Your elevator speech needs work, and here’s why:
One of the things I’ve learned while out networking is that there are very few truly unique businesses. Due to increased competition many products and services have become commodities.
What I mean is that quite a few people sell them, they’re common. Even the stuff that I do is no different.
So when I hear people do their 60 second elevator speech at a networking event I often hear myself think “tell me why I should be interested”.
Marketing gooroos used to say that you need to work on your USP, your ‘Unique Selling Proposition’.
But if you’re an accountant it’s going to be very hard to show that you’re much different to the other 4 accountants in the room. You’re not likely unique and you’ll struggle to develop a USP.
So what can be done about this? How can you set yourself apart from the competition at a networking event?
How will you, during your elevator speech, make your mark?
The answer is really simple (note I didn’t say ‘easy’): during your elevator speech you should Tell me what makes you interesting or why it would be an advantage to do business with you.
Have you or your business achieved some great results for your clients? Have you won awards for your outstanding customer service? Do you have a niche that is grossly under-served by the majority of your competitors?
What can you shout about that your competitors can’t?
Simple but not easy. So I suggest you spend some time thinking about this.
Your business might not be unique but with a bit of thought you should be able to come up with a handful of reasons why it might be worth my while doing business with you.
But please, do us all a favour, when you spout out your elevator speech, try to avoid giving us a list of things you can do. If you do that then most of the people in the room will switch off within seconds.
Want more on getting and keeping customers? Check out:
Why you should keep in touch with customers and contacts (article)
Does email marketing still work? (podcast)
A very interesting piece which all networkers should read. I would like to add that you should also remember to be loud enough , control your pace and speak clearly. Remember that your audience deserves your full focus.
Thanks for sharing Karl
Thanks Priscilla, you’re absolutely right; you need to be heard. I’m sure we’ve both suffered through elevator speeches where you’re struggling to work out what the speaker is saying because it’s not loud and it’s not clear.