Why the Words You Use in Networking and Content Matter More Than You Think

There’s a common assumption I see with experienced professionals, consultants and service providers:

“If I don’t explain everything I do, people won’t really understand my value.”

So introductions become longer.

LinkedIn profiles become fuller.

Content tries to cover multiple audiences, services and outcomes.

And yet, despite all that effort, many people still feel:

• Poorly remembered
• Vaguely positioned
• Or referred in ways that don’t quite fit

This isn’t because they lack experience or clarity.

It’s because the words they’re using are working against them.

 

Where this misunderstanding comes from

This belief is understandable.

Most professionals have had moments where:

• Someone misunderstood what they do
• A referral came through that was misaligned
• Or an opportunity was missed because “they didn’t quite get it”

The natural response is to add more explanation.

• More detail feels safer.
• More options feel inclusive.
• More information feels like clarity.

But communication — especially in networking — doesn’t work that way.

 

What actually happens when you try to say everything

When your introduction or content tries to cover all bases, a subtle shift occurs:

•  People struggle to form a clear picture of you
•  Your message becomes harder to repeat
•  Nothing stands out strongly enough to stick
•  Referrals become hesitant or imprecise

Not because you’re unclear — but because you’re overloading the listener.

In networking environments, people aren’t analysing your full skill set.

They’re asking themselves one quiet question:

“When would I think of this person?”

If your words don’t answer that clearly, they move on — even if they like you.

 

Positioning is not explanation — it’s recognition

This is where a critical distinction comes in.

Your role is not to explain everything you do.

Your role is to position yourself so others can recognise when you’re relevant.

That’s why job titles rarely work on their own.

And why long descriptions dilute impact.

Strong positioning uses:

• Specific language
• Familiar phrases
• Outcomes people already want or talk about

It gives the listener an easy mental hook.

 

Why this matters even more in online and global networking

In global and online networking, you don’t have the advantage of:

• Frequent casual encounters
• Shared local context
• Or long conversations every time

Your words have to do more of the work.

This is why, inside Global Business Networking LIVE Online, we focus so strongly on:

• Clear introductions
• Consistent language
• And repeating the right words over time

Not clever wording.

Not impressive jargon.

Recognisable language.

The kind others can easily remember and repeat.

 

The counter-intuitive truth about visibility

Here’s what often surprises people most…

When you say less, with precision, you:

• Become easier to remember
• Receive better referrals
• Sound more confident
• And attract more aligned conversations

This doesn’t limit your work.

It simply gives people a clear entry point into understanding you.

Depth can come later.

Clarity must come first.

 

Watch the LIVE workshop: introductions that hit the spot

This exact topic was explored in a LIVE LinkedIn workshop I hosted with Jane Jackson, Career Coach, who helps mid-career professionals navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence.

Together, we unpacked:

• Why people unintentionally weaken their positioning with words
• How introductions often try to do too much
• What makes an introduction land
• And practical examples you can adapt immediately

This wasn’t about scripts to memorise.

It was about understanding how words work — so you can choose them intentionally in networking, content and conversations.

👉 Watch the replay below

A final thought

If you’ve ever felt that:

• People don’t quite “get” what you do
• Your introductions fall flat
• Or your content sounds right but doesn’t lead to conversations

The issue may not be visibility.

It may simply be the words you’re using.

Sometimes, positioning isn’t about saying more.

It’s about finally saying the right thing.