If you’ve ever attended a networking meeting—virtual or in person—you’ve likely been asked to share a 30-second introduction. It’s standard practice across almost every networking organization, including Virtual Networkers.

Too many brilliant women, though, fumble this moment. Not because they’re unprepared, but because they’ve never been taught how to talk about their work without overexplaining, apologizing, or deflecting.

We’ve been socialized to justify our worth, to soften our brilliance with disclaimers. We say where we live. We talk about the weather. We hit “unmute” and immediately apologize.

Here’s the thing: This is your time to stand tall and be seen. To share your message with clarity and conviction. 

I want you to make those 30 seconds count!

That’s why I am sharing four different 30-second introductions (also known as elevator speeches) to help you be prepared for your next networking meeting. Let’s get to it!

What Goes Into a Great Networking Introduction?

Your 30-second intro (also known as an elevator speech) should answer three essential questions:

1. Who are you and what do you do?
2. Who do you help and how do you help them?
3. What sets you apart?

Here’s a simple formula to follow:

• Name & Business
• Ideal Client & Their Struggle
• How You Help (Transformation)
• What Makes You Unique
• Call to Action
  

Example:

“Hi, I’m Renee Carter from Heart Harmony Coaching. I help midlife women who feel like they’ve lost themselves in caregiving roles reconnect with their identity, passions, and purpose. Through intuitive coaching and guided journaling, I help them remember who they are—beyond their to-do lists. If you know someone who’s ready to rediscover herself, I’d love to have a coffee date.”

Switch It Up To Stay Memorable

If you say the exact same 30-second intro every week, guess what happens?

People stop listening.

It’s not personal. It’s just human nature. We tune out what we’ve already heard.

That’s why switching up your intro is essential. It keeps your networking peers engaged. It helps them understand what you do from different angles. Plus it makes you more memorable.

So, in addition to the standard message already described, here are three other elevator speech formats you can use:

1. Situational

Speak directly to a pain point your ideal client is experiencing.

“You know when you’re trying to network but everything feels salesy and fake? That’s exactly what I help women entrepreneurs overcome. I’m Jill Celeste, founder of Virtual Networkers. I teach women how to network with feminine energy—authentically, powerfully, and without the ick. If that sounds like your kind of networking, I invite you to check us out.”

2. News/Current Event

Link your work to what’s happening in the world.

“Did you know the Surgeon General recently declared loneliness a public health crisis in the U.S.? As a spiritual coach, this struck a deep chord with me. So many women are surrounded by people—but feel utterly unseen. I’m Lisa Monroe from Sacred Sister Coaching, and I help women reconnect with themselves and form authentic sisterhoods. If you know someone longing for meaningful connection, I’d love to support her.”

3. Client Success Story

Let your results speak for themselves.

“Hi, I’m Camille Davis, a branding photographer for women entrepreneurs. One of my clients, Rachel, came to me hating the camera and dreading her website photo shoot. She said, ‘I’ve never seen a picture of myself I liked.’ After one session, she emailed me crying with joy because she finally saw herself the way the world sees her: radiant and strong. If you know someone hiding from visibility because she hates how she looks in photos, I’d love to help her feel differently.”

Quick Tips for Crafting Your Introduction

• Be concise: You only have 30 seconds. Every word matters.
• Speak to the heart: Highlight transformation, not tasks.
• Practice aloud: Say it until it flows like a story.
• Don’t aim for perfection: Aim for authenticity.
  

Final Thoughts

Your business deserves an authentic, practiced 30-second introduction. You’ve been given a precious window to share how you help others. Please don’t squander it!

Create four versions of your elevator speech using the formats in this post, and you’ll always be ready to speak with confidence, clarity, and heart.

You’ve got this, and I’m rooting for you every step of the way.

MORE RESOURCES:

Here are other resources to support your networking journey:

Virtual Networkers: My global virtual networking organization for women entrepreneurs.

Weekly Connect Newsletter: Subscribe for networking and marketing tips, plus the upcoming week’s Virtual Networkers schedule.

Celestial Love Notes: Begin your free subscription to my daily inspirational emails, full of love and empowerment.

My Book, That First Client: Learn how to create an effective marketing system that will always attract clients to your business.

My Book, Loud Woman: Get inspired to be louder in your life and business.