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• Classic-Fiction

(1) I picked a mucketymuck. Very important. Otherwise you’re just bangin’ your gums on a non offeror’s drums. So talk seriously only to those who can assist—and won’t resist—hiring you.

That being done, (2) personal compliments are always the openers. Then, if there’s the opportunity to (3) offer assistance, seize it.

Next, (4) demonstrate that you know and like the business. Ask (5) intelligent, nice questions that show you’re interested. Then (6) introduce yourself with the Magic Four Hello (Do 1). Say just enough about yourself to demonstrate modesty and a compulsiveness to be the best at what you do. If you can paraphrase or even parrot the offeror’s words, do it (like coupling “service” with “success”).

Be sure to always (7) give and get a business card (or have the offeror write down her title and contact information).

(8) Nurse a commitment out of the offeror for the next contact (her choice). Then (9) show appreciation, and (10) do not be seen by the offeror again that day (unless an offer is extended on the spot).

Note that the entire instant interview took around five minutes. It could have been shorter or longer, depending on whatever. But never more than 15 minutes, or they’ve lost the urge.

In this case, the offeror left, so staying at the booth gave you time to hobnob with the pilots. Always with a smile, compliments, and offers to assist. No mention of the CEO or the conversation. You don’t know the politics, and every business has them. Listen well to the company chatter, but don’t react to anything negative. Max another 15 minutes.

Good—the CEO’s still over there. Now get going. I’ll be over here.

The offeror didn’t ask for a resume, so why ruin a good thing? It doesn’t get any better than what just happened.

You never wander around the fair where the offeror can see you, and you take as much company information as you can carry. Now, whenever Barbra Streisand sings “Have I Stayed Too Long at the Fair?” you’ll be able to shout back the answer.

Great—now the CEO’s over there checking out the Happy Health Halvah.

I’m going to find some Abbazabbas. Meet me at the junglejeep in 20 minutes or I come back to this costume party wearing my Streisand wig and singing falsetto.

Go get CEOed!

Do 52: Writing the Instant Bio

The instant bio (IB) gets interviews on contact!

It also sells your written words—articles, columns, even books. It can be used any time a publication requests information about you.

Friendlier and less formal than a resume, the IB hits only the highlights of your career.

An IB is always written in the third person (he or she, not I). It’s easier to talk about yourself that way.

It’s also very short, less than one double-spaced page.

The heading should be your name centered and in bold font. The subhead should be the same, and it should read:

Biography

An IB is different from a press release (Do 53). Use your letterhead. That will take care of the contact information.

Don’t include generic superlatives like “amazing,” “talented,” or anything that sounds like hyperbole. Deal with specifics, primarily how many years you’ve been a whatever you are. Include attributes and accomplishments.

Something like:

Joe Bio has been a (profession) for (number of years). His specialties include (two to three examples). He has been awarded the (most prestigious award), has reached the (highest professional accomplishment), and is the (title) at (name of business).

If you continue to refer to yourself, use your first name. When you’re submitting to media, use your last name. That’s AP (Associated Press) style. It’s what most newspapers use, and it makes you look very smart.

The class in salsa dancing you’re teaching would require a different bio from the one for your service club speech on how instant interviewing changed your life.

Once you write the IB, you’ll start feeling more confident too. It’s positive self-talk that’s reinforced every time you read it.

Use it and you’ll get instants in ways you didn’t expect!

Do 53: