I have joined several local networking groups, have gotten several potential clients that I'm following up with, and have even made a few 5-10 minute presentations about virtual assistants in front of small groups. BUT, I struggle terribly when I try to give my short elevator pitch. I give my name and business name, then seem to flounder when trying to tell people what I do. "I offer bookkeeping and administrative assistance to small and medium size businesses and individuals either remotely or on-site locally." That part's easy--but then what? I feel I want to explain how they can save money and time, then I want to say that they don't have to hire an employee, then I want to say they don't have to provide office space, then I want to say . . . . . I just can't seem to find the right combination.

Please give me some advice, and/or share your speech. I'm frustrated and embarrassed and mad at myself because it should be easy!!!

P. S. Thanks for letting me rant!

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Sylvia Mesaros
The Alliances

Sylvia, I suggest that you mention saving money and time BEFORE you tell them what services you offer, since everyone wants to save money, and that will spark their interest to listen to HOW you do it.

You might want to check out the PitchWizard. It's a free online tool that helps you focus on the most important information when you're writing your self-introduction.

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Janet Barclay, MVA, Organized Assistant
Founder & Director, Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group

Thanks for the link Janet. I wrote my pitch and I guess I just need to practice it over and over again.

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Sylvia Mesaros
The Alliances

Thanks for the tip. I used their service and wrote my elevator speech. So now I just have to practice it until it is second nature.

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Wendy Harrison, www.wendy-works.com
Go virtual and you'll never go back.

That's a good link thanks Janet. I have put together my pitch. Now all I have to do is attach it to my name...LOL

Never heard of pitchwizard before - it's quite cool.
Thanks for the tip.

Isn't it great? I've tried a few different things, but this makes it so much easier to come up with something compelling.

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Janet Barclay, MVA, Organized Assistant
Founder & Director, Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group

Wow what a neat site! Having fun with it...THANK YOU, Janet!

Leona

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Leona Martin
A Plus Admin Services

60 seconds? Crap. I thought it was 30 seconds. Now I have to double it.

It depends on the group. Some give you more time than others. Once I went to a networking event where there were so many people you could only say your name, business name, and five words to summarize what you do. Interestingly, that's the only time I've landed a client after only one meeting.

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Janet Barclay, MVA, Organized Assistant
Founder & Director, Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group