is a quality I deeply admire in professionals. Can you share a specific instance where your resilience played a crucial role in overcoming a setback? Have you ever been laid off? What was most successful in your job search?”
Frame setbacks as opportunities, emphasizing qualities that reinforce your personal brand, and explore others’ resilience.
Tip #6: Leveraging Transferable Skills to Reinforce Your Brand
Script Example: “While my previous role was in [previous industry], the skills I gained in [specific skills] are highly transferable. It’s a strategic move I’ve made, ensuring that I remain adaptable and versatile. How do you think transferable skills have played a role in shaping your professional identity and career journey? Do you have one tip that you could share with me?”
Curiosity Prompt: “I’m always fascinated by the concept of transferable skills. Can you share a personal experience where your transferable skills opened unexpected doors in your career?”
Highlight how your transferable skills contribute to the strength and flexibility of your personal brand and learn from others’ experiences.
Tip #7: Presenting a Positive Future Outlook Aligned with Your Brand Values
Script Example: “I’m currently exploring new opportunities in [X field, X titles] and excited about the potential for the future. It aligns with my commitment to [future-oriented value]. I’ve been researching [industry trends], and it’s fascinating to see where things are headed. I know that you have been in X industry; what are your thoughts on the future of [X industry] from your perspective?”
Curiosity Prompt: “I’m curious about your perspective on the future. Are there any emerging trends or innovations in your industry that you find particularly exciting or challenging?”
Communicate optimism in a way that aligns with the core values of your personal brand and learn from others’ insights into the future.
Tip #8: Engaging Conversations with Open-Ended Questions Reflecting Your Curiosity
Script Example: “I’ve been attending workshops and LinkedIn Events on [relevant topics] lately. How do you stay updated on industry trends? Any recommendations for podcasts, conferences, or books that you’ve enjoyed? I’m always eager to learn and integrate new knowledge into my career and personal development.”
Curiosity Prompt: “Your approach to staying updated is intriguing. Are there any specific resources or learning methods that have had a significant impact on your professional growth?”
Demonstrate curiosity and a commitment to continuous improvement, reflecting your values, and gathering insights from others’ learning strategies.
Tip #9: Actively Listening and Responding — A Hallmark of Your Brand’s Empathy
Script Example: “That’s fascinating! I hadn’t considered [their perspective]. How did you come to that conclusion? Empathy is a crucial element of my leadership, and understanding diverse perspectives is something I value deeply.”
Curiosity Prompt: “Empathy is a quality I highly prioritize in my interactions. Can you share a time when empathizing with a colleague or client led to a positive outcome in your professional journey?”
Showcase your brand’s empathy by actively listening and responding thoughtfully to others, and learn from their empathetic experiences.
Tip #10: Cultivating a Support System Grounded in Your Brand’s Collaborative Spirit
Script Example: “Networking has been crucial during this time. I’ve connected with some remarkable individuals who’ve provided valuable insights into their career journey and personal growth. Collaborating with like-minded professionals is a core aspect of my personal brand. Do you have any positive and awkward networking tips or experiences you’d like to share?”
Curiosity Prompt: “I believe in the power of collaboration. Can you share a collaborative project or initiative that stands out in your memory, and what made it successful? I’d be happy to make an introduction to my connections in [X industry] if you’d like.”
Acknowledge the importance of community, support, and willingness to learn in your journey, and learn from others’ collaborative experiences and make introductions on their behalf.
Tip #11: The Power of Following Up — Strengthening Your Brand Relationships
Script Example: “It was great speaking with you at [event]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. I’d love to continue our discussion to learn more about [X topic]. Might you be open to a coffee next week on Wednesday or Thursday at a location near you? I value your input and advice.”
Curiosity Prompt: “As someone who values meaningful connections, I’m curious to know how you approach maintaining, nurturing, and growing professional relationships over time. Any insights or strategies you’d be willing to share?”
Always end with asking how you can support their success or what you can be on the lookout for them. Showing your appreciation and suggesting future interactions that align with your personal brand’s commitment to relationship-building.
In conclusion, introducing yourself at parties or networking events while unemployed doesn’t have to be intimidating. By integrating your personal brand into your introduction, being genuinely curious about others, and supporting them, you not only make a lasting impression but also build a personal brand that is memorable and resonates with others.
Enjoy interactions with others, you may just learn something. Happy Holidays, my friends,
Anne
P.s. If you have any success stories let us know what you did and what you learned.
