How to Write a Perfect 8-Second Introduction (That Actually Works)

You know how everyone says, “You only get one chance to make a first impression”?
Well, when you’re networking, that impression better fit into 8 seconds.

Not 30. Not 60. Eight.

That’s because most networking interactions start with one lightning-fast moment of attention. If you use that moment to rattle off your job title and the industry buzzwords you think sound impressive… you’ve already lost them.

Enter: The 8-Second Networking Introduction

The 8-Second Intro is not about who you are.
It’s about the problem you solve—and for whom you solve it.

Let’s break it down.

🔹 It starts with “You know how…”

This line introduces the problem, and it’s crucial that it’s phrased in the third person.
Not “You know how you struggle with,” but rather:
“You know how some people…” or “You know how businesses often…”

You want to invite them into shared understanding without making it about them (yet).

🔹 Then comes “What I do is…”

Now you bring in the solution. And spoiler: the solution is not your job title.

Here’s the formula:

You know how [the problem]? What I do is [the solution].

That’s it. Simple. Memorable. Effective.

Let’s look at some examples.


🏠 Example: The Realtor

❌ “I’m a realtor. I help people buy and sell homes.”
🙄 Yawn. So does literally every other realtor in the universe.

✅ “You know how buying a home can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life? What I do is guide people through the process so it’s easy and even enjoyable.”

🔥 Boom. Now you’re not a realtor. You’re a stress-busting dream home sherpa.


💼 Example: The Business Coach

❌ “I’m a business coach.”
🤷 Cool story.

✅ “You know how entrepreneurs get stuck working 60 hours a week and still don’t see results? What I do is help them design systems so their business works even when they don’t.”

Now that’s someone I want to talk to.


🎯 Why It Works

  • It gets attention fast.
  • It focuses on your value, not your title.
  • It’s easy to remember and repeat (perfect for referrals).

And most importantly: it opens the door to a real conversation.


✨ Final Tip: Tailor It

Don’t write your 8-Second Intro once and carve it in stone.
You’ll want to tweak it for different audiences, events, or goals.

But always keep the core structure.
Because structure = clarity.
And clarity = connections.


Want More Magic Like This?

The Guy Who Knows a Guy's Guide to Networking by Michael Whitehouse

The 8-Second Intro is just one of many powerful tools you’ll master in
The Guy Who Knows a Guy’s Guide to Networking — a real-world guide to building relationships that turn into results.

🎯 If you want to finally feel confident walking into any room (or Zoom) and know exactly what to say and how to say it…

👉 Get the book here and start networking like a pro.

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