Tell what you Sell - The Catch, You only have 30 Seconds!

Some call a pitch an ELEVATOR SPEECH, others call it a MEANINGFUL INTRODUCTION. Whatever you call it, this is your chance to tell people about your company and what you offer!

The goal is to get the audience to understand what the business is about and what it can do for them. The purpose of an elevator pitch is not to close a deal or a sale; rather, it's to make the audience want to continue the conversation. Your pitch should contain salient, intriguing details about your company rather than dry figures.

When writing an elevator pitch, consider the nine C's:

• Concise. Keep the pitch succinct with as few words as possible.
• Clear. The pitch should be easily understood by a layman, rather than filled with acronyms and industry terminology.
• Compelling. What problem does your business solve, and what can you do for your target audience?
• Credible. Spell out what makes you qualified to do what you do without using buzzwords like outside the box or synergy. Using credibility-driven words like certified will help sell your business.
• Conceptual. Keep your pitch broad; don't go into too many details.
• Concrete. The pitch should be tangible and easily grasped by your audience.
• Customized. Each target audience is different. The pitch should be tailored to the listeners.
• Consistent. No matter how many versions of your pitch you have, they should all convey the same basic message.
• Conversational. Start the conversation, and hook your target. Keep it casual. Don't try to close a deal in the pitch

WAYS TO EMPOWER MY BUSINESS SATURDAY APRIL 18, 2015 

CHICAGO STATE LIBRARY AUDITORIUM

Ways to Empower My Business - Resources and Book Talk

On Saturday April 18, 2015 at Chicago State University Library Auditorium we will be hosting our “Ways to Empower My Business” Resources and Book Talk. 

1. Address: 9501 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60628

   Phone:(888)611-7725 x1

It’s time to turn the “Hustle” into a money making business! We have brought together mentors, resources and advice for small business owners who are ready to grow but do not know how.

Authors Victoria Cook, Dan Duster and Stan Washington will be there to sign their books, discuss the curriculum and give tips to those who have been in business but need some fresh new ideas. We welcome those who are just starting out as well!

Please remember to bring your business pitch and win prizes! More details on this in days to follow!

Victoria Cook, founder & managing director for The Center for Guilt-Free Success, helps women entrepreneurs grow their businesses through coaching and training. Known for her proprietary 7-step Guilt-Free RESULTS™ process, she often is in demand as a speaker. Named "Business Brick Builder" by the International Coach Federation Chicago Chapter in 2013. Her innovative approach reflects her commitment to building the strengths of her clients as she helps them market their businesses more confidently and easily. Victoria is co-author of Plans to Prosper: Strategies, Systems and Tools for Small Business Marketing Success.

Dan Duster President 3D Development Group, is more than a salesperson. He sits on numerous boards, conducts training for personal development and goal achievement, and he still holds one of the largest picnics on the lakefront of Chicago for his high school, college friends, and colleagues. He loves people. One of his favorite hobbies is playing bid whist, where he welcomes any and everyone to challenge him. He combined his passion for sales with the skills of training and became one of the most decorated salespeople in his area. In 1999, Dan felt the need to formally begin helping people get over the fear of selling.

Stan Washington, a McDonald’s executive turned entrepreneur is founder and president of Honor Services Office, software that helps small business grow sales, market businesses, and process invoices easily. He has helped thousands of small businesses achieve sales into the millions. His leadership of operations and technology enabled multi-billion dollar corporations to increase sales and he is ready to share their tips. Stan also is the co-author of Peaceful Selling: Easy Sales Techniques to Grow Your Small Business and Plans to Prosper: Strategies, Systems and Tools for Small Business Marketing Success. 

Entrepreneur Dilemma, Split Personality

By: Stan Washington
Date: January 12, 2015

When I joined the ranks of becoming an entrepreneur I did not know I had to split my personality in order to make it. On my very first day, I turned on my computer expecting the reports I would get in the corporate world, but there were none.  I quickly realized I had to generate the work by marketing my company.

When I held a meeting at my house, several people forgot how to use the bathroom and now I was the janitor. When I had packages to deliver, I became the delivery person. I soon realized I needed to do these things well so I had to stop and put my mind to each thing since.

Marketing is Not Sales and Sales is Not Marketing
I tried to combine Marketing with Sales and had miserable results.  I had to split these two extremely necessary functions of my business into their proper places. I would tell people about my product or service and sit back and wait for the sales to roll in. When I got no response, I would jump into sales, bugging and pestering everyone.

I needed to do a better job at marketing my business to build brand awareness and to froth up some buzz about what I was doing. I had to take time to get my message straight and market to my audience.

When it was time for sales, I had to do it my way.  I don't like the pushy sales types so I had to do sales within my personality. Natural is a better approach, this way I didn't have to "seem" sincere because I am.

Operations is not Social Media and Social Media is not Operations
One day I woke up with a huge goal to streamline some of my business processes and made the mistake of looking at my social media pages. I got distracted with the goofy video of a guy skateboarding from one hose to another. Hours later after answering friend requests, tweeting and liking pictures of aunt Selma I soon realized my goal had slipped away.

Turn off Social Media once you have completed your "Personal Engagement" for the day. Reach out to your clients and potential clients. Work on improving your customer service and seek feedback.

On Social, do it well. I mean get away from the pictures of your dinner and post items that are helpful to your audience.