(YOUR WEEKLY NOTE FROM ANGELINE)

Hello Reader,

If you’re new here, welcome! In this newsletter, I write about lead gen systems for coaches and speakers to turn applause into prospects, and leads into future clients.

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Company holiday parties. Ex-colleague reunions. Dad's game night. Mom's night out.

'Tis the networking season. Perfect time to practice your business intro. Or mess it up spectacularly (me in previous years).

I just finished reading Donald Miller's Building A Story Brand 2.0, and one thing fired me up: the importance of reducing cognitive load in our message.

Here's what that means: If the people we're talking to need to burn excessive brain calories to understand what we said, we lost them.

Here's leadership coach example from the book:

This hit close to home. One of my pet peeves is messages that are "clever" but not "clear." And yet the temptation to sound clever is so great that I can be my own worst nightmare.

Another example, this time personal. Just a few weeks back, I tried to rename my newsletter using my gamer tag "Soonami." I thought it was clever. To everybody else? It was not clear at all. Sigh.

But here's what I learned: Once you recognize the difference between clever and clear, you can't unsee it. Now I catch myself steering my clients toward clarity and not let them wander into "clever" territory.

❌ When your intro is clever but unclear, people can't connect their problem to your solution. You blend into the noise of a hundred other conversations. You can’t break free from being invisible.

✅ When your intro is clear and easily digestible, people remember you. They understand what you do. They know exactly when to refer you or reach out. You become the person they think of when the need arises.

Here are a couple of business introductions that nailed the "clear over clever" rule:

Notice what all these have in common? Low cognitive load. You don't have to work to understand them.

And if I can be brave and share...

Still in beta testing but it's better than my previous versions.

The goal isn't to be the most clever person in the room. The goal is to be so clear that it’s easy to remember.

Here’s why I think this is important:

Your introduction at networking events is your first—and sometimes only—chance to be remembered. If people have to work too hard to understand what you do, you've lost the opportunity before it even begins.

If you're a coach or speaker wanting to turn networking conversations into future clients, think about:

1. Make it specific enough to be memorable. Vague intros ("I help people live their best life") get forgotten. Specific ones ("I help empty nesters figure out what's next after the kids move out") stick.
2. Test your current intro for cognitive load. Say it out loud. If you have to explain what you mean after saying it, it may be too clever and not clear enough.
3. Practice until it feels natural. Stop rambling and don't wing it. Know what you're going to say before you say it.
4. Keep refining your sound bites until you get the reactions you want (i.e. people asking "How do I work with you?").
5. When you have a version you're happy with, repeat it until people have it memorized and can repeat it back to you.

I'd love to hear your working intro! Hit reply and share what you're testing out this holiday season. I read and respond to every email.

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Positive Peer-Pressure

Speaking of networking events—I'm proud to share that I've pretty much given up on alcoholic drinks this year, except for one cocktail at hubby's birthday dinner.

I credit my friend Sally Magee for having this positive influence on me.

Sally is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach who helps people get unstuck from their drinking patterns. Her newsletter "Inspiration to Reach New Heights" is for high-achieving women who are exploring a healthier relationship with alcohol or pursuing an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Best place to get started is by grabbing Sally's free guide
→ The Alcohol-Free Edge: A Reset Guide for High-Achieving Women​

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Have a fantastic week ahead!