It’s Really Okay to “Toot” Your Own Horn. . .

However, it’s best to learn how to do it with finesse.

Fi·nesse, noun:
1. Extreme delicacy or subtlety in action, performance, skill, discrimination, taste, etc.
2. Skill in handling a difficult or highly sensitive situation; adroit and artful management: exceptional diplomatic finesse.

Many of us were taught from childhood that is was not nice to brag or boast about yourself. Bragging about you personally is not what I am talking about. I’m talking about tooting your own horn to exploit your business. Hey! If you don’t toot your own horn – who will?

Well, I give a “toot!” And so do your friends and family and some close business associates, however most of them need a little nudge to do it in a way that might be useful to you in your business. There is a chapter in my book, “Ten Commitments of Networking” called, “Ask For What You Want!“

When I asked Master Sales Trainer, Tom Hopkins, if he would care to write something nice about my networking book, he wrote, “This highly thought-provoking book will help anyone determine the areas in their lives needing fine-tuning and get moving on making positive changes!”

Og Mandino, author of “The Greatest Salesman in the World,” wrote, “These wise and powerful guidelines will help you lead the life you deserve.”

If I hadn’t asked? Well, I’m sure you know the answer to that.

But what about you? Do you ask for written testimonials from your customers or clients? If not, why not? Often after making a sale someone will tell us, “Wow! I’m impressed. Your customer service is excellent.” I say, “Strike while the iron is hot!” That’s a really good time to ask them if they would take a few moments to put what they just said in writing (on their own letterhead) for your future customers. Most will say yes.

It’s time to get your courage up. What is the worse thing that could happen? They might say no. If you can’t handle a little rejection now and then, perhaps you should choose another line of work.

Tell people about the good things your business does. Talk about your business strengths and how you can be mutually beneficial to your customers and the community you serve.

If you are called on to make a presentation to a group, write your own introduction. Be sure to include a few talking points that can create a little buzz for you. In other words, toot your own horn. This is often a way that you can do a little bragging and it’s not coming from you. It comes from the person who introduces you.

The truth is, most everyone likes to hear a success story. Speak your own success story in a way that has it be interesting and shows the benefits to all concerned. (People buy benefits, you know!). Be your own buzzmeister!

BONUS Articles: “How to Brag About Yourself Without Turning Others Off“
“Networking: An Opportunity for Shameless Self-Promotion“
“Sell Yourself. . . NOT Your Services!“
“The Buzz on Being a Shameless NetShaker!“

Copyright © 2011 – Larry James. Larry James is a Professional Speaker, Author and Coach. Larry James presents networking seminars nationally and offers Networking coaching; one-on-one or for your Networking Group! His latest book is, Ten Commitments of Networking: Creative Ways to Maximize Your Personal Connections! Something NEW about Networking is posted on this Networking BLOG every 4th day! Visit Larry’s Networking Website at: “Networking HQ!”

Subscribe to Larry’s FREE monthly “LoveNotes for Lovers” eZINE. Contact: Larry James, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695. – CelebrateLove.com

NOTE: All articles and networking tips listed in this BLOG – written by Larry James – are available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the Internet or on your own Website. Click here for details.

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Introducing Yourself With Humor – Make Your Networking Payoff

John Kinde, Guest Author

I conduct workshops on Business Networking Power – “How To Introduce Yourself in 60 Seconds for Business Success.” Although the focus of the workshop is on “Getting Attention, Making It Remembered and Making it Sell,” we have a short discussion on using spontaneous humor to brighten your introductions. Humor is a powerful tool to let people know who you are both at formal networking events where you stand before a group to speak, and also at mix-and-mingle networking events.

Here are some thoughts on the subject of introducing yourself with humor:

1. When you go to a formal networking function, especially at a format where you will have an allotted timeframe to introduce yourself to the group, plan and prepare your introduction before you arrive at the event. This will give you the time and confidence to relax and LISTEN to the introductions of other people. If you want to use spontaneous and observational humor in your introduction, you must pay attention to what is happening and what is being said around you. This is difficult to do if you are preoccupied with the basics of your own introduction. You prepare in advance so you can truly be present. Your most powerful humor will come from observations in the present moment.

2. Look for connections and twists with what other people do for a living and what you do. If you are unable to come up with a direct connection, maybe you can just fabricate one. I was at a networking meeting with someone who owned a business called Melissa’s Puppy Tub. She explained that you could bring your dog to her establishment and she would help you give it a bath. I opened my introduction with “Hi, I am the owner of John’s People Tub. If you know someone who needs a bath, give me a call.” Silly. Funny. Got their attention. Then I continued with my introduction. One of the keys is breaking people’s preoccupation so that they focus their attention on you, remember you, and talk about you afterwards.

3. If someone says something funny during their introduction, it is an opportunity for you to piggyback on that laugh by weaving the theme of their funny line into your introduction by repeating or twisting the humor they used. Keep your radar tuned for group laughter. What was said or done to make them laugh? How can you link that to your own introduction?

4. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate. It’s usually a safe form of humor.

5. Don’t be afraid to look silly. Let your hair down. The rewards are great. I remember wearing fake teeth and a hair-hat to a networking meeting. I felt the butterflies. It was a bit out of my comfort zone and I hadn’t done it before. You need to work past that and take a few chances. In the long run it will be worth it. And it will be a learning experience too.

6. If they don’t laugh, pretend that you never expected them to. If you thought something would be funny and the audience does not, it’s your secret. It’s not a big deal.

7. If you are really courageous, sing or rap. It will almost always be a sure laugh. Here is a tip from improv comedy. If you are not a singer, then sing loud. The key is your commitment. If you are committed to the performance, the audience will love you. And they will remember you. And they will be alert the next time you stand to make an introduction.

8. In mix-and-mingle networking, consider having an introduction partner work the room with you. It’s sometimes easier for someone to use a humor line about you as they introduce you. Or sometimes it works well for them to set up a humorous line for you as they introduce you. You then follow the humor line with your punchline.

9. Wear something humorous. People love my denim shirt covered with cartoon characters. Wear a funny name badge. Carry a small pocket-magic trick. The possibilities are endless. Look for something that makes a great ice breaker and conversation starter.

10. Related articles. The keys to observational humor are Preparation, Observation, Courage and Practice. Check the article “Using Spontaneous and Observational Humor.” Another related article is “Why Spontaneous Humor is Powerful.”

Copyright © 2011 – John Kinde. Reprinted with permission. John Kinde is a Humor Specialist. Sign up for his Humor skills newsletter. Visit his Website and BLOG.

Larry James is a Professional Speaker, Author and Coach. Larry James presents networking seminars nationally and offers Networking coaching; one-on-one or for your Networking Group! His latest book is, Ten Commitments of Networking: Creative Ways to Maximize Your Personal Connections! Something NEW about Networking is posted on this Networking BLOG every 4th day! Visit Larry’s Networking Website at: “Networking HQ!”

Subscribe to Larry’s FREE monthly “LoveNotes for Lovers” eZINE. Contact: Larry James, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695. – CelebrateLove.com

NOTE: All articles and networking tips listed in this BLOG – written by Larry James – are available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the Internet or on your own Website. Click here for details.

Add Larry James as a “friend” to your Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/larry.james
Follow Larry’s “once daily” Relationship Tweet at: http://www.Twitter.com/larryjames
Follow Larry’s “Relationship BLOG” at: http://CelebrateLove.wordpress.com/
Follow Larry’s “Wedding BLOG” at: http://CelebrateIntimateWeddings.wordpress.com
Follow Larry’s “Authors & Speakers” BLOG at: http://www.AuthorsandSpeakerNetwork.wordpress.com/