Elevator speeches, do you need one?

Do you need an "elevator speech"?

Yes & no! When talking about their businesses, many entrepreneurs try to get everything they do into a 30-second pitch, and we miss most of it. We simply tune out after the first few items on the list. Instead, you should focus on your top two or three areas of expertise.

*Start with the First 10 Seconds, What if 10 seconds is all you get? Does your first sentence tell your listener enough so they understand what you do and inspire them to want to know more? 

Here's the simple, but effective approach.
"I work with [type of clients] who have [these types of problems, issues or challenges]."
That's it. Don't try to sugar it up or make it too catchy

*Avoid the what you are approach, "I'm an accountant" or "I'm a marketing consultant" or "I'm a financial planner". You've heard them time and again. You've probably even done it yourself. The problem is your listener(s) may not understand what the title means and may remember an incorrect definition
*Avoid the, what you do approach. "I do small business accounting including sales tax and payroll" This tends to be boring and doesn't help the listener(s) understand what they get as a result.

*Say how you solved a problem or served a client. Reinforce your first 10 second sentence with a second sentence that shows how you solved a problem or overcame a particular issue or challenge.

"I help mid-sized accounting firms plan big conferences on a small budget.
I just recently lined up free live entertainment for a firm that hosted 500 people in town last week."

*Tell them why you are unique. What makes you stand out from the crowd?
Maybe it's a unique model or approach for better results, focus on a specific niche, a guarantee, or extras that others don't provide.

There are many ways to define your uniqueness that will help gain attention and make you memorable.

  I work with small businesses to increase their profits.

  I encourage entrepreneurs by providing opportunities.

  I help people find ways to make more money.

  I create opportunities.

I hope it helps and works for you!

let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a really successful 2013.

Malcolm 

http://www.stevenagelocalbusiness.com/