JimBJim Bouchard is author and founder of Dynamic Components of Personal Power, and the founder of Northern Chi Martial Arts Centers. Jim combines his experience as a professional martial artist, entrepreneur and speaker to share his philosophy on power for personal and professional success.
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Do you HATE elevator speeches?
Oct 10, 2009 01:20 PM
Can you identity with any of the following situations?
Elevator speeches are tough…period! You may be introducing yourself at a networking event, doing a meet & greet at a conference or you may literally be riding an elevator with a potential client!
How do you score your next big deal in 30 seconds or less?
You don’t!
An elevator speech should do one thing and one thing only:
Make an impression!
That’s it and that’s all. You’re not going to describe your product or service in 30 seconds or even two minutes if you have that long. Most events are moving toward a 15 second format and now speed networking events are the rage. You’ve got just a few seconds to leave a lasting, memorable impression. You don’t have enough time to sell, create a relationship or even get your contact information across.
Here’s my old conventional elevator speech:
“My name is Jim Bouchard, I’m with DCPP LLC. I’m a speaker and coach specializing in motivation and engagement in the workplace. I can work with you and your staff to increase productivity and create a positive and powerful workplace environment that can increase profits and reduce lost and wasted time. I also do programs in leadership and mentoring and can customize a workshop or keynote for your unique goals and objectives. You can call me at 800-786-8502 or visit JimBouchard.org. Again, my name is Jim Bouchard, DCPP LLC.”
You actually read that instead of hearing it between jamming semi-stale waffles in your face and swilling over-brewed coffee. Can you remember any of that crap? And I still didn’t scratch the surface of what I really do!
Here’s my Black Belt Elevator Speech:
“I’m Jim Bouchard…dot org! I teach people how to Think Like a Black Belt! I’m also the best looking bald man in the room! If you want to hear more about Black Belt Mindset and what it can do for you see me at the bar after the event and we’ll talk!”
My elevator speech is:
…And it works!
I’ll admit it took me a while to muster the courage and chutzpah to take a shot at this. With my old elevator I seldom if ever had anyone talk to me after an event. Now I average 6 to 10 contacts for every 50 people in the room; and many of them have become friends, clients and part of my network. I now have people referring me who have never heard me speak other than that short, stupid elevator speech.
Why? Here’s what the Black Belt Elevator Speech does:
But you have to be careful where and when you attempt something so audacious, right?
Wrong! I just did this elevator speech at a meeting of Boston’s top CEOs and business leaders. I met at least two extremely promising prospects, reinforced a connection with a client and expanded my connections in his organization, met someone else who is likely to develop into a partner on a very exciting project.
Other people in the meeting picked up on the martial arts theme and my bald joke and referred back to me in their introductions throughout the rest of the program. My stupid little speech was referenced 5 or 6 times more for the whole room over the course of the evening.
All this traction just from the less than 15 second speech? Well, you’ve got to do a little more. Remember, the elevator speech is intended specifically to make an impression.
Now the follow-up:
Several people approached me during and after the event just to talk about martial arts. Some were martial artists themselves; others had kids and grandchildren in martial arts they wanted to tell me about. I listened to their stories; I didn’t try to sell them anything.
When they asked about what I actually do I told them. I kept it simple.
I asked for their business cards and asked if I could get in touch with them soon. I asked them if I could send them some of my writing and videos on Black Belt Mindset. If I considered the contact a promising prospect I asked if I could send a copy of my book.
To really be a Black Belt at the elevator speech you’ve got to do some preparation and training. Here are the simple steps:
You can deliver a Black Belt Elevator Speech! Preparation, practice and perseverance are the key elements. Make a memorable impression, then follow-up to solidify a genuine contact. Repeat and your network will grow!
Need some help?
The Black Belt Elevator Speech: a very special workshop with international speaker and media personality Jim Bouchard:
Wednesday Oct 14, 8 to 9:30 am
Border Trust Business Center
Topsham, Maine
Presented by the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber of Commerce
MaineToday.com readers register for just $35!
To register click here NOW! Spaces purposely limited for maximum attention for all participants!
- It’s impossible to get my company message across in 30 seconds.
- I feel like I’m rambling on and on and not saying anything.
- I don’t know how to get anyone to give a *&#% about what I’m saying.
- I hate following someone funny.
- Nobody ever talks to me after the event.
- No matter how much I practice, every time I have to do an elevator speech I feel like tossing the cheap eggs I just ate.
Elevator speeches are tough…period! You may be introducing yourself at a networking event, doing a meet & greet at a conference or you may literally be riding an elevator with a potential client!
How do you score your next big deal in 30 seconds or less?
