Open More Doors with a Great Elevator Speech
You finally get the chance to meet that really big prospect at a networking event and you know you've got a tiny window of opportunity to connect with him to make your introduction. You manage to approach him to introduce yourself, and he says, "Nice to meet you...and what do you do?" If you are like many of us, you launch into some spontaneous rambling about your products or services in an unimpressive and in a not very memorable way. And you know you've blown it when Mr. Big smiles weakly and says, "Nice meeting you as he walks away. I'ts then that you realize you have just missed a big chance to advance the relationship to get his business. What could you have done differently to maximize those precious seconds to make a compelling impression?
What it takes is a well-crafted "Elevator Speech"
An elevator speech is a brief description of what you do and who you do it for, like a personal commercial.
Most people will state what they do, but they don't describe how they help customers improve the quality of their businesses or their lives. They don't mention how they add value or include any benefits. And most importantly, they don't make the other person want to continue the conversation. If you can keep the conversation going, you are on your way to advancing the relationship that will ultimately lead to doing more business.
So exactly how do you craft a dazzling elevator speech?
Let's start with the timing: It should be of the length that you could share with someone in an elevator on a short ride.
There are many different strategies on this, but studies show shorter is better.
7 to 9 seconds will do it, and some are up to 30 seconds, but remember the shorter it is the easier it is to remember! Every word counts and the crafting of the message is clearly is critical.
Let's share a few steps to get you started:
Step #1 - Take out a piece of paper and simply write down all the services you provide for your customers. Think about how you help them save time, money, improve productivity,
Step #2 - Brainstorm why people choose to do business with you. We all know there are many different providers, but list what makes your customers want to continue to do business with you and what do YOU do to make them raving fans
Step #3 - Write out what you do in such a way that it encourages more conversation. As an example: Instead of saying, "I sell real estate", you might say, "I specialize in helping people get the most for their money when they buy or sell properties."
Step #4 - Break the statement down - Tell us what you do and then tell us how the customer derives the benefits from working with you. As an example for a financial planner you might say, "Hi, my name is Carol and I help families save money SO THAT their kids can go to college and they can still enjoy their retirement."Or, " I help people build wealth by managing their money SO THAT it works better for them."
Step #5 - You must write out your elevator speech. It becomes you and it must roll smoothly and be spontaneously delivered. It must be easily understood which means, you must...
Step #6 - Practice, Practice and Practice!
It may be something you continually tweak until it sounds just right!
After you've been able to open the door at an encounter or event meeting using your elevator speech your next step is to continue to advance the relationship by asking questions about what they do. Get as much information as you can, and then use this powerful script:
"Mr. Big, it's been delightful meeting you. I'd like to see if I know anyone in my database that might be a good prospect for your business...How can I best refer you?
This sentence alone will make you stand out, and allow you to discover what this person needs and wants really are, so you can determine if they are a fit for what you sell!
Get their interests, ideas and information, and here's a critically important step:
Your follow up is critical, so whatever you promise to do or send...do it! Your elevator speech can work for you hundreds of ways and hundreds of times in a day!
Here's several ways you can use it,
- Every time you introduce yourself to people
- Include it in your automated signature line in your e-mail
- Use it when you leave a message for a prospect on their voice mail
- Don't forget to include it on your business cards, your letterhead or articles you may write.
- Always include it on your marketing pieces and brochures
After a meeting, be sure to follow up with a personal note, or send your new prospect a book or information about something you've discussed at your meeting. This will help them remember you and the event and make it easier to get an appointment when you call.
Using a well crafted elevator speech to introduce yourself and what you do becomes effortless, fun and highly productive. And if you really want to maximize your business opportunities, invest in designing an elevator speech that takes you to the top!
Category: Marketing
Featured Marketing
- Beverly Hills, CA
- London, England
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- New York, NY
- Rochester, NY
- San Francisco, CA
Related Articles
- Take Action Now and Achieve Your Goals Sooner
- Why Name Badges are Vital in Networking
- Social Marketing How they increase your bottom line
- Ten Social Media Tools You Better Be Using Now
- Market to Generation X
- What Makes a Good Testimonial
- The Power of Increased Focus
- 7 Ideas on how to Get the Perfect Business Cards
- 8 Ways to Host a Successful Business Mixer
- How to Leverage your Small Business
- Cooler Cups The Promotional Friend For The Small Business
- Breaking the Backbone of Limiting Beliefs
- Time is not the enemy get the most out of your day
- 7 Ways to Conquer Your Fears of Public Speaking
- Little Things You Can Do to Grow Your Business
- 5 Steps to Effectively Build Your Business thru Referrals
- Do logos really matter
- Turning Hits into Leads
- Business Strategies for 2024
- Online Shopping Cart Alternatives For Web Based Businesses
Business News
Popular Posts
- Mastering the Mindset Shift - Effective Tips for a Positive Transformation
- Overcoming Negative Thoughts - Strategies for a Positive Mindset
- Why is Mind Balance so important
- Mind Balance - for those who dare to redefine their limits
- Mind Matters- The Chiropractic Approach to Personal Growth
- Three Sentences from a Billionaire That Changed My Life and Made Me Millions
- Unlocking Potential - The Power of Personality Assessment in Overcoming Obstacles
- Embracing Faith and Self - A Christian Guide to Personal Strengths and Weaknesses
- Buddhist Reflections - Navigating the Path of Self-Awareness and Enlightenment
- Universal Pursuit of Happiness - Wisdom from World Religions
- Illuminating the Path - Overcoming Ignorance and Misunderstanding in World Religions
- Interfaith Insights by 1WorldPeace - The Top 100 Universal Beliefs in Global Spirituality
- The SmartGuy Vision - A United Future Through Interfaith Love and Respect
- A Cautionary Vision - The Grim Future of a Divided World Without Love and Balance
- Harnessing Personality Assessment for Enhanced Well-being and Fulfillment
- The Essence of Islam - Understanding Its Beliefs Rituals and Cultural Significance
- Cultivating Key Skills to Overcome Anti-Semitism and Hate
- How Mind Balance Empowers You Against Misinformation
- Clearing Mental Plaque: The Path to Enhanced Communication and Divine Connection
- Finding Strength and Safety in Scripture - 25 New Testament Passages to Combat Spiritual Attacks