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Share I like the suggestion you made about gauging the reaction(s) of your audience - whether a group or an individual. I think this carries over into face-to-face networking as well. If you don't capture someone's attention in the first few seconds you are wasting your time and the other person's time. In a half hour of open networking you'll be lucky to meet five or six people. I call the first words out of your mouth in a networking situation "the hook." If your hook doesn't cause someone to ask for more information there's no pint in launching into your one-minute commercial. I suggest switching the topic to what the other person does and then moving on.
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Elevator Speech Do's and Don'ts
We've all struggled with that one minute introduction of our business. One minute to give the audience a meaningful overview of our life's work! What a nutty idea to attempt to convey that in one minute. It would take hours!
Written Feb 18, 2009, read 6495 times since then.
We've all struggled with that one minute introduction of our business at networking events. We have one minute to give the audience a meaningful overview of our life's work--the object of so much love, effort, blood, sweat, toil and trouble. What a nutty idea to attempt to convey that in one minute. It would take hours!
Yes, all that is true, and yes, this is the format we must conform our description to. How in the heck can we do that in a meaningful and effective way? Here are a few ideas.
1.) The purpose of the elevator speech is to attract interest and attention to your business--especially specifically from your target market. This is not a sales pitch, where you want to convey every feature and benefit. The purpose is to attract the attention of those in need of what you sell--not to sell them. Used correctly, it invites further inquiry and conversation from those likely to buy. Because it has a different purpose, it conveys different information and is targeted to attract rather than to inform.
2.) The elevator speech needs to be about THEM--your target market, not about you and the "stuff" you sell. It needs to address and answer a "crying need" for your potential client/customer. They are interested in themselves, their needs and wants, problems and desired solutions. Make your one minute count by showing how you can solve their real world problem(s).
3.) When it's your turn, if speaking to a group, stand up, stand up straight, speak up, and project your voice. Speak slowly and enunciate every word. Be sure that everyone in the room can hear you. Don't fall into the fearful tendency of hurriedly garbling a mouthful of mumbled words.
Turn and face the audience. Make eye contact. If you have to move to be seen, do it. You'll stand out as having more presence and confidence. Be fearless. This is your business at stake. You came to the networking event to attract attention to your business. Take your one minute and make the most of it.
4.) Practice, practice, practice. Pay attention to the response you get. What you're looking for is for people to show curiosity, interest, attention, ask questions, and want to know more. If you're not getting these kinds of responses, you don't have the right words yet. Keep working on it. Don't worry about "getting it wrong". That is self interested. Instead, pay attention to your audience and observe their reactions.
With a large audience, if you have a great elevator speech, you may get some auditory response. More likely though, the way you will gauge this is how many people come up to you and want to know more about your business.
When you're addressing an individual, the response will be obvious--whether negative or positive. This information can be profoundly important to you. Be aware, observant and especially pay attention to whether or not it works with your intended target market.
5.) You've struck gold when your elevator speech effectively attracts your target market, causes them to self identify with your message, and has them wanting more details. Make this your objective in constructing your elevator speech. Pay attention and preserve those words, phrases and concepts that get you these sorts of results.
6.) You may want to get together with a few other business owners and help each other fine tune your elevator speeches. The group serves as a feedback mechanism and helps each member assess what works and what doesn't work. Each member can create the most effective elevator speech in the shortest amount of time, with focused input.
7.) Recognize that settings where you employ the elevator speech are typically social, and salesmanship is not appropriate. remember that your object is to get the interest and attention of those who need and want what you have to sell. Don't turn off their interest by trying to sell them at the first sign of interest. That's like trying to French kiss someone you've just met. Too early, not welcomed, off-putting--does not work! Don't do it or you will end up "wasting" your success in attracting attention.
8.) Always come prepared. Always, always, always have cards with you. Keep an extra box in the car so that you don't forget them at home. Once you've got the attention of your target market, don't waste the opportunity by having no way for them to get in touch with you. Don't embarrass yourself by having to scribble your contact information on a ripped scrap of borrowed paper.
You've done what it takes to get their attention and interest. Be totally professional and give them what they need to contact you. Even better, ask their permission to contact them--and do it right away.
If they want more information, have that with you too. Don't give it out indiscriminately. You'll just be wasting your money. When someone requests more information, give it to them. It's best to have it with you, but alternatively, arrange to send it to them.
