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The Return of In-Person Networking

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As the COVID-19 pandemic era continues to recede, we’re revisiting many of the activities that circumstances compelled us to (temporarily) reconfigure, as we transformed our homes into mission control—work from home, school at home, online orders for all manner of items delivered to our home. City council meetings, business conferences, museum exhibits, music performances and other events were accessed by videoconferencing because attending public in-person events was for many months out of the question.

While everyone greatly appreciated the convenience of Zoom and other video platforms that allowed us to maintain some semblance of normal life, we’ve collectively breathed a sigh of relief and we’re mostly done with staring at a computer in order to experience so much of life. It’s time to resume face2face In Real Life interaction. Those who sponsor professional development and other business meetings have noted that attendance at in-person events is now robust, while attendance at virtual events is waning, with the exception of webinars.

Hosts of in-person events report that networking and developing relationships now tops the list of priorities driving the renewed interested in such events in 2024. Previously, the primary reason to attend business events, in-person or virtual, was the professional development info obtained in the presentations. Today, however, YouTube et al. overflows with online tutorials, many of them free and delivered by well-respected presenters, making skills-building knowledge available at your convenience. As a result, meeting content has taken a back seat and the value of attending meetings and conferences has shifted to the opportunities you’ll have to meet and greet colleagues in-person and forge beneficial connections. Can we agree that it’s time to revitalize your face2face networking chops?

Refresh your networking pitch

There are many potential success factors to consider when launching and nurturing a business venture and developing relationships with the right people is one that you would be wise to address. Relationships you establish with colleagues might open doors to opportunities that advance business growth in ways that otherwise may not occur. Taking a proactive stance to meet people in professional and personal sectors will enable you to expand your circle of relationships and increase the possibility of encountering those who can help you in some way.

In other words, networking is central to your marketing strategy. Freelancers and other business owners can always be in networking mode, whether at a chamber of commerce event or when having drinks al fresco with friends on a warm summer evening.

  • Re-examine your elevator pitch in all formats, from the 30 second self-introduction to the long form that’s rolled out when someone asks questions that signal genuine interest. Learn to articulate your brand and value proposition in two or three succinct and meaningful sentences, so you can fluently convey basic information about your venture when asked. You may find it helpful to use this formula to shape your elevator pitch:
    • The product/service you offer
    • For whom you work (your typical clients)
    • The benefit derived (the problem you solve, your solution)
  • Devise a networking agenda. It’s useful to have a purpose to remind yourself that you’re in the room to do more than eat, drink and talk sports. You don’t want to leave the event empty-handed; you invested time and money to be there, so to the best of your ability, make the experience worth the investment. This is my go-to agenda, because I find it easy to remember and carry out, but you can always create another that feels more natural to you, if you prefer:
    • Get a client (a long-shot, for sure)
    • Get a referral (you never know)
    • Get information (useful, possibly actionable)

Conversation starters

Networking starts with a conversation and the proceedings are greatly enhanced by the participants’ Emotional Intelligence (E.Q.). A key ingredient of successful networking is a willingness to share part of yourself with someone you’ve not interacted with before, so that the two of you can begin to build a relationship. Networking in motion is about exchanging ideas, information, stories and active listening. What you don’t want to do is walk around the room flashing a big plastic smile as you give your elevator pitch and foist your business card on all whom you encounter. “Show interest in others, and others will show interest in you.” (Dale Carnegie [1888-1955, author of self-improvement, salesmanship and public speaking books)

To find the value of relationships at your next networking event, use your E.Q. to start conversations that just might create business opportunities for yourself and maybe a new colleague as well. Keep in mind also that the favor of making a referral may start with you and that an immediate return on networking conversation is unlikely. Your expectations will not be met if you think you’ll be introduced to a new client sometime in the immediate future. Another hint—avoid trying to strike up a conversation with a large group of people. Instead of trying to chat with five people standing in a circle by the bar, keep an eye out for someone who’s alone; you’ll feel more comfortable approaching these people and they’ll probably be very happy to meet you and talk.

But back to getting conversations rolling—Preston Ni, communication coach and instructor in communication studies at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, CA, has identified easy-to-remember, open-ended follow-up phrases that function as icebreakers that make almost any conversation feel organic and will keep the momentum moving forward.

1. “How did you get involved in …?”

