Do I Need An Elevator Speech?

Another quick question from reader C, that generated the grist for this post. Thanks, C!

I’m going to a networking event for small business/non-profits, and it has occurred to me that I need a quick elevator speech.

Like “Hi I’m C from … we help people view and analyze their data by using maps”

Most people know that they need a database but most don’t know that you can actually take that data and view it in a different way.

I realize that I need a quick attention grabber – that describes what I do without getting too technical because it is definitely technical.

What do you think?

Here is my reply. Incidentally, C is consulting on the side (always a good way to start), but to protect her confidentiality, I haven’t included full information. Don’t want to jeopardize the day job.

Hi C,

I agree that an “elevator speech” can help — although I doubt that anyone ever got any business in an elevator 🙂

I’d focus it a bit. WHAT you do, WHO you do it for, and HOW it will improve things for the client. Emphasize the results, not the technical details (you can always explain that later.)

What about this? “Hi, I’m C. My firm helps non-profits better organize, analyze, and use their client/member databases. This helps improve both services and contributions.”

By the way, “contributions” are important — most non-profits constantly struggle with their revenues. You could add “small businesses” to the non-profits, but it sounds like you are targeting non-profits at this time.

If/when asked for more details, then you can explain using mapping technology that was developed for government applications, and how you are now applying it to non-profits and small businesses.

Keep it simple. Maybe a phrase like “You own customized Google Maps…” or some such thing. I love simple analogies, and often explain my consulting practice as the “Ghost Busters” for electronic systems.

I also agree that you need to be careful of getting too technical. (I say that as an engineer who loves technology, and who could spend all day and all night talking about it.)

Technology is just a tool to solve problems. Or, as the old saying goes, “Last year, millions of quarter inch drill bits were sold. But not because people wanted quarter inch drill bits, but because people wanted quarter inch holes!” Focus on the results, and how things will improve.

Finally, you should consider offering a range of services. Initially, you could offer to “do it all”, taking the data, massaging it, and then advising the client on how to best use it. Perhaps even setting up a database if the don’t have one already.

Make it as easy as possible for them to use your expertise. As they become proficient, you could even offer to train someone in their organization on how to use the data themselves.

Some clients just want solutions, while others want to eventually bring the expertise in house, so be prepared to give them both options. Think like an accountant — you can just do the taxes, or you can handle the bookkeeping and other details as well.

Hope this helps,

Daryl