30-Second Commercial = Painting a Verbal Picture
What exactly are you trying to accomplish with your 30-second commercial or elevator speech? You are attempting to paint a verbal picture in the minds of those in the room so they clearly and concisely know what you do and exactly how they can help you.
As the president of a business-to-business networking organization for 4 years, I had the opportunity to travel between 7 chapters to train and mentor chapter leaders as well as members on the fine art of networking.
Networking is a “learned skill-set” and with just a few pointers, you can reap maximum results the next time that you attend an event, go to a trade show or visit your local chamber mixer.
What I would see is two basic issues:
- The attendees didn’t have a plan. They simply showed up week after week but really had no idea why they were there.
- They thought about their 30-second commercial or elevator speech as they were getting out of their chair or even worst, when they opened their mouth.
The core to getting the most out of your networking activities is your 30-second commercial. The whole point to a good commercial is to educate those folks around you so that they can help you grow your business.
Consequently, your commercial absolutely must be compact and convey a concise message that is powerful enough for others to want to get to know you better.
Here are a few of Peggy’s Pointers that you can use to spiffy up your elevator speech:
–Talk about only 1 product or service at a time.
–Create several different version of your commercial.
–Make it interesting or engaging by starting with a question to get the audience attention.
–Include some areas of specialization or certification that you or your company holds.
–Practice, practice, practice using a timer and mirror.
Let me know how you use some of these ideas the next time you go to a networking event.
Peggy P. Edge (c) 2015
Industry Expert – What is your area of expertise?
Every one of you are experts at something. Think about this for a minute. There are a variety of things that you know-that-you-know deep down in your gut. Several years ago I was asked at a seminar to write down 3 things that I could teach someone else how to do or I could develop a presentation covering 15-30-45-60 minutes.
Most folks would immediately write down something pertaining to their current job. However, this speaker instructed us to think outside of our jobs. For example, do you play an instrument? Are you a master gardener? Are you a skilled golfer or seamstress? Do you know how to bake and decorate a scrumptious cake?
My 3 areas of proficiency were: packaging, business networking and sewing. I could have also included playing the piano.
Yes, I know the packaging business inside and out and could train up a salesman in the fine art of packaging sales. I have been already been mentoring and coaching folks for a number of years how to network by using their connections to grow their business. In addition, I am a master seamstress with over 150 hours of applied coursework in clothing design and construction. Finally, I have played the piano since I was 9 years old and have a specialty of improvisation that I could show others how to do.
After we finished writing down our 3 ares of expertise, we were instructed to circle one thing that we are passionate about. My answer was: business networking.
I absolutely am passionate about helping others grow their business. That day, I started putting my ducks-in-a-row to create a new business of coaching, training and speaking about business networking.
It is amazing what you can get when you only ask. I posted a statement on Facebook saying that I was looking for opportunities to speak about business networking. Immediately I received 4 inquiries of which 2 came to fruition immediately. Consequently this required me to put my money-where-my-mouth was and create a 45 minute workshop for presenting at a national women’s association.
So I ask you, what is your area of expertise? Do you have a hidden talent? Remember, it does not have to be related to your profession. Think about your hobbies and how you might be able to develop that into a business.
Write down your 3-4 areas of expertise. Circle your passion. Figure out how you can take this to market and built a viable business.
Peggy P. Edge (c) 2015
You are NEVER too old!
This story touched my heart today when I saw it on Facebook. This just proves what I have said for years…You are never too old to learn something new but more importantly, you are never too old to go for your dreams!
95 year old Anthony Brutto will receive his college degree next week from West Virginia University! He is doing this after having started to college 75 years ago! WAY-TO-GO!!!
Whatever you set your heart, mind and soul to do you can accomplish it. It’s like how to eat an elephant…one small bite at a time.
http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/75-years-enrolling-94-year-set-graduate-west/story?id=30937399&cid=fb_wn_sf
