The 1-Minute Introduction That Makes People Remember You Forever
Ever gone to a networking event, said your name and job, and then watched the person’s eyes glaze over? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Small talk turns into no talk. You go home wondering if it was even worth the petrol money. But what if you could make people perk up and actually *remember* you after just 60 seconds?
That’s what this blog post is about — creating a killer 1-minute introduction that makes you stick in people’s minds like a catchy song. Whether you run a tiny bakery or a tech startup in your spare room, nailing your intro could be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
Why Your Introduction Matters (More Than You Think)
First impressions aren’t just about smiling and having a firm handshake. In business, they’re about being clear, memorable and making people want to know more. That’s where the 1-minute intro comes in. It’s like your business’s highlight reel.
If you ramble, get too technical, or sound just like everyone else, you’ll be forgotten before the coffee break. But if you can hook someone’s attention, make them feel something, and leave them curious — boom. You’re golden.
The Magic Formula: Hook + What You Do + Why It Matters + Invite
Let’s break down the perfect 1-minute intro into four easy parts. Think of it like a sandwich. You need every layer for it to taste good:
1. Start with a Hook
This is your chance to grab attention. Think of a bold statement, a question, or a tiny story that makes someone go, “Wait, what?”
Example: “I help dogs get over breakups.”
Wait… what? That’s weird. And that’s why it works. It makes people ask questions. You’ve bought yourself 10 more seconds of attention.
2. Say What You Do (In Plain English!)
This is not the time to show off your jargon. Keep it clear and simple. Imagine explaining it to your nan.
Example: “I run a dog behaviour business that helps pets adjust when their owners split up or move house.”
Much better than saying, “I’m a canine emotional wellness specialist.” No one’s got time for that.
3. Share Why It Matters
Tell them why your work makes a difference. People remember stories and emotions, not job titles.
Example: “A lot of people forget dogs get stressed too. I help them settle down so families can move forward without their pet acting out.”
Now your work has purpose. It’s not just a job. It’s a mission.
4. End with an Invite
This is where you gently open the door for more. Not a hard sell, just a little nudge.
Example: “If you know anyone going through a breakup and worried about their dog, send them my way. I’ve got free tips on my site.”
And that’s it! Easy, right?
Putting It All Together
Let’s say you run a small business making eco-friendly candles. Here’s how your 1-minute intro might go:
“Ever had a candle make your whole house smell like chemicals? I hated that. So I started making my own natural candles from soy wax and essential oils. I hand-pour them in small batches and use zero plastic. My customers say it helps them relax without the headache. If you want your home to smell lovely without dodgy stuff in the air, I’ve got a stall at the market this weekend. Come say hi!”
See how it flows? It’s chatty, clear and actually says something. It doesn’t just list your job title and hope for the best.
Tips to Make Your Intro Stick
Keep It Short
This isn’t a TED Talk. Aim for 45–60 seconds. If you’re not sure how long yours is, practise it out loud and time yourself.
Use Real Words
No one remembers “synergistic solutions provider.” They remember “I help shops sell more online without stress.” Be human.
Smile and Make Eye Contact
Sounds basic, but it makes a big difference. People are more likely to remember you if they feel you liked talking to them.
Practise, But Don’t Sound Like a Robot
Say your intro out loud a few times, but don’t memorise it word-for-word. It should sound like a chat, not a speech.
Tweak It for the Crowd
You might need different intros for different places. At a local craft fair, you’ll say something different than you would at a business networking event. Same you, just different shoes.
What to Avoid (Seriously, Don’t Do These)
- Starting with your name and job title only: “Hi, I’m Sarah and I’m an accountant.” Yawn. You’ve already lost them.
- Listing everything you do: “I offer tax returns, bookkeeping, VAT, payroll…” They stopped listening at “tax.”
- Trying to be clever: “I’m like the fairy godmother of finance.” What does that even mean?
- Being too shy: You don’t have to be loud, but if you mumble and avoid eye contact, people won’t engage.
Real Examples from Real Small Businesses
Here are a few made-up but realistic examples to get your creative juices flowing:
Local Baker
“I bake brownies that make grown adults cry. Seriously. I use my nan’s old recipe and tweak it with modern twists. I only sell at markets for now, but I post sneak peeks on Instagram. Come try one – first bite’s free if you smile!”
Freelance Web Designer
“Ever tried building your own website and ended up wanting to throw your laptop out the window? I help small businesses get clean, fast websites without the stress. I’m local, affordable, and I actually answer emails. Fancy a quick chat about your site?”
Pet Sitter
“Going on holiday should be fun, not full of guilt about leaving your cat behind. I look after pets in their own home so they stay comfy and safe. I send daily updates and even little photos. It’s like pet-sitting… but posh.”
Want to Try It Yourself?
Here’s a quick template you can fill in and test:
- Hook: “Ever felt [problem]? I used to as well…”
- What you do: “So I started [what you offer].”
- Why it matters: “It helps people [benefit/result].”
- Invite: “If you know anyone who [situation], send them my way.”
Fill in the blanks, read it out loud, and see how it feels. Make it sound like *you*. If you wouldn’t say it in a chat with a mate, don’t say it in your intro.
Final Thought: You’re Worth Remembering
Whether your business is brand new or you’ve been doing it for years, you deserve to be remembered. A good 1-minute intro won’t just help you sell more — it’ll help people connect with you. And in a world full of noise, being clear, kind and real is what cuts through.
So next time someone asks, “What do you do?” — don’t panic. You’ve got this.