Overcoming the biggest fear of networking: Your 30 Second Elevator Pitch
As small business owners, we all know we need to network. But for many, being invited to attend a networking event strikes a fear so pervasive they will do anything not to be available.
As small business owners, we all know we need to network. But for many, being invited to attend a networking event strikes a fear so pervasive they will do anything not to be available.
Why?
Because of four little words…
So Bill, what do you do?
It’s amazing how four little words can create such paralysing fear. For many summing up what your business does without sounding like you are reciting the front page of your website or applying for a bank loan, is a real challenge.
Some business owners feel they offer so many possibilities; that it’s hard to know where to start or end. And, as for the response sounding natural or conversational, that’s almost impossible.
Many resort to the simple, but not very useful, “We’re accountants” or “We’re IT specialists” as if that should give the requester everything they need to know.
So what is the solution?
I recently attended a networking event where the guest speaker shared his strategy for approaching the response to “THAT” question, and it is so simple I thought it was worth sharing.
You begin with “Well you know how…<insert a problem your typical client has>and <the
benefit they get from you>
For example, “You know how many small business owners can never find time to do their BAS and worry about getting fined, well we take the pain out of GST and ensure they never have to worry about it being correct or submitted on time.”
Or< “You know how many small business owners don’t have a receptionist and divert their phone to voice mail when they are in a meeting, well we handle all their calls and make sure they never miss an important business opportunity again.”
Simple, isn’t it?
In a few short words, you have told the person who your ideal client is and how you can benefit their business. And by phrasing it as “You know, how….” It doesn’t sound rehearsed, and you can tailor your response to the type of issue they may be experiencing.
So, give it a go and let us know how your 30-Second Elevator Pitch worked for you.
Conversely, if you think it can be improved Drop us an email and let us know how.
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