I have been invited to attend the monthly meeting of one of our local chamber of commerce type clubs. I haven't been invited to speak, but to be introduced to the members of the club (local business owners) at their regular meeting, in appreciation of my starting a business in our town. (Most of these people I at least know by sight, as we live in a very small community).

I want to make the most of this, but I am looking for hints to not only publicize my local bookkeeping services, which I would love to expand, but also the virtual aspects of my company. As we all know, if you make a good enough impression, people will tell others...be it out-of-town relatives or distant business associates. I still have problems getting people in my local area to understand the virtual aspects of my business.

Is there anyone out there who has been in a similar situation? If so, how did you handle it...what did you say, what points during a one-on-one conversation did you make? If you haven't had this opportunity yet, how do you invision yourself handling it?

Thanks for your help!

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Angie
Blue Water Business Services

Angie - Creating your 30-second speech is a complex process, indeed. Do a search for elevator speeches on the forums here.

My thought when reading your post is to caution you that you'll need to attend many of these local meetings, and take the time to cultivate individual relationships as well as a reputation within the group, before it will pay off for you. But it's probably worth the effort.

People understand bookkeeping and expect it to be done virtually, but other VA skills you're selling may require more explanation. Be patient. The learning curve is slow, it seems.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Mary gives great advice - I just wanted to add a link to the fairly new but growing Elevator Pitches section. You'll find some good info there to help get you started. I think confidence is going to be key for you, and going prepared will help you exude that confidence all the more.

Let us know how it goes - and best of luck!

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Angie,

I agree with Mary as well. Work on your 30 second speech and continue to build on these relationships.

Here in the Pittsburgh area we are a little behind the times virtually. It took a while for people to understand the concept of virtual not just for me but for other businesses. Businesses here want a relationship first, by networking and meeting some great people over time it is beginning to pay off. But it took time and many conversations.

If you feel the network will be beneficial to your business then go ahead and join the group. Most times an invite if for you to test out the group.

Good luck to you.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Angie: I just went to a meeting with the Professional Business Women's Council (Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce) and it was great. They give away door prizes and you can donate an item (candy, gift card, etc.) with your business card attached. The name of the business and business owner was announced which allowed them the opportunity to hear it one more time! Enjoy, it's a great opportunity.

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Jacqui
JWeaver Virtual Office Solutions

Angie,

Attached you will find a little information about creating your elevator speech. This information is great because it tells you what you need and gives examples and then it is a small questionaire type to work through.

Once you figure out your niche, target marketing, and who you want for referrals (this is extremely important). If you have a voice recorder (hand held or your computer) record yourself over and over again until you are satisfied that it sounds natural and you know it.

Sorry it did not attach, do any of you know how you get it to attach? I thought I did.

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Erika Glem
www.advadminsol.com Let my administrative solutions be to your advantage.