An excellent elevator speech can be one of your most effective tools. Used with a consistent networking strategy, it can bring you a steady stream of qualified clients. Take the time to construct a compelling elevator speech--that attracts your target market--and deliver it with confidence and conviction.
Learn more about the author, Suzi Elton.
Comment on this article
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |Feb 22, 2009 Excellent comment....and so true....one of the ways most of us don't do the best we can at networking.
Suzi
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Posted by Robert Lani, Seattle, Washington |Feb 22, 2009 Great Suggestions - Since starting Biznik I have had to pitch my business more and more. What I struggle with is making myself different than all of the rest of the real estate agents in Seattle. After reading this I recognize I need to brush up. Any suggestions on how to make one real estate agent stand out from the rest.
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 22, 2009 Excellent comment....and so true....one of the ways most of us don't do the best we can at networking.
Suzi
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 22, 2009 The key is to work on the ULTIMATE OUTCOME someone would get from working with you, for instance, Selling for top dollar, Selling Fast, Buying at the best price.
What is is that your clients are always saying they get from working with you? Is it that they ABSOLUTELY TRUST you like a friend? Is it that they KNOW you know your stuff and have their best interests at heart? What are the things that people REALLY want. Buying and selling is simply the process. What do they want and need that you provide that makes you stand out above the masses of other real estate agents?
Think about this and come back on with your thoughts.
Suzi
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Posted by Sven Mogelgaard, Bothell, Washington |Feb 22, 2009 Suzi makes a good point, but I'd suggest drilling down even further. Who is your perfect customer? If you cast too broad a net you will probably find yourself spinning your wheels, dealing with clients you don't really like, or both.
By identifying and then describing your perfect customer and then projecting this in your elevator speech it makes it much easier for others to refer clients to you. For example, one Realtor I know specializes in condos. I've sent three referrals to her already.
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 23, 2009 I have another article in the "can" about identifying your target market. Should be out soon. Yes, perfect target market is the basis for the Ultimate Outcome, and both of them are a part of the elevator speech.
Suzi
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Posted by Joe Townsend, Redmond, Washington |Feb 23, 2009 Suzi, thanks for summing it all up. I can relate to your points # 3. & 4. Stand up, speak up, project your voice, practice. In both Biznik events and my active referral group, we see the benefits of putting these essential elements to good use. An elevator speech is always done standing; think elevator at any networking event. If you are in a group, speak so that the person furthest from you can clearly get the message. Well, my minute is up.
JT
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Posted by Lorraine Howell, Seattle, Washington |Feb 23, 2009 Great tips Suzi, especially the part about the elevator speaking being about "them" not you! I also suggest people think about making it memorable. Be intriguing and creative, maybe even playful. If people remember you, they will be usually ask you for more information. I wrote a book about it called "Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift!" that has lots of tips and examples. Thanks again for your ideas!
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Posted by Jill Kremer, Seattle, Washington |Feb 23, 2009 Hi Suzi, I liked your article. Its great advice to make the elevator speech about the client and not yourself. Thanks for the ideas
Jill Kremer, songwriter
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Posted by Mark McLaren, Seattle, Washington |Feb 23, 2009 Great article, Suzi. Thank you. Sharpening your elevator pitch is one of the best things you can do to market your business. By doing so, you really have to think about what you do best - and how it benefits the customer. Getting that message across is what good marketing is all about - but it does not come naturally to most of us!
Among my clients, the ones that have a great elevator pitch always have the best chance of creating a winning website (and social media presence). They stick to their message and they know how to appeal to the right kind of customers.
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 23, 2009 The real "catch" is to put ourselves in the shoes of our ideal client and feel their pain and frustrations and challenges...then express it in language that hits home with them.
Suzi
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Posted by Jon St.Marie, Seattle, Washington |Feb 24, 2009 "...needs to be about THEM" Truer words could not be spoken! Of the MANY elevator speeches I've heard only a small percentage address the customer's direct needs... most are nothing more than 60 second info-mercials. Thanks for the reminder...it's all aboutthe customer.
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 24, 2009 We human critters can be quite self obsessed....and totally miss the "marketing boat". We can go blah blah blah about us and wonder why everyone is moving away from us. Must be those snack on the table they are going for??? LOL!
Suzi
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Posted by Rachel Andersen, Seattle, Washington |Feb 24, 2009 Whoo Hoo! I needed that info. For someone who loves to talk, I sure don't know what to tell people when they ask about my business. Thanks!
