A personal introduction is a good way to get people to know you. Some call it the elevator speech. It is a good idea to have more than one. For example, you might have an intro prepared for business meetings, networking and one just for social situations.

The key points are:

• A business meeting: Your name, title and what you bring to the meeting
• A business networking event: Your name and what you do (no title)
• A social event: Your name and where you are from

Talking points to add to your personal introduction for:

• Networking events: A business situation you have been involved in that will get the audience to understand what you do and the impact you make
• Social events: A fun and interesting thing you are involved with; it could be a vacation or book you have read

The main purpose of your personal introduction and talking points is to get folks to get to know you in an inclusive way. When you are able to do this, it will widen your circle of influence.

In today’s professional world, it is protocol to remember men and women are created equal. Here are some etiquette tips to clarify any misunderstandings:

• Whoever gets there first, opens the traditional door or goes through the revolving one.
• In speaking with a restaurant hostess the same rules apply. Whoever gets there first when securing a table for lunch or dinner verifies the reservation.
• Men are not required to help a women into her chair(the waiter will do this).
• Whoever is the highest ranking person in the room, he or she is introduced first.
• A man or woman can help each other with their coats. Whoever has a free hand, assists.

However, some common courtesies never go out of style. If a woman drops something it is nice for the man to pick it up.

Remembering these few protocols will remind you, that in the business world, all sexes are equal.

How many times have you been with people at a party or in a meeting, who never let you get a word in edgewise? And you’re stuck listening to the self imposed subject matter expert of everything we do.

They make our bodies go tense, cause us to make faces, and raise our battle instinct in preparation to enter a war of words. Quite simply, our dark side comes out.

Here are three tips to help us handle these folks:

• Do not try to join in the conversation. It only prolongs the talk (and the agony).

• Let them have about two minutes of talk time. Then do something physical (offer to get them a drink or show them an interesting item).

• Acknowledge their input. Often these folks are insecure and feel they have to show us how smart they are. When we acknowledge that, they may stop talking. (And leave enough oxygen for everyone else!)

Change is tough. Sometimes it’s hard to maintain. And when we try to do too many things at once it can be overwhelming.

A good approach is to start with something easy that will make a significant impact and make you feel good. This also will provide you with a quick start.

For example, a new piece of clothing, a shirt or a change in your hair style will give you a new lift. Or, if you want to be a better speaker visit a Toastmaster club and listen to other folks speak.

Another big one is weight. Going on a diet is too hard. However, eating smaller portions might be a good start. The main idea is to start small and take one thing at a time. You’ll be amazed at the feeling of accomplishment you get which in turn will keep your momentum going.

It seems that whether it is remembering someone’s name or making introductions you need to be perfect when networking. However, how many times have you said someone’s name wrong or added the wrong bit of information to a moniker?

I believe if you do this with a smile you can have some fun with it. For example, if you fumble an introduction – you can smile and say “Let me start over again.” When you forget someone’s name you can say “I remember great faces but am terrible at remembering names” or “It is great to see you, what have you been up to?”

If you have just been introduced to someone and you can’t remember their name you can fess up by saying “My brain has gone into sleep mode, sorry” or “It’s on the tip of my tongue but my tongue is recharging.”

The most important thing is to maintain a sense of humor and a smile when you mix and mingle at parties this holiday season. Not only will you have more fun but you’ll be remembered because people like being around you.