My business networking ‘Elevator’ speech

Monday, 10th November 2008 12:29 - by Resident IFA

I recently attended an event run by Barclays Bank, entitled (sic) ‘Let’s look at the profit angle’. This was quite worthwhile, the hired guru/speaker being skilled in such matters as business excellence and attention-holding seminar presentations. One thing I picked up was something I had encountered before – the ‘Elevator’ speech. By way of describing this, imagine you are in a lift (I resent the Americanism that is the word elevator) with your ideal potential Client, perhaps Richard Branson or Bill Gates. You have until the elevator reaches your or their intended floor…so perhaps 30 seconds…to make a lasting and effective impression. This relates well, in my mind, to my membership and attendance at a local meeting of an international business networking organisation each week. This week, I have worked on such a speech to make to my fellow members, all of us having 60 seconds in each meeting to present and inform in relation to our respective businesses. My attempt at an elevator speech for my business follows, the elevator part being in paragraphs 2 to 4 of the five, the bold phrases being the gist of what such a speech is trying to explain and convey to the recipient(s). “I provide professional financial planning advice, making use of all the available companies in the marketplace. My Clients come in all shapes and sizes. Specifically, I work with individuals, families, and businesses that are concerned with what to do for the best in accumulating and preserving wealth. What I do is sit down and listen to their financial concerns, priorities and plans so that I understand the best way to advise and construct bespoke solutions for them. This means that they have a partner in their financial planning, being able to sleep easier with the peace of mind this brings. If you could bottle peace of mind, I am sure it would be expensive, but still a best-seller. If you have any doubts as to what financial needs I advise on, how I deal with my Clients, how to look out for referrals for me or anything else, please see me afterwards or, better still, book a 1-2-1.” Does this do the trick? Let me know what you think. Until next time…