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 24, 2009 When we LISTEN to others tell us about themselves, everyone thinks we are BRILLIANT CONVERSATIONALISTS!!! Develop a genuine and sincere interest in others and they will want to listen to you. That is half the "battle".
We have to SO get over ourselves!
Suzi
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Posted by Dave Manningsmith, Sammamish, Washington |Feb 24, 2009 Suzi, thank you. Great article. I appreciate that you put your thinking into practice. I was able to scan just the bold print, take away the meat, and then I wanted to go back and read the rest. Excellent best practice I will adopt when I write my first BizNik article. (working on it now) Thanks!
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 24, 2009 Dave, Thank you for pointing that out to readers.....for their expert articles. I look forward to your article. What is the topic?
Suzi
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Posted by Dave Manningsmith, Sammamish, Washington |
Feb 24, 2009 Hi Suzi, I developed a tool for objectively identifying one's top/core values for the purpose of aligning one's work and personal brand with those values. It's been a good resource for me, and I hope others will appreciate it. Mark Walters (http://biznik.com/members/mark-walters) has agreed to collaborate with me. Once it's a bit more polished, would you consider being a critical reviewer? Thank you, Dave
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 24, 2009 Suzi. shoot it to me when the time comes.
Suzi
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Posted by Paul McFadden, Bellevue, Washington |Feb 24, 2009 Suzi: Thank you. I plan on making this part of my next BNI education moment if you're o.k. with that. I can cite you as the source if you like.
Paul
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 24, 2009 Thanks so much. Please do cite me. I appreciate that.
Suzi
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Posted by Christie McQueen, Orlando, Florida |Feb 25, 2009 Hey Suzi,
Great article with good points! I don't have an elevator speech yet. I always dread that part of networking because I am not prepared and I feel boring. I'm interested to hear what your elevator speech is?
Christie McQueen http://www.ModerneCaptureStudios.com
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Posted by Patty Koskovich, Renton, Washington |Feb 25, 2009 Thank You Suzi for the comments on a better elevator speech. I will try and look at it more from meeting the clients needs. As an interior designer, I am like the real estate agent above, it's hard to narrow in the focus of what we do when it is so broad and there are so many in the field. I just try and stay personable as some people are afraid we will "take over" and their nest will become something unfamiliar to them.
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 25, 2009 Patty and Christie, think about it this way: what do your clients TELL you that you provide? Do they feel secure you will protect their interests? Do they trust your judgment? Do they KNOW you'll do your best by them? Really drill down on this. What have they said to you?
Suzi
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Posted by Lorraine Howell, Seattle, Washington |
Feb 25, 2009 For Patty and Christie and anyone else who is following the conversation...I recommend talking about the results you provide, not the process. Don't tell people how you do what you do, tell them what difference you make in other people's lives or business. A metaphor I like...If I ask you what time it is, don't tell me how the watch works. A lot of elevator speeches fail because they are about how the watch works!
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 25, 2009 Thanks, Lorraine. We can't emphasize that enough.
Talk about the ULTIMATE OUTCOME....not all the in's and out's of how to get there.
Suzi
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Posted by Denise Reed, Chattanooga, Tennessee |Feb 25, 2009 These are great elevator speech tips. Since there are so many unemployed people hunting for positions out there, these people might consider adapting these tips to what makes their skill sets employable. I’ve been encouraging several people to go out and get business cards made with their personal contact information and a tag line about what makes them special on it, polish up their resumes and get busy networking everywhere they go. Seek out public events and do the, “Hello, my name is and this is how I can help” intro. No one is going to come beating your door down in this economy…get out there. ;-)
At your service, Denise Reed www.twitter.com/conciergelevel
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 25, 2009 Great suggestions! Yeah, if the Johovah's Witness is the only guy coming to the door, it is time to get out!
Suzi
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Posted by Christie McQueen, Orlando, Florida |
Feb 25, 2009 Suzi, Thanks for the replies. I wrote my elevator speech this morning and feel pretty confident about it. I will try it out tomorrow morning at a networking meeting. I'll let you know how it goes ; )
Christie http://www.ModerneCaptureStudios.com
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Posted by Beth Buelow, Tacoma, Washington |Feb 25, 2009 Wonderful article, Suzi! Since joining Biznik, I've found the intros that we do at each meeting one of the most challenging parts... and that challenge is still present when I meet people in social and professional situations. To your point about practicing: I watched "Elizabeth" again the other night, and my favorite scene is when she's practicing her speech to the bishops and really fine-tuning the right words to persuade her audience. It's a great reminder - even queens have to practice! :-)
I think a huge part of a great elevator speech is speaking from the heart. People connect to passion and authenticity... be bold and real!
