Simple, Vague or Complicated?

I’ll bet you’ve been to social functions, events, and seminars where someone announces, “Before we get started, let’s introduce ourselves. When it’s your turn; stand up, tell us who you are and what you do. Give us your Elevator Speech!“

Or you’ve had the experience of arriving early at an event where someone introduced themselves and asks, “What do you do?”

If you’re like most of us, you’ve struggled with that personal infomercial we call an Elevator Speech. That’s a problem because a great Elevator Speech can lead to future sales, a job, or a variety of new relationships.

People respond to Elevator Speech requests in a variety of ways. Most are underwhelming!

• “I’m Mary. I’m a bookkeeper and glad to be here.”
  • Too simple.
• “I’m John and I solve problems so you get a good nights sleep.”
  • Too vague.
• “I’m Shannon. I design and build stuff people use to make their lives better be it in their garage, home, or office. I have a master’s degree and am an extremely customer service oriented – people person – who gets great results done ahead of time and under budget. My specialized shelving solutions are the best on the market because I think out-of-the-box to deliver the great products none of my competition knows how to do. What day and time works for you for me to come by and show you my solutions to your problems?”
  • Way too complicated.

Here are guidelines for a great Elevator Speech.

• With impact, clearly and concisely say what you do.
  • Even if it’s an audience of one.
• No selling!
  • If selling occurs, it will be later after that person has more information.
• Clarity is mandatory.
  • If they don’t know exactly what you do, they’ll never do business with you nor make referrals.

The Goals of your Elevator Speech are simple.

• Now.
  • “I need what she is offering and want to find out more immediately.
    • What does it cost.
    • What is included for that investment.
    • How and when, if I decide to buy, can it be delivered.”
• Later.
  • “I know the offering, but currently am not in the market for it.
    • However, if I ever have a need for that service or product, I’ll definitely talk to him.
    • He comes across as an expert in his field and would be easy to talk to.”
• Refer.
  • “I understand what they sell and my radar is now up for anyone expressing an interest in that product or service. I am comfortable referring them to this person.”

The goal of all communication;
verbal, written, or visual, is the same.
We want recipients, as quickly as possible, to – GET IT!

Example:
“I speak coach and write about networking, public speaking, and presentation skills.”
(12 words 84 characters.)
GET IT!

FREE
Elevator Speech
Template and Worksheet
HERE