The question may follow-up to the other person’s mention of a current project, his/her job or company, or the very event that the two of you find yourselves in now. Depending on the situation, you could ask what brought him/her there that day, or what has sparked his/her involvement with the topic at hand. 

The idea is to ask a generic question, without resorting to some variation of “How are you?” which tends to be answered with a reflexive, “Fine, how are you?” With a slightly more specific question that is still open-ended, you capture the other person’s attention and invite him/her to give you a thoughtful answer, one that invites him/her to take the reply in any direction and also enables a story that can be shared.

2. “That’s interesting. Tell me more!”

After the introductions, ask a question that starts with the phrase tell me and then actively listen as your new acquaintance does what s/he likes best—talking about themselves! You will make a friend. The phrase tell me communicates to the person you’ve just met that you are interested in what s/he has to say and that you value his/her opinion, which is affirming. Tell me is a powerful invitation to your newest acquaintance to speak his/her mind or share a story, Who doesn’t love to talk about themselves?

“It has the multiple benefits of saving speech and energy, maintaining engagement, and being attentive to your partner,” Ni says. “A good conversational partner will reciprocate the attention by asking questions about you in return, which will also facilitate the discussion.”

3. “If you were the event organizer, what topic(s) would you ask the speaker to address?”

Talking about the event is an engrossing way to start and sustain a rewarding conversation and give insight into a colleague’s perspective—and that is sure to be enlightening. A question that explores what your new acquaintance sees as an “ideal” event also expands the common ground between you. It’s a thoughtful conversation starter for those who want to get down to business quickly. It’s also easier to have a lengthy back-and-forth discussion about such a meaty topic, so you won’t encounter any awkward silences.

4. “What subject has your attention right now?”

When you’ve just met someone and you’re searching for ways to connect, this question can open the door to a discussion about business, family, extracurricular activities, a much-anticipated vacation—or even home renovations! The person to whom you put this question is certain to light up and be happy to talk and you’ll be on your way to building a relationship.

Host your meet-up

If you’re able, find the budget to attend an in-person conference in 2024. On the other hand, why not be truly adventurous and host an in-person networking event yourself? You may be able to host a networking event in your local library—a great place to meet and keep costs down as well. Your in-person MeetUp guest list can consist of your LinkedIn connections who live locally, plus other business contacts to round out your invitations. How cool is that?

Reserve a room at your venue of choice and order up a few light nibbles and drinks—beer and wine if the venue allows, or sparkling cider and water. Your job as event host is to introduce people and facilitate conversations and relationship-building. The options are many and the rewards are exponential and endless.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: © NDABCREATIVITY

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Recipe For A Winning 4th Quarter Finish

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Ready, set, win! In business and in life, it’s not where you start it’s where you finish. When the bell rings at the end of the game—the end of the year—with all your heart, you want to be a winner. Whatever you’ve experienced this year, whether you struggled to close deals or were touched by an angel, your performance in the fourth quarter is going to be impactful. I think it’s safe to say that you’re motivated to leave no stone unturned as you aim to close out 2023 with a victory.

The 4th quarter officially begins on October 1 and summer ends on September 22, but you’re about ready to kick-off your year-end sprint now that September has arrived. It’s time to go full speed ahead; optimizing your visibility to potential customers and referral sources can be the wind at your at your back. Start your campaign by identifying organizations and venues that sponsor programs that align with your brand and will bring you and your company to the attention of the right decision-makers. Your objective is to position yourself as an expert, thought leader and trustworthy professional who, BTW, can deliver solutions to a certain target market and make those who hire you look good. Here are a few strategies that when implemented will propel you out of the starting gate and toward the year-end finish line.

Elevator pitch

You’ll have two or three versions of varying lengths that correspond to the person you meet but in general your elevator pitch , which is an introduction to you, your company and your product or service, should be 20-40 seconds long. Your name and the company name, what you do, for whom you do it (i.e., your typical client) and the primary benefit (outcomes) delivered are what you want to communicate. Hone your pitch until you can define your venture in just a couple of punchy sentences.  An effective elevator pitch will grab the interest of the listener, showcase your mission and get people hooked on your vision, all in less than one minute.

Personal brand

It’s not unusual to confuse reputation with the personal brand, but the two are not interchangeable. Reputation is earned and acquired, influenced by how you behave and communicate. It is external and reflects how others see you.  