Thanks for a thought-provoking and useful article!
~Beth, Personal Success Coach
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 26, 2009 LOL, Beth, thanks for the funny comment about "...even queens have to practice!" I appreciate the positive feedback.
Suzi
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Posted by Chrystal Bougon, San Jose, California |Feb 26, 2009 Thanks for this. I call it my COCKTAIL pitch. Great ideas for us entrepeneurs. I shared it on FB and Twitter, too!
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 26, 2009 Thanks so much. That is sweet of you.
Suzi
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Posted by Debra Synovec, Seattle, Washington |Feb 26, 2009 Thank you Suzi for this practical and thoughtful article. You really broke it down into the needs of the elevator speech and the how to....very clear. The funny thing is that the elevator speech sounds so easy and yet, for some of us (me) it is such a challenge and your article trulyu addresses the pieces and clarifies! Thank you! Debra
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 26, 2009 It is simple but certainly not easy. That is one of the great things about Biznik though, we get lots of chances to hone it, improve it and see what works--with a live audience to gauge reaction. What a gift!
Suzi
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Posted by Jezra Kaye, Brooklyn, New York |Feb 26, 2009 Great article, Suzi. For help in putting these ideas into practice, I recommend that people visit www.15secondpitch.com. Laura Allen has distilled a simple, foolproof system for figuring out WHAT to say, and her website leads you through each step.
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Posted by Helen Martin, Bellevue, Washington |Feb 26, 2009 Hi Suzi: Very eloquently put! I really liked the way you broke down all the steps and I'm going to start working on this now. Currently I don't belong to any of those elevator speech groups so I haven't even thought about having one, but I just recently obtained my Green Designation from the National Association of Realtors and I have people asking me what that means. So, perfect opportunity to bring on the elevator speech!
Thank you for sharing, cheers!
Helen
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Posted by Ellen Clark, Bellingham, Washington |Feb 26, 2009 Great topic Suzie, an elevator speech seems to be most effective when done politely. Thank you also to Jerza, I checked out the site you mentioned and signed up. The little test they offer gives one a better reflective perspective.
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Posted by Jacqueline Sowell, Portland, Oregon |
Feb 26, 2009 Suzi,
It looks like you have Part II for your article already. What great commentary.
Sometimes I nail my elevator speech and sometimes not. My work as an animal communicator and energy psychology practitioner is so out there for so many that I'm dealing with their incredulity and temptation to laugh at my claims.
Folks suspend disbelief for a bit if I focus on why people call me. You know, "People call when their dog develops a behavior problem that can't be trained away..."
Many don't suspend disbelief if I focus on the tools - telepathy and energy medicine - I use to get the work done.
I guess this is my way of amplifying what you say about the importance of focusing on what the client needs.
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Posted by Siobhan Harlow, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada |Feb 26, 2009 Fantastic post! Thank you.
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 26, 2009 Jacqueline, yours is one of the tougher ones to communicate, but when you do nail it (and I know you will, you will have people throwing money at you to get your services.....and it will be incredibly memorable. How about focusing from the animal's viewpoint and the dysfunctional human? That could make it fabulously amusing and SO COMMUNICATE your uniqueness.
I do think the "People call me when...." angle is brilliant....and effective.
Suzi
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 26, 2009 Hey, if people want to put their elevator speeches up here (refer to my previous article on constructing an elevator speech), you could get group critiquing.
Suzi
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Posted by Jacqueline Sowell, Portland, Oregon |
Feb 27, 2009 Thanks for the input. Now that I think of it, my animal communication brochure and website both ask, "What does your animal companion want you to know?" That is the shift in perspective you recommend.
There's another point in your article that hit home for me. Just over a decade ago, I thought animal communication and energy healing were a load of hooey. I was a highly technical software professional who had had zero exposure to metaphysics.
When speaking with certain skeptics, I have had a hard time projecting confidence, maintaining eye contact, and making a good connection. This occurred because I wasn't yet comfortable with the woo-woo stuff myself. I had endless proofs that it was for real but still felt sensitive to judgment from others who existed in the empirical-only realm.
I can't say how important it is to take charge of the situation, the elevator speech moment, and project confidence. That's is the unwritten part of the elevator speech...
