Do you ever catch yourself stammering, like Annie Braddock does in this job interview clip from Nanny Diaries, when you are faced with one of those 30 second introductions of yourself or your business? Making that memorable first impression is so important, yet, most people either don’t put much thought into it, or completely miss the point. So here are some tips for a more successful answer to the question:

Know how to describe your impact. Too often, people say ‘what’ they do, but not the benefit of what they do. One insurance agent may say that he sells insurance, while another may say that they protect what’s important to you. Which person would you rather work with?

Know your ideal customer. Who are you serving? The more specific you are with the answer to this, the better. Even though everyone on the planet may need your product or service, they will not all buy from you. So, ask the question; who needs this right now? Is there an age, a place, a time of life that makes what you do more relevant? Maybe you’re an auctioneer and work only with downsized baby boomers who want clear out some of their stuff.

Communicate your value and passion for your work. People want to work with people who love what they do. If you don’t love what you do, you may want to reevaluate things. Why do you love it? Who else loves the same thing? Remember that you are your ideal customer. No one gets the ‘what and why’ of what you do more than you do. So, find like minded people as your customers.

Emphasize your uniqueness. There may be a million ‘life coaches’ out there. Please don’t introduce yourself as something as general as a Life Coach. It doesn’t communicate anything. One of the things that I do more than anything with my clients is help them with a unique ‘escalator tag’. It’s my way of saying your unique job title. Visit http://www.pattysadallah.com/Test/templ/t25/t1link.php?link=7

For my 5 minute called Be the Only One, a how-to video on creating your escalator tag.

Here is how I usually answer the who are you question: Hi, I’m Patty Sadallah. I’m the Dream Partner Catalyst. I come along side solo and micro entrepreneurs and I show them step by step how to make their dream businesses a reality. I love being a part of the success stories of my clients, seeing them achieve their dreams and impact the lives of their customers.

Who are you? Answer the question with clarity, passion and uniqueness and see what a difference it will make in your business!

Author's Bio: 

Patty Sadallah has 29 years experience as an organization development consultant and executive coach. She is a Dream Partner Catalyst and coaches and consults entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofits and faith-based organizations toward by moving them toward their dream visions. Find out more about her coaching and consulting at http://www.PattySadallah.com/sq.

She is also the Chapter President for the Northeast Ohio Christian Roundtables, a chapter of Truth at Work. It is a monthly advisory board roundtable of Christian leaders, equipping members to share their faith at work, grow their businesses and strengthen their walk with God. Learn more at http://www.NortheastOhioChristianRoundtables.com