Your personal brand, on the other hand, is internal and intentional. It’s also aspirational and is based on how you’d like others to see you. It’s your preferred identity, your unique selling proposition and what sets you apart from competitors.

 Personal branding involves creating and communicating a compelling story about yourself, maintaining a professional demeanor and nurturing a reputation that positions you as trustworthy and dependable. Remember that your brand reflects your core values and purpose, it should resonate with your target audience and inspire their loyalty and respect.

Networking

Networking is the process of meeting and greeting, having conversations and getting to know colleagues and competitors so that you can exchange information, find common ground and develop professional or social contacts. Once in a while, you might be lucky enough to meet someone who becomes a real friend.

You’ll find opportunities to network wherever you meet people. The essence of successful networking isn’t about what someone can do for you; it’s about what you can do for them. Ideally, the experience of networking results in win-win outcomes. The best networking agenda is to create value, be a resource and forge genuine relationships, so that you and your network will support one another.

Social media

Whether your preferred platform is LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok, establishing a consistent presence on social media will be a key element in your strategy to maintain visibility in your professional sector. Keep your audience engaged with promotional content, industry insights, interesting company updates and behind-the-scenes peeks, leavened with a dash of your charismatic personality. Because your customers and prospects feel more comfortable doing business with those they feel they know, make your content relatable.

Content marketing

Content is king, but not just anything will do. The content that you produce—text, visual, audio—must give the information and tell the stories that your clients and prospects find meaningful. Your content must also be high-quality, engaging and impactful to tell a memorable story , communicate your expertise and nurture your community. As well, remember that content marketing sidesteps a hard sell.

The format is about providing valuable insights, stimulating conversation and showcasing your genius to the audience. Publishing a blog and/or newsletter that explores topics that interest your target audience, producing or taking a guest spot on webinars and/or podcasts that allow you to personally speak to subjects you explore in your blog and/or newsletter posts are standard B2B content that you’ll post on your website and social media sites or send to your email marketing list. Creating video clips that show you engaged in a local charity event, receiving an award that honors your volunteer work, or even a clip of you decorating your office for the holidays are among the visual content possibilities you might use to present a less formal and more relatable aspect of yourself.

Public speaking

Public speaking opportunities are plentiful these days; your task is to identify venues that deliver your target audience. Panels, webinars, workshops, podcasts, rotary clubs or the chamber of commerce provide great venues for speakers.

If the very idea of public speaking gives you butterflies in the belly, start small and build your speaking skills. Practice in front of a mirror, practice and record yourself on your smartphone. Joining a panel or being a guest on a webinar or podcast are good ways to gain experience and build your confidence, as you get exposure to an audience that might bring you a customer or a referral. Soon, you’ll be commanding the room and leading the conversation in your industry. Public speaking is an investment with dividends in credibility, authority and a wider audience reach.

Press releases and media spotlight

While self-promotion is vital, third-party validation is perceived as impartial and objective and for those reasons, articles that appear in the media have the most credibility. Earned media is the term; to approach media outlets and invite them to in some way include you and your company in a feature, you must make contact with journalists or editors with press releases.

Journalists traffic in stories that they feel will interest their readers (or viewers), so your objective to obtain earned media must be based on a story that the media outlet’s audience will value. Write a press release when you win a business award, when you’re scheduled to appear on a local (or national!) television program, or when you’ll participate in a visible way in a noteworthy charitable event in your community. The story you’d like to share must be enticing and relevant to the publication’s audience. If done consistently and with viable story angles, media features can provide immense visibility and position you as a thought leader in your field.

Guest posts, podcasts, webinars

Engaging with your audience in virtual real-time has become standard practice in the digital era. There are now hundreds of podcasts and webinars broadcast nearly every day. More than just a knowledge-sharing medium, webinars and live sessions nurture a sense of community and belonging. They facilitate connection between you and your audience, fostering a dialogue that’s both dynamic and personal. The topic of your podcast or webinar session and information shared must deliver value to the audience.

