FHTM reps - How to Show Yourself - Utilize an Elevator Speech

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by: Karen Stearns
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Word Count: 583
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 2010 Time: 5:00 AM
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Just what is an elevator speech? An elevator speech can occur almost anywhere, a social event, at a ballgame or while you are standing in line. It is that brief moment in time when someone is looking at you and asks, "What do you do?". Whether they sincerely want the answer or not, it's your opportunity to make your own pitch for yourself. Why about yourself? Yes, pitch yourself because people do business with people they like and feel comfortable with.

There are differing opinions on just what to say. The speech needs to be natural, not a string of tongue tied phrases but informative leaving the person wanting to know more. Look the person in the eyes. Show confidence but not arrogance.. Smile. What you say should be sincere and memorable. Open the window of your personality. Take advantage of the face to face opportunity because that is one of your most effective methods of promoting your business. Avoid a straight out sales pitch but make them want to learn more.

Elevator speech - Why is it called that? The time you have to talk to someone is short, even in a tall building. The name derives from the short time frame, usually about 30 seconds, not the location. It is that brief moment in time that you have someone's full attention and they are listening to you. Consider ending your speech with a question to engage the person in further conversation.

To be brief, concise and effective is not easy. Experts suggest you prepare a speech by writing down what you want to say. Take any acronyms, business jargon or unnecessary words out. You don't want to confuse or bore people with things they won't understand. When you have the short speech you want to use, look yourself in the mirror and practice. Work at it until you have something that feels natural and you will remember to use when given the opportunity. Experts disagree on whether you should memorize your speech. Even if you are a natural at talking to people, rehearsing and having a really great elevator speech is advisable if you want this to be a business opportunity It is worth the time to research the topic. Look for examples of what other successful people say and at what the experts advise.

A great networking company, Fortune Hi Tech Marketing gives people the chance to own a business with a small investment. In the FHTM world these people are referred to as Fortune Representatives by the founder, Paul Orberson as he opens his weekly calls. The FHTM business is multi faceted giving you many avenues to use in your elevator speech. There are many highly successful leaders in FHTM and if you asked the top ten 'What do you do' you will get ten different answers. While each elevator speech sounds different, I'm certain that all will leave you wanting to learn more.

Just to find out what FHTM reps are saying, I am using an informal contest for market research. The results will be listed on my web site, TeamBuildingSupport. At the end of the contest not only the winner but all submissions will be posted. FHTM reps, review these elevator speeches, learn the business, take all the training available and then develop your own 30 second elevator speech. As a FHTM rep, what will you say the next time someone asks you, "What do you do?".

About the Author

Visit Team Building Support for more free FHTM Tips & Training. Karen Stearns is a genuine leader and wants to help FHTM reps succeed with their Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing business. Join her free weekly FHTM newsletter to get tips, training and strategies to help grow your Fortune business. Her FHTM support website is free to use by all Fortune Reps.