The views in these newsletters are from my own experiences and learnings and are focused on practical insights and actional tips for creating meaning and purpose in work and life.
Anne Pryor is the creator of Lovitude™ a Soul Painter, and a LinkedIn Expert. She helps people to not feel embarrassed online and in person. As a recognized top international LinkedIn Strategist, she motivates audiences to action sharing the best tips and techniques for creating branded and search-engine-optimized LinkedIn profiles for thought leaders, sales, business professionals, and job seekers to achieve their goals.
Anne is a LinkedIn Keynote speaker her presentations include the National Association of Black Journalists, Project Management Institute, WBL, American Marketing Association, ACG, University of South Florida Black Students Association, Toyota Sponsored NABJ Inaugural Leadership Forum, GenesysWorks, Mayo Clinic, WLiT, Officenters, and hundreds of corporate, community, government events, and meetings.
As the creator of Lovitude and a Soul Painter, her paintings have been called ‘visual blessings and are hanging in Mayo Clinic, a Pulitzer Prize Winner’s home, in galleries, licensed on products sold globally, and currently in Lund’s Byerlys in Minnesota. She was a featured guest on the Hallmark Channel Home & Family Show, a keynote speaker and faculty on The Shift Network, and a presenter at the International Association of Near-Death Studies (IANDS). She has presented at Mayo Clinic, Cargill, and HGM CIO Forums, for corporate events, and demonstrates both online and in-person meetings.
She also motivates audiences through her co-created course with Risë Severson Kasmirski, award-winning author of “When Paradise Speaks, called “Unblocking Creativity for Healing, and Real-World Transformation with Help from Unseen Helpers” (sign up for this online course by clicking the link). She was inspired through after-death communications (ADC) with her friend to create vivid images to elucidate, awaken, and activate souls using ink, her breath, and essential oils, on plastic. Anne was not an artist before these messages, she now has more than 7,000 soul paintings, which may be purchased at Everett & Charlie Gallery in Minneapolis. During her keynote speeches and presentations, she paints live for audiences and they are moved and in awe by the colorful and meaningful messages that she receives from the audience’s energy. She and Risë also provide a coaching program called Awakening Spirit. Lovitude images are available for licensing. Images grace products sold globally and proceeds go to charity.
LOVITUDE SOUL PAINTER PRODUCTS AND INFORMATION
When Paradise Speaks Book about Lovitude
Anne Pryor Lovitude Soul Painter on Hallmark Channel
Enough IS Enough with Echo Bodine, Anne Pryor, and Rise Kasmirski
Buy Lovitude Products at Zazzle
Order Best Selling Story When Paradise Speaks by Rise Severson Kasmirski
Cool Meditation Tool — N.O.W. by Solu
LINKEDIN SALES TRAINER AND COACH
Anne Pryor Keynote Speaker Bio
Free Lovitude LinkedIn Backgrounds
RESOURCES:
The highlighted areas of the text are links to authors, videos, books, and resources. In addition, here is a list of resources that I call upon to guide and advise me, I personally know and have used these experts:
Wes Hamilton, Master Numerologist, Speaker
List of Books compiled by Bill Guggenheim, Anne Pryor, and Risë Kasmirski
Rise Severson Kasmirski, M.A., Mystic, Author, Teacher, Certified Coach, Speaker
Anne Pryor, M.A., Lovitude Soul Painting, Teacher, LinkedIn Expert, Speaker
Echo Bodine, Global Author, Medium, Spiritual Teacher, Speaker
Carol Lowell, Psychic, Medium, Spiritual Healer
Ainslie McCleod, Past Life Regression Expert, Author, Artist
Lori Palm, Creator Core Passion, Purpose Coach
Gina Lake, Author, Channel for Jesus
Cyndi Dale, Author, Intuitive, Healer, Global Shift Network Faculty
Suzanne Giesemann, Evidential Medium, Master Teacher
Kelly and Steve Wagner, Publishers of The Edge Magazine
Carolyn Vinup, Gateways to Brilliance, Fung Shui Teacher, Sound Healer
Catherine Duncan, Integrative Spiritual Consultant
Carole Hyder, Fung Shui Master
Louise Griffith, Author, Psychologist, Keynote Speaker, Coach
#afterdeathcommunications #soulwork #thanks #lightworker
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and the resources and tips are not intended to provide professional therapy advice. Please consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided.