Expand your writing credits and your reach by guest posting on popular industry blogs. Be sure to return the favor and occasionally invite a guest blogger to write for you and gain new readers as you do. Guest posting gives you exposure to a broader audience and solidifies your position as an industry expert. Whether you are the host or a guest, podcasts are a fantastic platform for showcasing your insights, opinions and your unique perspectives.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: West Aurora, IL High School’s Victoria “Tori” Spagnola, left, wins the 300-meter hurdles race. Alexandra Johnson, right. (June 2021)

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Your Short, Sweet Self-introduction

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When you think about it, this should be one of the easiest things you’ll do all day. You’ll join a meeting of some sort and, of course, everyone will introduce him/herself. That should be the easy part—-but when the person running the meeting calls on the group to go around the table and say a few words about yourselves, why do you get so nervous?

You could be in an online meeting or seated around a boardroom table. The meeting leader asks everyone to briefly introduce yourselves and suddenly, your palms begin to sweat and your heart beats faster. What should you say about yourself?

Many of us dread introducing ourselves, whether in a videoconference or in-person meeting. Self-introductions put you on the spot; you’ve gotta get it right and you only have 20 seconds. You feel pressured to portray yourself as well-spoken, intelligent and friendly —and worthy of being at the table. Why is it so intimidating to get the right words out?

You could use some help and here it is—-a quick and easy template to follow that will lower your stress hormones and guide you to make successful self-introductions, online or in-person, for business or boardroom. To make it work, all you’ll have to do is remember a timeline.

  • Present
  • Past
  • Future

The next time you’re in a meeting and someone says, “Let’s go around the table and introduce ourselves,” you know what to do. Take a slow, deep breath, and think, “Present, past, future.” Then smile and listen to everyone else until it’s your turn. You’ve got this!

Because your meeting is in the here and now your introduction will begin in the present. You might say something like, “Hi, I’m Frank and I’m a landscape architect. I’m self-employed and I design the exterior green spaces for residential and commercial properties.”

Of course, what you share will depend on the situation and on the audience. If you are not sure what to share, your name and job title is a great place to start. If there’s an opportunity to elaborate, you can also share other details such as a current project, your expertise, or your geographical location. Notice that your self- introduction is not dissimilar to your elevator pitch. But whereas your self- introduction is structured along a timeline, addressing when you’ve done or will do certain things, your elevator pitch follows a format of what —what you do, for whom you do it and the outcomes and benefits derived.

Next, refer to your history and share a sliver of the depth or breadth of your expertise with a reference to what you’ve done in the past.

In this section add two or three quick points that will provide your new colleagues with relevant details about your background. Now you can trot out your bona fides and establish some credibility, show them why you can be in the room. Consider your education and other credentials, past projects, employers and accomplishments.

“Hello everyone! I’m Grace and I’m a data scientist. At a couple of different companies, I worked with big data to better understand and leverage brand loyalty in the hotel industry.”

The third element of the template addresses the future. Now is your opportunity to demonstrate enthusiasm for the expected outcomes of the group’s goal when they are achieved. In this, the conclusion of your self-introduction, you express your interest and confidence in the meeting’s purpose. If you’re launching a project with a new team, express your excitement for being part of the process.

“I’m happy to be on the team, being invited to bring such an important goal to life.”

I’m excited to work with your company and help with the launch of a product that can improve how we live.”

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: © Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images. Mao Zedong (1893-1976), founder and Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, greets President Richard M. Nixon, who in 1972 became the first U.S. president to visit China since the 1949 communist revolution.

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Elevator Pitch: Master Class

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Every Freelancer has an elevator pitch, but few of those pitches are as effective as they could be. My own could use some work, to be honest. Freelancers are hunters and we thrive only when we bring in clients who trust us with lucrative and/or long-term projects. Arguably, the most important facet of a Freelancer’s skill set is the ability to quickly assess whether that interesting someone we’ve just met might have the potential to green light our next payday.

Street smart Freelancers anticipate the opportunity inherent in every meeting by using our hunter’s instinct to take aim and expertly deliver an elevator pitch that gets bells ringing in the head of a listener. In the conversation that’s sure to follow, these Freelancers ask a handful of smart questions designed to quickly weed out window shoppers, tire kickers and those whose needs do not align with our skill set.

The hunt starts with the pitch and Freelancers must build it with precision and deliver it in 30 seconds. The biggest mistakes Freelancers make in elevator pitch content are: (1) merely stating their skill set or job title, rather than giving a brief description of the problems they solve for clients and (2) failing to communicate the value they provide, the practical application of their expertise, that makes a persuasive case for working with them.

