Group introductions??

I've got an important demo (virtual) tomorrow with 12+ people planning to attend.


60 minutes and a lot to cover.


Curious how y'all approach introductions for groups of this size?


Having everyone introduce themselves isn't an efficient use of time. With a dozen people it could take a quarter of the allotted time.


On the other hand, if you don't let everyone introduce themselves you're missing a chance to build rapport and you may come across as pompous.


What do my other savages think?


p.s. I used the search bar and couldn't find anything specific on this

📣 Demos
😎 Sales Skills
🧠 Advice
16
CoorsKing
WR Officer
8
Retired King of the Coors Knights
I typically have the main POC on their side do the fast intros, and I put up a slide with everyone on my team on it and I intro them. 3 min total tops
funcoupons
WR Officer
6
👑
I’ve never heard of that many people attending a demo together before, damn. That’s some next level shit. 

I’d prob skip the introductions tbh. You’re there to sell the product, not have a pleasant conversation - right? 

I’m assuming that not all 12 have equal DM powers? If so, god fuckin speed. Lmao. 
braintank
Politicker
4
Enterprise Account Executive
I'm leaning this way.

Everyone knows what we're here to do, so let's just get right to it.

Curious if there is a # line where introductions get out of hand.
funcoupons
WR Officer
5
👑
More than five and it’s too much for me dawg 
bandabanda
Tycoon
2
Senior AE Mid Market
Same. Making a great impression means giving a great meeting. You do that by jumping into what's most important to them quickly. 

Worst case scenario I'd say: "Obviously there's a lot of us on this call. While I'd love to get to know (you really don't but they love to hear it) everyone and how each of you are involved in this process, I think it would be best to give names and titles and jump right in. Any objections?"
blondeenigma
Opinionated
3
AE
my demos usually have loads of people on, most of them I’ve met before…. so Id say - if you know that they are no BS type of people, skip intros…. if they can tolerate some BS, ask only the ones that you haven’t met before to intro and preface with “such a large group, lets keep it short and sweet” so that they don’t talk for ages
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
Have a slide with everyone's pic and title and announce them yourself. Saves time and let's the client know they are important. 
TennisandSales
Politicker
3
Head Of Sales
dont. 

I have this happen often enough to know you do NOT do around the rooms intros in a group this size. 

I would say this:
"although I would love to get a chance to meet everyone on this call, I want to respect everyones times. I am going to quickly introduce our team who will be leading today and then we can dive right in" 

If there are key people on the call you want to get a chance to talk to, jot their names down, and send them an email/ call them and say 
"hey ___ just wanted to get a chacne to more formally introduce my self. I am glad you were able to join the demo. Sounds like there was really great feedback. 
Was there anything particular that stood out to you?" 

This has helped me in the past. 
techsales
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
I always skip everyone doing their own intros, but I also ask the person on the client's side who scheduled the demo to either give a broad overview at the beginning of the call (less than 30 secondsS) of what departments are on the call and what they are most interested in seeing, or ask them to share that information ahead of time via email. That way you look like you care but you can save 5 minutes at the beginning.
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
12 people all on your side? That’s a lot but I have seen similar before.
If that is the case AND you only have 60min, I would just say that you have invited various subject matter experts who will speak to their subject when called upon and have 3-4 of them speak during the demo.
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
To be clear, 12 people from their side. Just me and my SE from my org. But I agree wit your approach if the tables were turned.
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Ah, if that’s the case skip the extended intros and get right to it.
sketchysales
Politicker
1
Sales Manager
I often have Demos/Trainings of this size but they are typically in person rather than virtual.  I usually start off by saying I will come around by your desks after the demo for a introduction and just launch into the demo right away and then after go around and have a 1 on 1 intro with each person which also allows me to get a more personal touch with each one.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
If you have the opportunity to connect with the sponsor/contact on the prospect's side, I'd explain that for a group that size and in the limited time available, you'd like to simply introduce the two of you.   I'd ask for a list of attendees and their roles/responsibilities in advance - it helps us make sure that we are using the appropriate language for the group and also that we are showing what's important to them in their roles.  I've not gotten any pushback with that approach.
rainmakerinthemaking
Politicker
0
Enterprise Sales executive
I'll do the overall high-level introduction of the guys from my side and then let the champion decide on how to introduce his/her side. From this, I can tell who are the key personas, influencers, and listeners. 
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Email the POC beforehand, ask them to cover introductions and don't let this take more than ~3 minutes.
slickchick
Opinionated
0
Account Executive
I usually say, “[champion/s] has given me excellent insight into your [current challenge/team structure/etc] so given the number of people on this call I’m sure you’re interested in getting right in to see how we can solve some of those challenges. In the interest of time I’m going to suggest skipping intros but do jump in with any questions or feedback. Are we all ready?”
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