Promoting your business – Your 10 minute networking presentation 

So, you’ve got a chance to do a 10-minute presentation at your networking meeting. 
This is your moment to go beyond the quick 60-second pitch and really dig into what your business is all about.

Your 10-minute presentation is a fantastic opportunity to share your story, give some deeper insights, and help others understand how they can refer clients your way.

When else you’ll need to share more insight about your business

While the 10-minute presentation is great for networking meetings, there are plenty of other times you might be asked to give a more detailed explanation of your business – either written or spoken. 

This might be during:

• Client proposals: When you’re pitching for a new project or client, you’ll often need to give a fuller picture of what you do and why you’re the best fit.
• Interviews or podcasts: If you’re invited to talk about your business, you’ll need to provide background, explain your services, and share personal stories to connect with the audience.
• Speaking at events: When you’re invited to speak at a workshop, conference, or industry event, you’ll need to present your business in a way that’s engaging and informative.
• Website ‘About Us’ pages: Written content is just as important. Your website should give visitors a deep understanding of who you are, your business journey, and how you solve customer problems.

In any of these situations—whether spoken or written—being able to explain your business with clarity and personality will make a huge difference. 

These guidelines for your 10-minute presentation can help you prepare for all these scenarios.

How to Structure Your 10-Minute Presentation

Here are some helpful guidelines to make sure your presentation hits the mark:

1. Introduce yourself – be genuine and authentic

People want to know the person behind the business. Start with a little about who you are:

• What are your interests, hobbies, or pastimes?
• Talk briefly about what motivates you.

Sharing these details builds rapport and makes it easier for people to connect with you on a personal level.

2. Introduce your business

Now it’s time to dive into what you do:

• Where is your business based (if it’s relevant)?
• What do you specialise in?
• Share the story of how your business started. What inspired you? What challenges did you face along the way?

This is where people get a deeper sense of your business journey and what makes it unique.

3. Talk about your team (if applicable)

If you have employees, mention how many people work for you and what roles they play. It gives a broader sense of your business’s capacity and professionalism.

4. Explain what you do and how it helps

• What specific products or services do you offer?
• What problem do you solve for your clients?
• How do people benefit from working with you?

Be clear about the value you provide. This is where you want to show people how your business can make their lives easier, solve their problems, or improve their situation. 

Give examples of how you’ve helped your clients – use testimonials to show how you’ve solved problems and transformed your clients.  

Share some recent “wins” you’ve had in business – for your clients. 

5. What makes you different?

There are likely other businesses in your industry, so what sets you apart? 

Highlight what makes your product or service stand out from the rest.

Maybe it’s your attention to detail, your quick turnaround times, or your customer service—whatever it is, make it known!

Make Your Presentation Memorable

The goal is to keep people engaged and make your business stick in their minds. 

Here are a few ways to make sure your 10-minute presentation stands out:

• Use props or visuals: If you can, bring something to show. Whether it’s a sample of your product, a prop, or a PowerPoint, visual aids help your audience remember your message.
• Hand out samples or brochures: If relevant, bring something people can take with them—whether it’s a brochure, a business card, or even a free sample.
• Engage with a prize or question: Keep things interactive by offering a small prize for answering a question or engaging with your presentation.

A few extra tips to writing a memorable 10-minute presentation

1. Be prepared: Don’t wing it! Make sure you’ve practised your presentation and know exactly what you want to say.
2. Describe your ideal client: Be specific about who your target audience is. The clearer you are, the easier it will be for people to refer business to you.
3. Explain how you solve problems: What’s the core problem you solve? Make sure your audience knows what makes your solution special.
4. Mention your price (if appropriate): If it’s relevant to your business, don’t shy away from mentioning your price range or how you charge.
5. Ask for referrals or introductions: Don’t forget to let people know who they should introduce you to!
6. Differentiate yourself: Remind people why you’re different from the competition. It’s a key part of helping you stand out.
7. Link to something newsworthy: If there’s been something in the news or social media that relates to your business try linking your 10-minute presentation to it. It’ll make it more memorable. 

Common mistakes to avoid

We’ve all seen presentations that miss the mark. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Going over time: Respect the time limit. Keep it within 10 minutes.
• Talking fluff: Stay focused on the important details.
• Overloading information: You don’t need to mention every service you offer. Keep it streamlined.
• Not bringing business cards: Always have your business cards on hand for networking.
• Downplaying your expertise: Be confident. Talk yourself up!
• Bragging: Confidence is great, but don’t come across as boastful.

Have fun and be yourself

Finally, remember to enjoy the process. 

The more genuine and authentic you are, the more people will connect with you and your business. 

Practice, relax, and take advantage of the fact that you’re sharing your passion with others who are excited to hear from you. 

By giving them a peek behind the scenes of your business, you’ll build stronger relationships and, hopefully, get those valuable referrals.

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