Skills or functions?

“I’m Bob Rossi, a business lawyer who also edits a digital business management magazine.” The information is accurate but Freelancer Bob has not expressed what is uniquely worthwhile about his business, he has not presented a story or any information that might persuade a listener to take notice. Expecting his job title to interest the listener is unrealistic because that alone doesn’t necessarily help anyone understand why s/he should care who Freelancer Bob is and envision how his products or services might be useful.

Whatever your job title and skill set, there are most likely dozens, if not hundreds, of highly skilled professionals who do some version of the same thing. There are many types of lawyers and business writers in the world. The successful hunter-Freelancer knows how to present a tidy little narrative of an elevator pitch that puts the listener at its center. In this much more compelling version, the Freelancer succinctly (1) names his/her specialty— the kind of work that you do best or most often (or your most popular product)— and how you add value; (2) identifies the types of clients you usually work with; and (3) gives three or four examples of article topics that regularly appear in the magazine (marketing, sales, finance and tech, perhaps).

“Hello, I’m Bob Rossi. I help business start-ups solve their management and legal issues, including LLC, incorporation and partnership set-ups. I also edit a nationally known monthly digital business management magazine that addresses topics that are important to business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals, primarily finance, marketing, sales and tech.”

It’s critical to wordsmith an elevator pitch that will convince the listener to pay attention and, if your timing is right, think of how s/he can use your know-how and imagine bringing you into a project that needs to get done in the near term. A money-making elevator pitch can convert a listener into a prospect who wants follow-up, who will say “take my card and shoot me an email, or call me at around 5:00 PM on a Tuesday.”

Finally, like the old joke says, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice!” Nothing sounds worse than clumsy delivery of an elevator pitch. You will be dead in the water and the VIP will never give you a second chance. Like an actor or an athlete, Freelancers must constantly rehearse and refine the elevator pitch, working it so that it slides off the tongue effortlessly. Because we never knows when a fortunate encounter with a VIP will occur, practice your elevator pitch often. Edit and edit again, until the wording is perfect and the cadence natural. Learn to step up to the plate on a moment’s notice with confidence, energy and enthusiasm and hit a home run every time.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Photograph: ©TV Guide. Deluca (Giacomo Gianniotti) delivers his elevator pitch to Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) in Season 15, Episode 9 of Grey’s Anatomy.

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Freelancers Need a Mission Statement

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Mission statements are often associated with not-for-profit organizations, but they are not exclusive to 501(c)3s.  For-profit ventures may also have a mission statement.  A mission statement is useful for any type of organization and that includes Freelance consultancies.

Like all other organization leaders, Freelancers periodically need help to focus on our organization’s purpose, especially as we readjust business models and pivot and do whatever else it might take to stay relevant and solvent as the marketplace ground shifts beneath our feet.  Keeping the company mission statement in mind guides leaders as we make decisions and adjustments along the way, ensuring that the soul of the organization remains viable.

Further,  the mission statement shows company leaders and staff how to concisely communicate the purpose of our organization to potential clients.  There is a close parallel between the mission statement and your elevator pitch.

So what exactly makes a mission statement? The company mission statement explains the organization’s purpose and intentions, usually in two or three short sentences.  The mission statement concisely sums up what the organization is about for the public, for its customers and target markets and for the executive team, board of directors and support staff, who will be reminded that the products and services provided must reflect and advance the company mission and achieve its goals.

  • What the organization does
  • For whom the products or services are intended
  • Why the organization provided its products and services

The mission statement differs from a vision statement, which in one or two sentences describes how the world will look when the company mission is achieved. The vision statement is inspirational and aspirational.  The mission statement gives an overview of how the company will realize those intentions.  The company’s (mission-critical) fundamental goals are actions the company takes to enable the mission and realize the vision.

So Freelancer friends, I respectfully suggest that another worthy item for your summer to-do list is to write a Mission Statement for your consulting practice.  Should you decide to also write a Vision Statement, the inimitable Sir Richard Branson recommends that brevity is key and that you keep in mind the 140 character Twitter template to help yourself create an inspirational statement that you can keep real and make memorable.  Branson also recommends that you keep in mind both internal stakeholders (employees) and external stakeholders (clients) when writing either statement.

