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So, how’s your elevator speech working? Does it grab the attention of your ideal client and make them practically beg to know more? If not, it certainly should…. But how do you know for sure if it’s working? And what do you do if your elevator speech isn’t as spellbinding as you’d hoped? Let’s talk about that… An elevator speech—also called 30-second commercial, 1-breath introduction, or 1-minute elevator pitch—is a short and sweet introductions of who you are, what you do, who you do it for, and why they would want it. It is not a resume, or a list of the different businesses you own. The name is from the idea that you should be able to deliver it in the time it takes to ride an elevator. If you do much networking, chances are you’ve delivered your elevator speech before. But even if you never go to a networking meeting, you still have plenty of opportunities to harness the power of a persuasive elevator speech. Think prospects, investors, media contacts, potential business partners, potential employees, and anyone you meet at cocktail parties, friends houses or other events. Which leads me back to my original question... How’s your elevator speech working? The easiest way to tell if your elevator speech is hitting the mark is to try it and see how people respond. Leaving in search of the nearest toilet, or a fresh drink, are bad signs. If they say “Oh, that’s interesting...”. Chances are good it’s not. If people ask you more questions like, “How do you do that?” or “Tell me more…”, then you’re closer to hitting the mark. And if they say, “Wow, you really hit a nerve/hot button/pain for me. Can I get your card and set up a time to talk further”, then you know you’ve got it nailed with a five-pound hammer. Here’s how to get an elevator speech that does exactly that… Just to make sure this is all crystal clear I’ve included a copy of my 1-minute elevator speech below. Start by introducing yourself and your company. Then follow these 5 simple steps… >>Step 1 - Identify your ideal customer. I don’t mean small businesses, or women, or anyone with money. Dig deeper and come up with a detailed profile of the person or business who most needs—and is both likely and able to buy—what you sell. >>Step 2 - Explain the problems you solve, the needs fill and/or wants you fulfill for your ideal client. >>Step 3 - If you have time, share some of the results you’ve created as well. >>Step 4 – Give ‘em a reason to take action now. Offering something of value for free is an easy way to take your elevator speech to the next level and get people to take action. I offer folks the opportunity to sign up for my newsletter at and free report. >>Step 5 – Repetition is key. Repeat your name and business name one last time, along with your tag line if you have one. Then practice, practice, practice. ----- An Example to Follow ----- “Hi, I’m Stacy Karacostas with SuccessStream Sales and Marketing Solutions. I help savvy entrepreneurs take the stress, struggle and confusion out of growing their small business. If you’ve got a terrific product or service, but are having trouble building your business to the next level…If you’re tired of wasting time and money on marketing and advertising that doesn’t get results…Or if you’re sick of being stuck in the feast or famine cycle, I’ve got a variety of products, workshops, services and free resources to help you get more bang for your marketing buck on my Website at www.success-stream.com. Here’s a couple examples to give you an idea of what I do...I helped one of my clients increase response to an ad by 300% just by making a few, simple changes. Another of my clients took my critique and the suggestions in my book The Small Business Website Bible, and increased sales on his Website by 200% in the first month! If you’d like to learn to get these kinds of results from your own marketing, without spending a dime, I invite you to sign up for my write a free, weekly e-newsletter, Bright Ideas. It’s filled with practical tips and ideas on marketing, sales, copywriting and more. And you also get a copy of my free report “The 7 Deadliest Small Business Marketing Sins…Are You Guilty?”. Just put a star on the back of your business card and hand it to me. I’ll make it happen. Again I’m Stacy Karacostas at Success-Stream.com, providing practical solutions for turning your small business into a big success.” ©2007 SuccessStream. All Rights Reserved. www.success-stream.com
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