Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Tip Tuesday: Introductions

I enjoy bringing people together. 

I admit introducing those people is not one of my strong points. I don't know if I just find it awkward, I can't find the right time, or I just don't put enough importance on it. 

Whatever the reason, I need to get over it and make it important. 

It's never fun being with a friend and they suddenly run into someone else they know. Show respect for everyone involved and make sure everyone knows one another. 

I read several articles on formal business introductions, but that's not what I'm after. There are a whole slew of etiquette rules when it comes to introducing people, but I plan to make this as stress free as possible. 

So here are just a couple of tips from my own head that will steer both you and me on the road to good introductions:

1. Work toward making new introductions a habit. Try to get it in as soon as it feels naturally possible. After you say your "hello, how do you dos" introduce your friend that's waiting in the wing.

2. You will typically introduce the person that you know the least to the person you know the best. Ex: You introduce your friend of six months to your friend of 10 years. This helps to make your newer friend feel included and special.

3. Say something interesting about the person you are introducing. Don't make it about their job or work-life isn't about that! Ex: "This is my friend Kristen, she's a very talented artist."

4. Use the person's last name. Perhaps that person may recognize the last name and know their family. (That happens a lot here in Jackson) Plus it makes that person sound more established. 

If you are looking for tips on more formal introductions and would like to know the proper etiquette please click here.