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 27, 2009 I was a technical writer in the Silicon Valley, doing technical writing, illustration and book design!....so I know what you mean.
I strongly recommend to all my metaphysical clients to drop the "woo woo" designation. Why mock your own heartfelt beliefs. That is a major disconnect.
Actually, we are leading edge. The rest just have to catch up. We all have these capabilities. Even people who pooh pooh it, if you put it into language they can accept (like intuition, or body language, or reading faces), EVERYONE (almost everyone) will admit that they have these abilities.
Let yourself shine. You are a pioneer!
Suzi
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Posted by Sue Turcotte, Vancouver, Washington |Feb 27, 2009 This is a wonderful article, Suzi!
Gee, you mean it's not all about I, I, I, me, me, me, my, my, my?!? Whowouldathunkit?
You are correct on so many points.
As I fumble via trial & error, I do find that the elevator speech (and its presenter) are the most compelling and memorable when interactive w the audience . . . one which gets people thinking about how your product and/or service might provide a solution for them or someone they know, sparks their curiosity, and propels them to ask questions.
Thank you for the reminder to slow down, speak up, and enunciate!
Warmly, ~Sue Turcotte, LocalAdLink
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Posted by Laila Atallah, Seattle, Washington |Feb 27, 2009 I find I'm especially drawn in when someone is AUTHENTIC, has a sense of humor, and is very specific about a few of their services and the problems they help solve.
For myself, the whole process of strategizing, writing and editing helps me get very clear both in my mind and heart. Then, practicing out loud helps me work out the kinks and capture the energy I'm looking for.
Maybe one of the reasons our elevator speeches can be so challenging is that they're deceptively simple. There might be quite a bit of writing, thinking, and talking things through before we feel deeply clear about who we are, what we offer, the benefits we provide, and our ideal client.
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Posted by Mickey Lane, Battle Ground, Washington |Feb 27, 2009 Thank you so much for this article Suzi. This information is timely for me as I have a 30 second introduction of my new company to the local chamber next week.
I think the most difficult presentation is the brief overview as compared to the 60 minute presentation about your product.
For many years, I was a "sales gun" for lack of a better word, and I would have plenty of time to communicate a message to large groups. Now that I have my own small business, I find I have to better craft this brief overview, given my audience, ALL OF THE TIME. Your article was very helpful. Thank you again.
Mickey
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Posted by Ruthann Brown, Clinton, New Jersey |Feb 27, 2009 "needs to be abouth THEM" This is sooo true!
It's always a challenge to have folks delighted to hear that I do funerals. But when I start it by talking about THEM, it all changes.
"I find the common denominator of everyone in the room, by talking about the person or people they came to honor"
With that simple twist, I am now being called for weddings, vow-renewals and retirements. It gets people thinking, when I'm talking about THEM. Suddenly, there's a personal benefit and they and see relationship is the key.
-Ruthann
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Posted by Ruthann Brown, Clinton, New Jersey |
Feb 27, 2009 Pardon the typos. Sometimes, multi-tasking doesn't work for me. (smile)
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 27, 2009 Sue, Laila, Michey and Ruthann, these are some valuable variations on the them.
Ruthann, yours is brilliant and very thought provoking. I am sure there is meat in there for anyone else who has a similar challenging concept to convey.
Sue, I'd love to hear more about how you engage the audience interactively. That sounds really intriguing and FUN!
Laila, AMEN on the AUTHENTIC....and yes, for us verbally oriented types lots of writing does help us distill down what we provide to our clients. Great point.
Mickey, you made me laugh thinking about the shift from corporate "sales gun" to entrepreneur and how that affects our presentation. It is SO MUCH HARDER when we (human that we are) see our business as ourself. Always easier to sell someone else's "stuff". "Rejection" is about someone else...and not personal to us. Much easier.
Suzi
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Posted by Brad Miller, Chicago, Illinois |Feb 27, 2009 Thanks Suzi. I'm a graphic designer, and I try to let the client know that my work is about them and communicating their message. The last thing they want is for me to get all excited about my "art project."
I try to force myself to stand up in meetings...I bring a collapsable easel so I don't just hand over boards across a conference table.
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 27, 2009 These are all great ideas. I love the way you describe it as "communicating their message. I bet that is VERY effective.
Suzi
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Posted by Natasha Packer, Everett, Washington |Feb 28, 2009 Suzi I appreciate your points especially since I took a 5 hour workshop on developing my elevator speech. Complete from initial interest line all the way to include how my clients have expressed the benefits of my services. "I make home-based business run smoothly."
