In business networking, I find that many people often confuse self-introductions and "elevator speeches".

These are two different things, and each is useful in different contexts.

For example, if you're someone who is involved in many different initiatives, or offers a variety of unrelated products or services, coming up with one "elevator speech" may not only be difficult, but also not useful.

Why is this?

Because chances are, different people will be interested in different things you offer.

So instead of trying to summarize everything you can and want to do in 30 seconds, I would approach it in a different way.

Consider two things:

1. Whom are you talking with?

2. What is your intention?

If you're talking to someone who may be a prospective customer, find out first which of your products or services this person may be interested in.

Then you can present your information concisely, highlighting only those products or services that are relevant.

This may be a pre-crafted "elevator speech" for that aspect of your work. Or it may simply be you explaining and describing what you do, given what you've learned about the other person.

What this means is that you introduce yourself without using an "elevator speech".

How? Just like in any other situation -- with your name and something else that's relevant in the context.

At a social gathering, it's usually your relationship to the host of the party, or who you came with. In a business setting, it may simply be the company you represent, or perhaps something related to the setting where you meet this person.

It also means that you engage the other person in conversation to find out whether in fact they are a potential customer -- and if so, for which of your offerings.

Similarly, if you're presenting to a leads group, who the members? What kinds of leads would they be able to generate for you?

If the members can find leads for one of your products or services more easily than others, you may just highlight that one in your "official" presentation.

This does not mean you can't promote your other offerings. You would simply do that "offline", as you get to know individual members better.

Again, this implies that you take the time and initiative to talk to each person and find out more about them, than can be summarized in 30 seconds.