When someone asks, “what do you do?”, does it roll off smoothly off your tongue? If I heard it, would I understand what you do? We’ve all heard about the importance of your first impression, but an important part of this is your introduction.
There are three important elements that should be included in your elevator speech: who you are, what you do, and what value you offer. For example, “Hello, I am Donna Bordeaux. I am a CPA who helps make small businesses more valuable.” Take a few minutes and write down some samples using this format. Try them out on your friends and family and “see what sticks.” Remember that it is important this not be a sales pitch, but you should project your passion. You are simply relaying a message about what you do. We have all felt the “yuck” feeling of meeting someone who seems like they are giving you the hard sell right off the bat. Make sure you don’t fall into this area — you would have been better off keeping your mouth shut.
You may even want to utilize a piece of your elevator speech on your business cards. It will make it easy to remember if you do get to the point of exchanging information with someone.
By the way, never leave home without your business cards. Whether you are headed to a networking event or the grocery, always have business cards. You never know when you will meet an excellent business prospect or contact, so always be prepared.
Would you like to refine your speech? Check out Give your Elevator Speech a Lift!
For more information, contact Donna Bordeaux at www.calculatedmoves.com.
Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Calculated Moves
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.