One Interesting Fact

Three times recently I've sat at a table surrounded by women who were asked to introduce themselves and share one interesting fact about their lives. Each time, for greater than 90%, the interesting fact was that they were married and how many kids or grandkids they have. While I hope their wedding day and the birth of the kids were some of the most exciting days of their lives, when I am attending a networking event, I want to learn about the person, not her family.

In my opinion, the “interesting fact” requested at these networking events is supposed to be something that makes you stand out. It is a networking tool. The fact you share should be a teaser designed to peak interest for others to strike up a conversation with you at a later time to get the full story. Your interesting fact should be unique to you, but also something that others will relate to in their own lives. You should put some thought into it and always have two or three at the ready to share.

Here are some examples of facts I’ve shared at these events:

• For 6 months in my life I was paid to be on stage with the Chippendale dancers.
• I have raised over $250,000 for breast cancer research and awareness.
• I once danced on stage at the House of Blues with Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan, better known as the Hobbits, Merry and Pippin from the Lord of the Rings movies.
• I once completely embarrassed myself in front of Brad Pitt.
  

Not only do these fun facts make it easy for others to strike up a conversation with me later, they make me more memorable than, “I’m married and have two children, of the four-legged variety.” 

Please, on your commute home today, think about some FUN and INTERESTING stories from your own life and the next time you are asked to share an interesting fact, USE THEM!!!!