-Natasha Packer
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Feb 28, 2009 I am sure that last statement is VERY effective. You've got a huge target market. I really like it. I bet it works great for you.
Suzi
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Posted by Iskra Johnson, Seattle, Washington |Mar 01, 2009 This opens up a great discussion. I love how Laila put it. I think the heart of this thing is not rehearsal or honing things to perfection at all. That may be the backstory, but the person and pitch I remember is not a pitch at all, it's a moment that engages me in dialogue, even if I never get around to answering back. It always includes what fiction writers know as the Significant Detail, and it is short on buzzwords and generalities. To allude to Chrystal's cocktail speech theme, if you're talking about the (Interior Design industry) Color Board's mandate for color of the year it's not brown, it's olive-pit.
I'll take it a step further: why not practice the spirit of the speech by getting on a few dozen elevators in an hour and talking to strangers? Once at Harborview, in the middle of a terrible family crisis, I rode countless floors with an orderly, and between the basement and the top floor we had invented an entire online dating scheme based on "what floor are u?" Just practice the spirit of the thing. You won't even have time to feel nervous....
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Mar 01, 2009 Iskra, this is such a great post. Here I sit doing bookkeeping on a Saturday night....and you gave me a great laugh! I'd love to hear more about the online dating scheme!
Suzi
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Posted by Ellen Clark, Bellingham, Washington |
Mar 01, 2009 Iskra, I love your suggestion of getting on an elevator and striking up a conversation to make it real. When my husband and I were dating we use to go high rise hiking to get a view and exercise at the same time. We took the stairs to as many top floors as we could get into. There is nothing so exhilarating as enjoying more than one thing at a time. I also have a personal quest to talk to more people I don't know, the diversity is astounding.
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Mar 01, 2009 Ellen, you bring up a great point, let's ask this question this week, "How can I meet more people this week?" Clients will not come knocking on your door. Where can you meet them?
What events can you go to? What networking can you do? What social settings can you engage?
Then, there is also simply striking up a conversation with a stranger in the checkout line, talking to the person next to you as you go down the street, being friendly on a bus.
Push the envelope this week. For one thing, it makes you feel better, more open and bolder, and you may just make some new friends and contacts.
Suzi
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Posted by Roy Primm, Beverly Hills, California |Mar 03, 2009 Ellen: I was thinking of a way to punch up my elevator speech and I ran across your article. You helped me dodge a bullet.
I'll remember to avoid attempting to sell them at their first sign of interest #7. I did that with a date last week and that didn't work either. So I'll listen this time.
- To Your Success
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Mar 03, 2009 Not sure who Ellen is, but I appreciate hearing from you about my article. Good comments.
Suzi
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Posted by Ellen Clark, Bellingham, Washington |
Mar 03, 2009 Suzi writes it, I get the credit - go figure. Yes Roy, the credit goes to Suzi. Listening is a precious skill, if you listen long enough, people will tell you what they want. When you know what they need you'll know weather or not your service is a good fit.
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Mar 03, 2009 Oh, well. We all make silly mistakes sometimes. I have certainly made my share of them.....and on these posts (until we meet the "real" human people), it is a kind of faceless functionality.
Suzi
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Posted by Mia Angela Barbera, M.S., Sammamish, Washington |Mar 08, 2009 Hi Suzi - great article. I appreciate your style and simple relevance.
Isn't it ironic that authentic presence and a genuine connection to others are qualities we have to work on? There is no substitute for simply being there, being direct, truthful and dignified, and caring about the well-being of others. It seems our limbic system and current culture, combined, bring up our scared little gremlins to block our humanity and skillfulness.
All the best, Mia
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Mar 08, 2009 Mia, I LOVE your comments. Yes, modern culture is often antithetical to true and meaningful connection. By the time someone has checked their cell phone, texted, IMed, checked email and listened to the GPS, it is easy enough to lose the ability to interact meaningfully. Sad but true.
It is fairly common for some of my younger clients to be absolutely fearful and unable to have a simple conversation with other human beings without a "gadget' in between.....believing that relationships online are relationships. They can be a piece of relationship, but a mistake to substitute for real people and real interaction.
Virtual Hug! LOL
Suzi Elton
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Posted by Suzi Elton, Mukilteo, Washington |
Mar 10, 2009 Hey, for anyone who is local, I am holding an event on the elevator speech:
Suzi
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