How to Craft a 60-Second Intro People Remember

If you’ve ever been to a networking event, you know the moment. One by one, people stand up to give a brief introduction of themselves and their business. If the thought of this “introductions round” makes your stomach do a little flip, you’re in good company. Researchers estimate that 75% of people have a fear of public speaking at some point. It’s a completely normal feeling, even for seasoned professionals.

I learned this the hard way at my very first networking event. Nobody had warned me about the 60-second introductions, so I was completely unprepared. As I watched person after person stand up and deliver what sounded like a perfect, confident speech—complete with inside jokes and props—I frantically searched for an escape route. When my turn came, I mumbled a few words, red-faced and sweating, and sat down as fast as I could. It was a disaster, and it's an experience I want to help you avoid, especially if you're building a .

The Real Goal: Get the Interview, Not the Job

Many people make the mistake of treating their 60-second intro like a high-stakes sales pitch. They try to cram in every service they offer, their qualifications, and this month’s special offer. But here’s the thing: you aren’t going to sell your product or service in under a minute. Trying to do so just adds unnecessary pressure.

The real point of your introduction is to get the interview, not the job. Your goal isn’t to have people lining up with order forms, but to spark enough interest that a few of them want to continue the conversation later. It’s about being interesting enough to earn a one-on-one meeting.

This mindset helps you avoid the classic “elevator pitch” error. The problem with a scripted, hard-sell pitch is that it assumes everyone is already interested in your business. The truth is, they’re probably more focused on their own. Instead of answering the question, “What do you do?” your introduction should answer the question on everyone’s mind: “What can I get from working with you?”

Stand Out by Being Prepared

At any given event, while you’re delivering your intro, half the room is likely just mentally rehearsing their own. That's why you can't just wing it. To stand out, you need to give them a reason to stop planning and start listening. For anyone , your time is precious, so making this moment count is critical.

Preparation is the key. It gives you the chance to really hone in on the most important points of your and cut out the fluff. When you know exactly what you’re going to say, you can focus less on the words and more on your delivery—your tone, your body language, and your presence. It's the difference between being forgettable and being memorable.

Focus on What They're Buying, Not What You're Selling

Instead of just stating your profession—like “I’m David Smith and I’m an accountant”—think about the actual result you deliver. I promise you, no matter what you do, other people do it too. Don’t fall back on generic phrases like “we pride ourselves on customer service.” Dig deeper.

Think about what makes you genuinely different. I’ve heard some great examples:

• A construction firm that guarantees they’ll arrive on time—and gives you $50 if they’re late.
• A bookkeeper who mails you a monthly pre-paid envelope to send your receipts in.
• An IT support company that charges one simple, low monthly fee.

Take a moment and think about what your clients say about you. What do you do that makes you stand out? That’s the core of your message.

Use Memorable Soundbites and Props

In my previous career, I specialized in selling properties left in a will. I could have explained all the legal and planning complexities, but people’s eyes would have glazed over. Instead, I focused on a simple soundbite: I consistently helped clients sell their properties for much more than other agents had valued them at. That’s what people needed to know.

A good soundbite packages the benefit of your into a little box that someone can easily understand and pass on to others.

If it feels right, a prop can be a brilliant way to grab attention. A bookkeeper once held up a torn grocery bag full of receipts and asked, “Does your bookkeeping look like this?” An IT specialist carried a toy tortoise to illustrate how painfully slow a computer can be. A well-chosen prop can make your introduction not just memorable, but something people talk about later.

Your Delivery Matters as Much as Your Words

Over half of your message is conveyed not by what you say, but you say it. Your body language and voice are powerful tools.

• When it’s your turn, stand up. It projects authority and helps you breathe and speak more powerfully. Find a solid stance, with your feet slightly apart, and stand away from the table or chair.
• Avoid crossing your arms, which comes across as defensive. Let your arms hang by your sides or loosely clasp your hands in front of you. An open posture conveys honesty and trust.
• You’re happy to be there and excited about your business. A smile is not only visible but also audible in your voice. Make brief eye contact with a few people as you speak.
• When you’re nervous, your voice can get fast and quiet. Take a deep breath before you start, consciously slow down, and speak clearly with enough volume for everyone in the room to hear you over the background clatter of coffee cups and plates.

Your passion for your business needs to shine through. If you believe in what you do, others are more likely to as well. The best way to build this confidence is to practice until your introduction feels natural.

Simple Structures for a Winning Introduction

Having a template can give you a solid foundation, especially when you're just starting out. Every great story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Your 60-second intro should too.

Template 1: The Attention Grabber

This structure is designed to wake people up and make them listen from the very first second.

1. Start with a bold statement or a question where the only answer is “yes.” For example, “Would you like to win more business using social media?” or “Most business networking does NOT work!”
2. Now, say who you are and what you do. “I’m Stefan Thomas, and I help people get real clients from their networking efforts.”
3. Briefly explain the benefit. Focus on the feeling you provide. “I work with clients to make sure they feel confident when they tell people what they do, using language that’s exciting and compelling.”
4. Tell them what to do next. “If you want to find out more, ask me for a one-on-one meeting.”

Template 2: The Third-Party Endorsement

Letting a happy client speak for you is incredibly powerful. People expect you to say you’re great; it means more when someone else does.

1. Start with your name and business. “Hi, I’m Cara Maneer from Onyx Marketing Services.”
2. Explain the service and its emotional benefit.
3. Share a short, real testimonial. “James Worley of Insect PC said that I was the first marketing consultant who truly understood what his company did and how to communicate that.” Using a real, local client makes it more relatable.
4. Remind them of your name and invite them to connect. “So please see me, Cara Maneer, for a meeting to see how you can bring in the business you deserve.”

Final Tips for Success

Don't let nerves get the best of you. Write your presentation down and practice it out loud. Use your phone to time yourself and record your voice—you might be surprised by how you sound. It’s perfectly okay to bring a small notecard with your key points printed in a large font.

Finally, don't be afraid to have two or three different introductions ready. Mixing it up keeps you from getting bored and allows you to highlight different aspects of your . It’s also great practice for thinking about all the positive ways you help your clients.