OXFAM  (Oxford, England)

  • Vision Statement  “A just world without poverty.”
  • Mission Statement  “To create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and social injustice.”

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS  (New York, NY)

  • Vision Statement  “That the United States is a humane community in which all animals are treated with respect and kindness.”
  • Mission Statement “To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. “

SONY CORPORATION (Tokyo, Japan)

  • Vision Statement  “Our vision is to use our passion for technology, content and services to deliver kando, in ways that only Sony can.”
  • Mission Statement ” To provide customers with kando, to move them emotionally and inspire and fulfill their curiosity.” (Kando translates as the power to stimulate emotional response or emotional involvement.)

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Photograph courtesy of the Boston Public Library                                                                         The William Vaughn Tupper Collection “Cairo (Egypt) Streets and People” circa 1891-1895

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Spring Training: Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch

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We get only one chance to make a good first impression and beyond the visual presentation that your clothing and accessories communicate, followed by how you greet those that you meet (with a pleasantly firm handshake, friendly eye contact and a warm smile), what you say means a great deal.

In business-related gatherings or meetings the direct communication of your elevator pitch must grab the attention of the listener, inspire confidence and entice him/her to want to hear more.  Your elevator pitch is a sales technique wrapped in a conversational tone that piques the interest or even curiosity of the prospects, referral sources, investors, or strategic partners that you meet and entices them to want to know more about you and what you do.  Your elevator pitch is Step 2 in the process of meeting and winning over a VIP (getting the meeting is Step 1).

An elevator pitch (or elevator speech) is your official business introduction.  In it, you state what you do, for whom you do it and the outcomes and/or benefits that you provide to your clients, all in about 30 seconds.  As the story goes you step into the elevator, encounter someone who would like to know who you are and you roll out your spiel between floors.

A well-designed and delivered elevator pitch answers the (unspoken) question, “What can you do for me?” If good luck is on your side, you’ll have a business card handed to you, with a request to call that afternoon at 5:15 PM.  Your elevator pitch should address at least three of the following points:

  • The problem or need that you solve, i.e., the purpose or mission of your venture.
  • Identify your usual or ideal target clients (for-profit, not-for-profit, life sciences professionals, B2B, B2G, Fortune 1000, etc.).
  • Identify one or two of the primary results that your organization provides.
  • Name one or two of the primary benefits that your clients receive as a result of your services.

Depending on what you do, your (heavy-hitting) client list, the person or group that you’re addressing, or your mood, don’t shy away from getting a little bold about the value that you bring.  Even introverts can step up in their own quietly determined way.  If you have some credible (and demonstrable) metrics to attach to the outcomes and results that you produce, so much the better.  That is, if you can truthfully say, for example,  that 9 out of 10 of the marketing campaigns that you design for clients are routinely associated with a 15% increase in top line (gross) revenues within a 12 month period, then include that information in your elevator pitch.

Alternatively, you can keep your pitch very stripped-down and simple and state something like, “You know when this (problem or need) crops up? I fix it.”

Ideally, whoever you’re speaking with will want to hear more but if s/he doesn’t give much of a response, that means you are not speaking with a prospective client and it’s useful to know that up front.  Your elevator pitch will separate the wheat from the chaff and help you recognize who deserves your time and who does not.

If you’ve delivered a good elevator pitch that portrays you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional, you may get a client or you may get a referral.  You could also get an invitation to appear on a panel, speak at a business association meeting, or an inquiry about your teaching skills.  An effective elevator pitch is an integral component of the first impression that you make.  Be certain that what you say communicates your brand in the best possible way and it will open doors for you.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

 

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Perfect Pitch

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“The goal of networking is not to gather sales leads,  but to start business relationships and that begins with a conversation and not a sales pitch”,  asserts presentation and communications coach and author of The Anti-Elevator Speech (2009),  Cliff Sutttle.  Whether you’re at the Rotary Club lunch,  the gym or your second cousin’s third wedding,  eventually someone will ask what you do for a living.  For Freelance consultants and business owners,  a well-crafted elevator pitch is your answer.

The original idea behind the elevator pitch was to have something to say about your business to a potential customer whom you met by chance.  Presumably,  the two of you would be in an elevator and you would have about one minute to tell your story.

