At cocktail parties, an interview, or when meeting a new colleague for the first time, that question, or one like it, is the most common opening line to a conversation. Suppose you have you have 30 seconds to motivate someone new to want to know you better. How do most people answer it? How would you answer it?
When someone asks you to tell them about yourself, think about how to paint a picture of you that inspires feelings in people, that is unique, exciting, and memorable. Consider the context and choose what you want to highlight accordingly. Tell your story in a way that this story could only be you.
To get from stop to go, think about answering these three questions:
- What Interests Get You Jazzed Up?
- How Would Your Close Friends Describe You When You Are At Your Best?
- How Do You Impact the World and The People In It?
Now turn the conversation back to the other person. Ask them to tell you about themselves. People love to talk so this move will endear you to them, and you may get a much more interesting answer now that you have modeled a response that leaves a positive impression. Maybe not, but they will remember you and your inspired story.
So, tell me about yourself.
In a work context, such as an interview or networking opportunity, when someone asks me about myself, I say something like:
“I’m an energetic, highly entrepreneurial-minded person with a rare combination of strong analytical capability, creativity, and people skills. I have a deep passion for working closely with organizations, teams, and individuals to help them recognize their strengths and unique talents. People are often surprised by their depth of ability and thirst for the opportunity to use them. I work with my clients to capitalize on those insights to create a plan for achieving their long-term goals. I started my own business three years ago, and I just finished some work with a company CEO in which I:
- interviewed their best and most valuable customers,
- understood what was important to them in their relationship with the enterprise,
- evaluated the organization’s greatest strengths and opportunities for differentiation in the crowded marketplace in which they operate,
- worked with the CEO and his team to create brand-defining positioning and messaging,
- incorporated the new positioning into sales conversations, marketing, website design, and investment decision-making.
As a result of this work, the organization has grown by 25% in the last six months and has improved the lives of its clients. Even more important, perhaps, is that the team is more excited than ever to be a part of a growing company.” [1]
The obvious point here is to highlight positive outcomes that are a result of your participation.
Note: I have edited the referenced article to fit my blog format.
[1] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tell-me-yourself-3-ways-impress-interviewer-anyone-marcy-schwab
Until next time, remember,-
You are not alone.
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You are not your circumstances.
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You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.