Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce

To promote our members through education, leadership and communication between businesses, government and our community.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Elevator Speeches - Useful?

Hi everyone -

Our Business Support Group has been working on our elevator speeches - those 90 words that tell the world what you do, why you do it and how you can create world peace in our lifetime. Apparently the "elevator speech" came from the early days of the Internet when web development companies needed venture capital. There were so many companies looking for cash, that the ones with the simplest pitch won! And some of that happened between floors in an elevator!! Things have changed a bit since then. We're ALL looking for cash, but probably won't find it in an elevator!

But this little "verbal business card" CAN open doors for you! The goal of your "speech" is to determine if the person you're talking to is interested in your business and if he is, you are asking for permission to start a conversation. Project your passion, look for that hook that will engage the listener and focus on how you can benefit your listener. Your "speech" won't land you the deal of the century, but it will provide the basis for a future relationship - and that relationship can lead to sales and contracts.

There are wonderful sites out there that will help you perfect your speech. Click here for Preparing Your Elevator Speech. It's great because this site actually walks you through it, step by step. Even if you believe your speech is perfect, don't forget that you may need a few different approaches. One size does NOT fit all.

So go out & network with your new elevator speech! You may not create world peace, but you just might start a conversation with someone who can help you with your "deal of the century"!

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