Sales Prospecting

Why You Need to Rethink Your Elevator Speech



"So, what do you do?"

elevator speech

Now that’s a million dollar question! If you answer it correctly, the thick walls protecting the inner sanctums of big companies come tumbling down and the red carpet is rolled out for you.

Answer it incorrectly, and you get stuck on the outside, envious of those who managed to get in and wondering why no one wants to meet with you.

Everyday you meet people who could use your products or services or who know others who could benefit from what you do. But unless you tell them what you do in a clear, concise and compelling manner, these relationships go nowhere.

That’s why you need an elevator speech – a short description of your business that enables prospective buyers to know who you work with and what value you bring to the relationship. An elevator speech conveys these marketing messages in a manner that literally attracts the right customers to you.

In today’s fast-paced world, the average person is bombarded with thousands of marketing messages from multiple mediums every single day. Advertising is everywhere – television, radio,road signs, email, banner ads, direct mail, clothing, pens, newspapers and magazines. These pervasive, and often intrusive methods of capturing attention have created a backlash; most people don’t even notice them anymore.

To break through all this marketing clutter, it’s imperative to have an enticing elevator speech that speaks directly to the needs of your customers. And, it has to roll off your tongue easily, naturally and conversationally.

Many people intuitively know this, but still struggle with how to respond. If you’re unsure about the quality of your elevator speech or want to improve it, check out my Attracting More Customers eBook. Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • The most common responses to “What do you do?” and why they’re ineffective.
  • How to develop a compelling elevator speech that attracts prospective customers.
  • How to fine-tune the delivery of your elevator speech.
  • Different ways to use your elevator speech to market your product or service.

Developing a clear and compelling elevator speech helps you attract more of your ideal customers and gives you enhanced clarity about the work you do. Plus, if you repeat it often enough, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. You’ll become even more of what you want to be.

After a successful career in the sales world, writing five books, and speaking internationally, Jill is now tackling an even bigger challenge. She's focused on bringing the "millions in the middle" together to solve some of the biggest issues facing our country and the world. Jill truly believes so much more is possible if we can work together.