Having trouble with "30 second" elevator

forwardvision · #10 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009

When I recently attended one of my local Breakfast Clubs the main event was a presentation by a business coach who, when asked what he does, gives the line, "I help to make you irresistable to your employer or clients," which I think is a pretty cool strapline.

Anyways, his presentation proved that he is very good @ what he does. He was talking to us about how to construct an effective elevator speech and I'd like to share a couple of the key points of his presentation with y'all if I may.

He started off by explaining the acronym WIIFM - "What's In It For Me?" - which is what we are all thinking when we meet someone for the first time @ a networking session. It's also what others are thinking when they meet us. Basically, "How can I benefit from having this person in my network? What value can they add to my business?"

So it's good to construct our elevator so that we answer that question that's going on in the other person's mind.

There are 3 elements to this - the "3 P's" - People, Problem, Possibilities (or Possible solution).

People - who our typical clients are: "I work with X client who..." - "I work with business owners who..."

Problem - this is the common problem that our typical client would have. "... want to spend more time making money and less time doing paperwork."

Possibilities - this is how our services solve the client's problem. "I provide a virtual business support service that enables you to focus on the more profitable activities of your business, whilst I assist you with the essential administrative tasks." Or, "I can take care of those administrative tasks that don't make you money, yet are essential for the running of your business, leaving you free to focus on the profit-making side of your business."

So stringing this all together our finished elevator speech goes like this:

"I work with business owners who want to spend more time making money and less time doing paperwork. I provide a virtual business support services that enables you to focus on the more profitable activities of your business, whilst I assist you with the essential administrative tasks."

Well, I hope this has as helpful to everyone as it has been to me.

Regards,

Jason.