An appropriate elevator pitch presents you and your business offering in a casual,  socially acceptable manner.  To use your elevator pitch as a sales pitch is always wrong.  Someone whom you’ve just met is not a candidate for a sales pitch.  Delivering a sales pitch when you should deliver an elevator pitch will soon make you a social pariah.

While it is true that a Freelance consultant or business owner must constantly seek out potential customers,  it is important to first,  verify that one is speaking to a potential customer and not to someone making polite conversation and two,  communicate in a manner that is not perceived as selling.  Focus instead on solving a need and building a relationship and formulate an elevator pitch with a style and substance to communicate that.

The right elevator pitch will open doors for you,  business or social.  Your elevator pitch is a verbal business card.  It introduces you and your business to those who inquire.  Follow these steps and create one that works for you:

!.  The Hook

Cliff Suttle recommends that you give a short,  accurate-yet-vague statement of the ultimate benefit of your product or service.  A financial planner might say that he/she helps clients sleep well at night.  A web designer might say that he/she makes sure that potential customers get answers to their questions about your business.   A marketing consultant might say he/she builds communication links between the business and its customers.   After the hook is given,  say no more.  If the questioner wants to know what you mean,  then there will be a follow-up question.

Sales and marketing guru Geoffrey James,  author of the soon-to-be-published book Business Without the Bulls**t,  recommends that in the hook,  position your firm in one sentence that describes who you are and the primary service you provide,  with a focus on benefits and outcomes.  One who facilitates business strategy meetings might say  “In a one-day session,  I get my clients to reach consensus on pursuing a half-dozen relevant and achievable business goals that are guaranteed to deliver measurable results.”  If the questioner asks how you do that,  then proceed to Step 2.

2.  Differentiate

Defend the claim you made in Step 1 and give two or three reasons that show how your services are superior to competitors’.  Years of experience, marquee clients,  a special proprietary system or patented methodology or scientific data published in credible journals are how you make your case.  Client testimonials on your website or LinkedIn page add credibility to your claim.

3.  Conversation

If your questioner continues to show interest,  he/she may just be nosy,  may be a competitor trying to get information on how you do business,  or may be a genuinely interested prospect or referral source.  You won’t solve the mystery until you get that person talking.  When you ask if your area of expertise happens to be a concern at his/her company,  or note that he/she sounds as if they’ve encountered this situation before and inquire as to how it is being handled now,  the answer will reveal true motives.

4.  Meeting

If it makes sense to continue the conversation,  then ask your questioner for an opportunity to meet and continue what has been started.  If your questioner turned prospect  suddenly seems hesitant,  then ask  what less than optimal previous experience gives him pause, or what you can provide to ease his/her mind.  If your newest prospect seems enthusiastic, then ask how to get on his/her calendar and the preferred mode of contact and time to reach out.  You’ll be on your way to building a profitable business relationship.

Thanks for writing,

Kim

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Do Not Sell Your Elevator Pitch

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The elevator pitch gets a lot of attention.   Much has been written about its importance and how to get it right.   Unfortunately,  most of the so-called experts cannot help us get our elevator pitch right,  because they don’t understand what it’s about.

The original purpose of the  “elevator pitch”  was to have something relevant to say about your business if you happened to encounter someone who could potentially become a client.   Over time,  its purpose was corrupted and it metastasized into a sometimes smarmy self-promoting sales pitch that prospective clients didn’t want to hear.   Most of us forgot,  or perhaps never realized,  that  an elevator pitch was never meant to be a sales pitch.    

But we’re Freelancers and we need to self-promote because we need to plant the seeds for new assignments so we won’t starve to death!  Isn’t that what an elevator pitch is for? If it doesn’t sell us,  then how do we introduce ourselves to prospective clients?

Take heart,  gentle reader.   As we all know,  it’s not what you say,  but how you say it.   It is more advantageous to present oneself in a way that does not reek of obvious selling.   What Freelancers need is an elevator pitch that not only can open up the possibility of a sales opportunity,  but can also be gracefully inserted into a casual conversation.

The well- made  elevator pitch presents you and your offerings in a socially acceptable manner,  with no  obvious  sales pitch.   You’ll be able to roll it out at a backyard barbecue or a wedding reception,  without making people cringe.   To do it right,  it is necessary to learn how to introduce yourself and your business concern in the context of social conversation.

