There is a story about an impatient young man who went to visit an old scholar. He demanded the the old man tell him everything he needed to know about the bible standing on one foot.
The old man smiled, stood on one foot and said, "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you! All the rest is commentary"
Say Less ... Listen More
What Would You Say?
If that same impatient young man came to your business, could you meet his challenge? Could you boil down the description of your business to a simple message, deliverable standing on one foot?
Try This Next Time
The next time someone at a networking event asks "What do you do?" Treat the listener like an impatient young man. Avoid a long, detailed description of your products and services.
Instead, give a brief, but compelling description that leaves the listener wanting more ... and watch what happens!
Refine your sound bite by refining your target ...
What to Say?
If you have caught their attention, the listener will ask a follow up question. Keep your response short as well. The goal is not to be vague, but to provide information in manageable bites for the listener.
Think of a networking conversation like a tennis match. Your goal is to make contact with the ball and knock it back over the net. Remember to ask questions about their business as well.
More about brief intros and other marketing tips...
A twenty year veteran of corporate America, today Lorraine Ball helps small business owners use planning and creative thinking as a starting point for growth and change. Active in the local business community, Lorraine is the recipient of 2005 Rainmaker of the Year Award. She serves on the boards of Rainmakers and the Network of Women in Business. |
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