#custum networking

Melvin Feller Illustrates How to Make Introductions in Business

Melvin Feller Business Group in Burkburnett Ministries and Dallas Texas and Lawton Oklahoma. Our mission is to call and equip a generation of Christian entrepreneurs to do business as ministry. We provide workshops and resources that help companies discover how to do business God’s way and provide a positive outreach as the director. When the heart of a business is service rather than self it can be transformed into a fruitful business ministry earning a profit and being of service to the community and their customers.  Melvin Feller is currently pursuing another graduate degree in business organizations.

 Making introductions today are less rigid than in the past. However, to not make an introduction is a faux pas. Why are introductions so important? Introductions make everyone feel comfortable and at ease in both social and professional situations. Imagine going to a workshop where you know no one. You are walking around feeling a little uncomfortable and lost; then someone walks up and say "Hi, I am__________." Are you here alone? What happens? You start feeling more comfortable and at ease.

  Making proper introductions in the business world require learning one basic rule and following a few guidelines. Practicing this basic rule and following these guidelines, when you have an opportunity will help sharpen your skill of making introductions. As a reward for your persistent practice, you will feel more at ease and appear more polished in all situations.

  Traditionally, in social situations gender determines who is introduced to whom, "the man is introduced to the woman, "Bridget Lee, may I introduce James Jones". The man's name is mentioned last because the lady is receiving the man. In a business setting, rank and not gender determines "who is introduced to whom". The senior ranking person receives the junior ranking person. The lesser ranking person is introduced to the senior ranking person. The senior ranking person's name is stated first: "Mr. President, this is Donna Smith, our Human Resources Manager." The highest ranking person, (whether female or male, young or mature) is mentioned first. Guidelines for determining Importance

 ---Senior Executive to Junior Executive (example above).

---Your Boss to a client. Your client is always more important. "Mr. Client, I'd like to introduce, the president of your company, Eric Easterman."

 ---Governing Official to a citizen. Mayor, may I introduce Mr. Joe citizen.

 ---Two persons with the same rank. Introduce the person you are less acquainted with to the one you are more acquainted. Ex. Jean Keller (works with you) and Greg Byers (Huntsville's office) are senior Executives. Your introduction will go something like this: "Jean Keller, I'd like to introduce Greg B. Greg is Senior Executive in our Georgia office."

 ---Introduce a younger person to a more mature (older) person. "Mrs. Fifty, I'd like to introduce Mrs. Forty." (Social setting) "Ms. five years co-worker, I'd like to introduce Mr. two years co-worker." ---Introduce a co-worker to a client or a worker from another company: Client, I would like to introduce Ms. Co-worker. "Client, I'd like to introduce Ms. Co-worker."

 ---Introduce a party guest to the guest of honor. "Mr. Guest of Honor, may I introduce Mr. Party Guest". Making introductions can be tricky. However, if you learn the basic rule: Rank determines who is introduced to whom in a business setting, you are well on your way to increasing your confidence and making others feel at ease. Introducing others, not only help others get to know one another but it also make others feel at ease.

 Final Thoughts:

 To master the introduction while coming across as natural and self-confident, brush up on these five etiquette tips.

 Get out of your seat. At a networking event, you shouldn’t be sitting down in the first place, but failing to stand when someone walks up to speak to you shows a lack of sophistication and common sense. They may not notice you did not jump to your feet, but they will pause for a second and recognize that something seems “off” about the meeting (a.k.a. a red flag). Stand up to show respect for yourself and the other person.

 Make yourself easy to remember. When you enter the room, there will most likely be a nametag available, either preprinted or for you to fill out. Use it. Place it on your right side, below your shoulder, for an easy way to reinforce your name after an introduction. Your eyes naturally follow the line of sight of a handshake and glancing at someone’s nametag is less noticeable when worn correctly. Say your first and last name when you introduce yourself. Emphasize a difficult name to pronounce by speaking slow and deliberate, acknowledging that it is a “mouthful” with a smile.

 Practice your handshake. A handshake can be a relationship maker or deal breaker. If you give a light, finger grab, you seem demure and timid. A bone-crunching squeeze sends an anxious or bullying message. A firm, but not too forced grip communicates that you are composed and self-assured. Wait until you are an arm’s length away and then extend your hand...first. Allow your entire arm to reach forward, index finger to pinky straight out, thumb up, with the the fold of skin between your index finger and thumb making contact with the other person’s indented fold. Then, firmly wrap your remaining fingers around the other person’s hand.

 Skip the sales pitch. You are not invited to a party or function to close a deal. At a social event, you would not hand out a business card, unless asked, and even then, very discreetly. When attending a business function, a friendly conversation is favorable to a hard sell. As the conversation ends, offer a business card and request a follow-up meeting in the near future.

 Keep moving. Avoid monopolizing other people’s time with your personal stories. Ask thoughtful questions and listen for cues as to what they are interested in talking about. For example, you might say something like, “You mentioned you just returned from Europe. Do you travel a great deal with your company?” This gives the person an opportunity to talk about himself or herself and allows you to listen for further prompts for meaningful conversation. After 5 to 10 minutes, close the conversation so that each of you may continue to mix and mingle. It is better to leave on a high note than wait until the conversation begins to lag.

    Do not:

Shake hands over a table or desk.

Wait for the other person to extend their hand first.

Give a double fisted shake to someone you are meeting for the first time.

Stay seated because you are a woman.