4 Big Blunder
Breaking the Rules for Introductions

Civility costs nothing and buys everything.

—Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Knowing the whos and whens of introductions is a key component in maintaining your competitive advantage. Many people draw blanks or forget names when they are trying to make introductions. There are many reasons for this, but often in a business setting it is because they feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of leading the introduction process.

Ask Yourself These Crucial Questions

Have I ever been in a situation in which someone did not extend his or her hand for a handshake when we first met? Did it make me feel uncomfortable?

Do I introduce myself by name and with a handshake when I first meet a business acquaintance?

Do I introduce the others around me?

If there is the slightest chance that someone may not be able to remember your name or how he or she knows you, make it a policy to put out your hand and introduce yourself immediately. This will put the other person at ease right away.

Introductions are important. Always remember to introduce yourself and others in your group. When you introduce yourself, make sure you state your full name and your company name (for example, “Hello. I’m Kim Zoller with Image Dynamics. Nice to meet you.”). If there are others in your group, introduce them as well (for example, “This is Joann Smith and John Wise. They are also with Image Dynamics.”).

In most instances when making introductions, you should mention the most important person first, that is, the person to whom you want to show greatest respect or honor. Phrases like “I’d like you to meet …,” “Have you met …,” and “This is …,” may be helpful. It is all right to mention the least important person first if you phrase your introduction to prioritize the person of note, such as, “[Name of person], I’d like to introduce you to [name of important person].”

Examples

“Susan, I’d like to introduce you to my manager, Joe. Joe, this is my wife.”

“Joe, I’d like to introduce you to Kerry, with [company name]. Kerry, Joe is my manager.”

Tips

In business, gender is irrelevant. Introduce the most important person first, showing the greater respect to him or her.

Wait until the introduction is complete before you shake hands.

Listen closely to hear the other person’s name so you can use it in the conversation. Try and use it a few times throughout the conversation if appropriate.

Introduce yourself if you do not remember the person’s name and think they may not remember yours either.

Do not give yourself a title or state what you do in an introduction.

Do not hand out business cards during introductions.

Examples

Introducing Someone to Your Boss

“John, I’d like you to meet my wife, Susan. Susan, John is my boss.”

Introducing Someone to Your Customer

“Kerry, have you met my manager, Joe? Joe, Kerry works with [company name].”

Introducing Several People to Your Customer

“Lisa, this is our accounting department. Everyone, Lisa is with [company name].”