Mar 27, 2013

When you hear the question

"And what do you do?",

how do you respond?...

Do you hesitate or perhaps go on too long and sell yourself or your business short?

Answer these five questions to design your own ‘60-second’ pitch you can use the next time you’re asked, ‘What do you do?’.

Who do you help?

What problem you solve for them?

What benefit do they receive?

How do you solve the problem?

What’s your call to action?

Instead of giving the answers to these five questions as a ‘lecture’, try making it conversational. Here’s an example of how I might give my elevator pitch at a networking event:

“You know how entrepreneurs and business leaders often need to present themselves and their businesses, and they may not always know the best way to do that?

Well, I help them express what I call their ‘voice of leadership’, to be clear, confident, and connected when they communicate.

Then, they are able to project more confidence, attract more clients, and to increase their sales.

I work with them in a number of ways:

I offer public and in-house courses, keynote presentations for business groups, one on one coaching sessions, and I also have CD’s and free articles available on my website.

Would you be interested in receiving my free monthly newsletter with and updated event information? ” (if yes, ask for business card)

The above pitch is just 116 words - I recommend keeping your pitch short and sweet - under 125 words.

Always remember that while it’s important to have your pitch ready when you are networking, it’s even more important to show interest in others by asking questions of them and hearing their pitch. People tend to like and want to do business with those who express interest in them. If you end up listening and asking questions and collecting cards rather than giving your elevator pitch that is also very valuable. You can follow up afterwards by phone or email with those who might be interested in your service.

If you’d like help with your pitch, your presentation style and/or your presentation structure give me a call.

Sally Mabelle, ‘The Voice of Leadership’ Specialist. www.sallymabelle.com - Inspiring clear, confident, and connected communication for personal and cultural transformation