How to create a presentation about yourself

Let’s face it, there is too much to read in today’s workplace. Black lettering on white background has led to a sort of fatigue which results in painfully short attention spans. How do you get your profile to stand out in this environment? The answer is to use the audio-visual medium. The truth is that not many of us have been able to figure this medium out; talking about ourselves in anything other than a resume becomes a tad difficult. Here’s a ready-reckoner:
* Create a video about yourself where you talk about yourself for about five minutes (no more!). Resist the urge to hand a digital camera to a friend, instead spend the time and money in getting a professional to do it. The least you will get out of this is good audio quality!

The video needs to show you at work, as you speak about yourself in a conversational tone. A good video will intersperse shots of you talking to associates and perhaps driving in and out of an office (if you choose to). Most importantly, you need to come across as someone your client may wish to work with. Your track record, past achievements, past clients make a good starting point. You can also speak of your areas of specialization and touch briefly upon successful assignments you have executed in the past. This can be emailed across to your potential client before your meeting.

* Create a Powerpoint presentation about yourself. This should not be an extension (or synopsis) of your resume. Rather it should be about what you believe in as a consultant. Some of the things to keep in mind when you make the presentation can be
1 Start Strong: The presentation needs to open with something that is NOT run of the mill and piques your audience’s interest. It is not always easy to do. But it is essential that you do it.
2 Talk about why you work best as a consultant - You can talk about the experience you have had in the industry, the companies or organizations you have worked with as an employee and/or as a consultant. You could also speak of experiences that make you believe in your abilities as a consultant. This is also where you could speak of what you believe consultants can achieve for organizations.
3 Include success metrics from key projects that are proven indicators of your capabilities in your domain. They could range from defects per million to customer satisfaction index. A graphical depiction of a metric that a client used to measure your performance may not find place in your resume, but will work wonders in a presentation format.
4 Bring in endorsements from clients. These could be a compelling part of the presentation (as long as it is not over done). “Thanks to the consultant’s intervention we drove down costs by 20% thereby freeing resources to invest in business building activities. We achieved record growth in the third quarter of 2008, thanks to this path-breaking project”, is an example. A logo and a photograph of the person who said this could act as both a reference as well as citation for you.
5 Flexibility in your work practices can be elucidated in your presentation. You could speak of teams that you have been a part of, while also indicating projects where you have carried the responsibility alone. This lets the client know that your work practices can be moulded to suit the needs of his or her organization. You should also demonstrate how you respond to instructions and your commitment to delivery.
6 Make the Presentation interesting. The client should feel like forwarding the presentation to his or her team purely because it is interesting! Avoid dry templates that are mostly text. Use pictures and logos liberally, of companies you have worked with, certifications or institutions you are affiliated to. Another good idea is to be able to use transitions that would make sense especially if you were not around to take the client through the presentation. If you have pictures with key industry people (at speaking or social events) be sure to include them, with a line of explanation.

In conclusion, you must keep in mind that the presentation is not something you would use to pitch for an interview. Rather it is an effective tool you can use to introduce yourself to your potential employer and his or her team before you meet them.