According to Geoffrey James,  author of  “How to Say It: Business to Business Selling”  (2011),  break your elevator pitch down into three parts.   First,  come up with one  sentence that will Position your business.   That sentence will describe what you do for clients in easy-to-grasp language and will state a benefit  that could be of interest  to the person who asks about your professional  life. 

The beauty of this sentence is that it will start the process of separating the wheat from the chaff by revealing the questioner’s level of interest in what you do.   If that person shows only polite interest,  you’ll know that you’re not speaking with a prospect and can move on to  other topics.   But if he/she asks something like  “How do you make that happen”?,  you may have a live one.

If your questioner shows knowledge and interest in your field of expertise,  then proceed to level two and Differentiate what you do by giving examples of what distinguishes you from competitors.   “Some of my clients begin to receive the desired return on investment within three to six months after implementing the business  strategy plans that come out of the sessions I facilitate for them”.   “We have extensive press contacts that will allow us to roll out the PR strategy you need to make your business appear reliable and trustworthy to your target customers”. 

If your questioner continues to demonstrate interest and ask relevant questions,  then advance to level three and open a Conversation.   Ask an open-ended question to verify whether you are speaking with a potential client,  or just someone who is bright and curious,  but cannot hire or refer you.   Maybe  ask something like,  “Does your company have these kinds of needs?  If so,  how are you getting the job done”? Drill down further with,  “Do you have an impending project on the drawing board”? The answers you receive will let you know who you’re dealing with.

If you’ve done things even half way right,  maybe five minutes have elapsed during which the other  person has done much of the talking and you the listening.  If it makes sense to keep the conversation going,  it’s time to  ask for a Meeting,  since  1.) Follow-up is an essential component of success and you don’t want to let an opportunity slip through your fingers and  2.) You are at a social event and you don’t want to be crass and ruin the mood by continuing to talk business.

You might propose it this way:  “If you’re open to talking a little more about how I can help you with  (insert prospect’s concern),  I’ll be happy to sit down with you.   How do I get on your calendar”?

A more cautious approach is,  “If my company were able to handle  (insert prospect’s concern),  what are your thoughts about us getting together so that you can learn more about what we do? Can I get on your calendar”?

So there you have it.  A straightforward and brief elevator pitch strategy that is a real conversation and elicits useful information for both parties.  It is not a sales pitch.  Now all you have to do is put yours together.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

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Going up! Expert Elevator Pitch

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I don’t want to brag, but…oh, yes I do and so do you! We just need to figure out how to tell people how amazing we are, how talented and lovable, without being obnoxious.  Bragging is a turn off and nice boys and girls don’t.

But how do you let colleagues and prospects know what you’re good at? How do you network if you don’t know how to put your story across?

Every Freelancer needs a first rate elevator pitch.  A Freelancer must be able to position him/herself as an expert, a capable problem solver who can get the job done and is therefore worthy of important assignments.

A basic elevator pitch can be broken down into three  parts:

1). What you do

2). For whom you do it

3). Outcomes and benefits derived

What You Do

Concisely describe your service in straightforward and uncomplicated terms.  Challenging economic times can bring the temptation to be all things to all people–let’s face it, if there’s a legal way to get paid we’ve gotta bring it on.  Still  clients,  prospects and referral sources want to know what you are known for.  Help them out and develop a niche.

For Whom You Do It

Who are your typical clients? What are they looking for when they call you? What kind of pain are they in? Prospects and referral sources need to know who you typically do business with. They need to know who might need you.

Outcomes and Benefits Derived

What’s in it for the client who hires you? Describe the problems you solve, the money you help clients make or save, how you make them look good.  Mention an advantage  or two that distinguishes  you from competitors.  Stay on top of what is going on in your client’s industry so you’ll know how to position your services in relation to the hot issues.

Practice your elevator pitch until you’re comfortable with your phrasing.  Make sure it sounds natural for you and that it will spark the interest of your target customers.  A basic elevator pitch should take you less than a minute to present. Your pitch can serve as a  self introduction and will also allow you to transition into a more meaningful discussion of  your services should an interested party want more info.

Use your bragging skills, artfully packaged in a good elevator pitch, to establish your reputation as a results-oriented professional and an available source of useful information in your area of expertise.

OK,  so now that you know how to create and deliver an expert elevator pitch,  it’s time to do some savvy networking!

More later,
Kim