Yes, it is! Boring is out for 2013 and WOW is in!
Everyone needs an Elevator Speech. It is your commercial and often serves as your only introduction.
Used when you meet and greet, it answers the question,“Tell me about yourself.” The term “Elevator Speech,” as I understand it, comes from the Venture Capital world. It was developed as a marketing pitch, customized to the people and situation and designed to secure funding for the next great idea or product.
Has your Elevator Speech lost its WOW (or maybe never really had it)? If so, it’s time to ditch it!
What is the WOW in your branded Elevator Speech?
WOW stands for your Worth (what you do and the impact of it), the Opportunities you are seeking, and What you can do for the person (or someone they know) experiencing your message.
Your WOW makes you memorable, helps others connect with you and understand why they should care about what you have to say. If the WOW is missing, odds are you will be forgotten or the conversation will fizzle quickly. Without a strong WOW your brand awareness is diminished and it takes longer to have influence in any situation.
Remember, you only have seconds to connect, set the stage and share your WOW. Your first impression is vital — make it count or you will be forgotten!
Ditch your boring Elevator Speech. Be relevant. Gain favorable attention. Ensure that when you meet someone they understand what you do and the impact you have.
Ready to ditch boring and add WOW?
There are thousands of formulas for an elevator speech — pick any formula you like. Draft your initial speech.
Then slice it, dice it, edit it, and make it yours. Deb Dib co-author of “Ditch Dare Do!” recommends being ruthless when editing — every word should count!
Now it is time to hone your elevator speech. Practice it. Use it. Change it as you grow. You need to be comfortable delivering it, yet if it sounds canned it will impact the impression you make.
This formula will get you started: “I <what you do> <the problem you solve> and the <results you produce>.
Here is an example a client started with:
“I train rescue dogs to serve as companions for recent widows struggling with a lifestyle change and who want a friend around the house, but no more laundry in their life!”
The above message includes humor that may not fit you. It fits the person who shared it.
In 25+ words you know a great deal about her brand and what she does. When she speaks you will decide to continue a conversation or not. Yet the message is long.
After some editing, she now delivers her WOW in 12 words. Less is often more!
She revised it as follows:
“I train dogs to serve as companions for widows who hate laundry!”
You get the idea. Ditch boring and the extra words.
Does your Elevator Speech have WOW? Is it on brand, clear and to the point? Does it tell your brand story?
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