Who are you?

The question is very simple – but the answer is really a difficult one. I am discussing about how you present yourself in front of someone, some group, and in an organization. I hope many of you crossed this question in interviews – “tell me about yourself”. It is a decent version of our title question, and the answer can be little bit elaborated one, I am sure it is having reasons.

Let’s discuss about a simple version of answering to the question “Who are you?”.

A verbal business card is an ideal solution for this. Basically it’s a verbal sound-bite. It can be used to introduce you with someone or even help employers and contacts understand the type of opportunity you want and the benefits you can provide. It conveys your value and promotes your unique selling proposition.

To build a verbal business card you have to ask these questions to yourself.
1. What is my goal in speaking with this person? (case: introduction)
2. What does this employer need? (case: job interview)
3. What problems do they have, which you can solve? (case: contacts)
4. How you can offer solutions to problems? (case: business promotion)
5. What makes your unique? (case: all above situations)

You must demonstrate your return on investment if an employer was to hire you. In business, the ROI relates to how quickly a business expense can generate revenue.
For example:
If you were hired, how quickly could you generate revenue for the employer?
How quickly could you add to the bottom line by understanding the company’s main motivators?

Your Verbal Business Card, must link your past experience, to the main employer motivators. You also need to emphasize your benefits, instead of features of your qualifications.

Let’s try a simple exercise: Twitter Style Resume – Yes, a resume with 140 Char limit. Try to write your resume with the constraints. You can try two models.
1. One with Name, Qualification, Exp, Profile, Contact, etc (if any) to print – but remember the char limits. This helps you to understand what you have to present at first level.
2. The model two with Name, profile / service introduction, ROI + benefits, - your contact information can be presented at the end.

Try this and communicate with me – let’s discuss more about communication for personal and professional improvements.