You don’t!
An elevator speech should do one thing and one thing only:
Make an impression!
That’s it and that’s all. You’re not going to describe your product or service in 30 seconds or even two minutes if you have that long. Most events are moving toward a 15 second format and now speed networking events are the rage. You’ve got just a few seconds to leave a lasting, memorable impression. You don’t have enough time to sell, create a relationship or even get your contact information across.
Here’s my old conventional elevator speech:
“My name is Jim Bouchard, I’m with DCPP LLC. I’m a speaker and coach specializing in motivation and engagement in the workplace. I can work with you and your staff to increase productivity and create a positive and powerful workplace environment that can increase profits and reduce lost and wasted time. I also do programs in leadership and mentoring and can customize a workshop or keynote for your unique goals and objectives. You can call me at 800-786-8502 or visit JimBouchard.org. Again, my name is Jim Bouchard, DCPP LLC.”
You actually read that instead of hearing it between jamming semi-stale waffles in your face and swilling over-brewed coffee. Can you remember any of that crap? And I still didn’t scratch the surface of what I really do!
Here’s my Black Belt Elevator Speech:
“I’m Jim Bouchard…dot org! I teach people how to Think Like a Black Belt! I’m also the best looking bald man in the room! If you want to hear more about Black Belt Mindset and what it can do for you see me at the bar after the event and we’ll talk!”
My elevator speech is:
- Shorter than 15 seconds.
- It’s stupid.
- I may be insulting other bald men in the room.
- It says nothing about what I actually do.
…And it works!
I’ll admit it took me a while to muster the courage and chutzpah to take a shot at this. With my old elevator I seldom if ever had anyone talk to me after an event. Now I average 6 to 10 contacts for every 50 people in the room; and many of them have become friends, clients and part of my network. I now have people referring me who have never heard me speak other than that short, stupid elevator speech.
Why? Here’s what the Black Belt Elevator Speech does:
- Gives my most important contact information which for me is my website.
- Shows my personality with a little self-deprecating humor.
- Demonstrates my speaking style and ability in one short burst.
- Tells people I’d love to talk with them after the event and where.
- Makes a lasting impression they’ll remember even if they don’t remember me specifically.
But you have to be careful where and when you attempt something so audacious, right?
Wrong! I just did this elevator speech at a meeting of Boston’s top CEOs and business leaders. I met at least two extremely promising prospects, reinforced a connection with a client and expanded my connections in his organization, met someone else who is likely to develop into a partner on a very exciting project.
Other people in the meeting picked up on the martial arts theme and my bald joke and referred back to me in their introductions throughout the rest of the program. My stupid little speech was referenced 5 or 6 times more for the whole room over the course of the evening.
All this traction just from the less than 15 second speech? Well, you’ve got to do a little more. Remember, the elevator speech is intended specifically to make an impression.
Now the follow-up:
Several people approached me during and after the event just to talk about martial arts. Some were martial artists themselves; others had kids and grandchildren in martial arts they wanted to tell me about. I listened to their stories; I didn’t try to sell them anything.
When they asked about what I actually do I told them. I kept it simple.
I asked for their business cards and asked if I could get in touch with them soon. I asked them if I could send them some of my writing and videos on Black Belt Mindset. If I considered the contact a promising prospect I asked if I could send a copy of my book.
To really be a Black Belt at the elevator speech you’ve got to do some preparation and training. Here are the simple steps:
- Identify a memorable theme from your product or services. Emotional connection is best; humor is great when appropriate.
- Reduce this theme to a simple, memorable phrase or very short story. Questions are great too; especially if people have to come to you for the answer.
- Practice your speech in front of a friendly audience and work out the bugs.
- Have the courage to be bold. Bold people are memorable; be willing to take a chance to stand out.
- Practice listening and asking questions as follow-up. Asking for cards is more important than giving them; you know you’ll follow up.
- Develop some good follow-up materials. Articles, blogs, videos and media appearances are all good materials to send in follow-up. Make sure these are sincere and substantive informational pieces that will benefit your new contact. Don’t send infomercials!
You can deliver a Black Belt Elevator Speech! Preparation, practice and perseverance are the key elements. Make a memorable impression, then follow-up to solidify a genuine contact. Repeat and your network will grow!
Need some help?
The Black Belt Elevator Speech: a very special workshop with international speaker and media personality Jim Bouchard:
Wednesday Oct 14, 8 to 9:30 am
Border Trust Business Center
Topsham, Maine
Presented by the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber of Commerce
MaineToday.com readers register for just $35!
To register click here NOW! Spaces purposely limited for maximum attention for all participants!
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