Michele Ruiz Listening to a Business Owner
As entrepreneurs, we have to sell everything including ourselves. And that means almost every time we open our mouths to speak, we are presenting. We are making an impression. Consider everything from meeting a new person at an event, unveiling a proposal, or even leaving a voice mail. And for many of us, it’s difficult to talk about our businesses or products. I’ve recently met women business owners who’ve shared with me the minute they have to talk about themselves, or “sell” their products or services they feel uncomfortable. Anxiety and doubt creep in. I know what that’s like. I’ve been there.
When that happens, it’s time for a shift in mind-set! Each time you have an opportunity (yes, every time you can talk about your business it’s an opportunity) remember that you have a company that is probably solving a problem, a service that addresses a pain point, or a product that enhances someone’s life or how they feel about themselves. You’re not selling – you’re solving!
Re-thinking Your Elevator Pitch
How do you talk about your business? Are you doing what most people do? ”Hi, I’m Claudia – My company is XYZ and we distribute coffee.” Or “Hi, my name is Jim and my partner and I do loan modifications.” Ho-hum… Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz doesn’t sell coffee. He sells an experience at a “third place” between work and home. Suze Orman doesn’t sell mutual funds or investment vehicles. She sells the dream of financial freedom.
Back to my fictional Jim and his loan modification business. Imagine if he started out by saying “My partner and I help families stay in their homes when they are at great risk of losing them. My name is Jim Holt and our firm ABC helps people with loan modifications.” Now you’ve got my attention! As executive speaker coach Barbara Seymour Giordano says – get to the heart of your message – right up front! What problem do you solve? Does your product improve the lives of your customers? How are you different?
If you approach it from that perspective, I’m going to remember you even if I don’t need your services right at this time. And not only that, equally as important I’m going to tell others about you because you’ve personalized your message. You’ve made it memorable for me. I’m now your evangelist.
When you’re good at communicating your story, it can have a direct impact on your bottom line. Because with passion for what you do and a memorable pitch about you and your business you can captivate, excite and motivate others. Plus you have a competitive advantage over your competition. It may feel awkward at first…. Write it out. Practice. Practice some more. Have fun with it. Soon it’ll flow naturally and conversationally. And if you’re still struggling or want help to go from average to great – go to an expert. I did by going to Barbara because powerful communication is integral to my success. My wish for you is much passion for your purpose and confidence in your ability to tell your magnificent story!
What’s your biggest challenge in communicating your story? Please comment below so we can work on helping each other.
Michele Ruiz ~ Empowering Entrepreneurs to Empower Themselves!
I’m a former news anchor/reporter turned entrepreneur. I blog about my Life as a Latina entrepreneur which includes being a Mom, a Latina woman in the business world, and an entrepreneur. I share real life, tips, know-how, lessons I’ve learned and insights I think may be helpful to you as I launch and build my next company. Hope you’ll join me! You can follow me on my website MicheleRuiz.com, on my Facebook Page , Twitter (@micheleruiz01), LinkedIn,Google+, andYouTube vlogs. Thank you for support! Mil gracias por su apoyo!
