Do you have a 30 second elevator pitch?

Most business people don't yet it's very important to have when you are meeting someone for the first time.

Close your eyes and imagine that you are standing in line at the grocery store. The person behind you strikes up a conversation with you then asks "What do you do?" It's the perfect opportunity to promote your business. What comes out of your mouth is an ordinary, non-exciting response like "I work for a company that sales USB drives". They respond with a dull, "Oh, ok." and because there is nothing extraordinary there the conversation moves on to something else.

You never know where you'll meet a new client and everyone from the receptionist to the owner needs to promote the business. Especially in today's economy.

You need to have a 30 second elevator pitch that entices the listener to want to know more about what you do. If you include the following 3 phrases into your elevator pitch you will have a 90% higher chance of being remembered.

#1-"I work with___________."
#2-"Who have the challenge of ____________."
#3-"Who receives ___________ "(what end result(s).

For example for the person who works for the USB drive company. The elevator pitch can be:

"I work with businesses who have the challenge of keeping their data secure both online and offline. By using our innovative USB drives they receive complete piece of mind that their computers are safe from hacking, viruses, lost passwords and that their files are protected saving them thousands in lost revenue."

The key is to make it into your own words so it rolls off your tongue, creates interest and you are comfortable with it.

Introduce the law of reciprocity along with your pitch and hand them a useful promotional product such as a pen, a game, a business card case (of course with your business card inside), a deck of cards, a game card that they can scratch off and win a prize, discount on their first order, etc. Add a memory hook that relates to your business and the item you are giving and you won't be forgotten.

I was in a class a few weeks ago and sat next to a lady who asked me what I do. I gave her my 30 second pitch and immediately she was drawn in and started asking me questions. The funny part was that after we talked for a few minutes she said, "I met a lady last week who did the same thing you do except you made it sound so fun and interesting." She then gave me her number and asked me to call her because she needed to order some promotional apparel.

Come up with your own today. Memorize it and start using it! You never know who you will meet!

To your success,
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.

T:408.586.9464
F:408.212.9601
E-mail: shana@completeworkplace.com
http://www.completeworkplace.com/

Build your business in a slow economy! Part 3

Have you started implementing the first 2 parts? How much of a difference has it made in your business? If you implement a little you will improve a little. If you implement a lot then you will get a lot.

This week's tip is to network and partner up. Join a networking group, chamber of commerce or volunteer in an organization that you will meet people who will need your services or partner up with another company that already sales to your potential clients.

It's very true that if you give without expecting anything in return you will receive back ten fold of what you gave. I do a lot of volunteer work and have found that with the relationships that I have built over the years, I have made some great contacts and made a lot of friends. It's a win-win all of the way around.

Have you thought of putting together your own networking group? What about a networking lunch? Would any of your clients or friends be able to work with each other? I bet they would. Just think of the "feel-good" feeling you will get knowing that you have helped your clients and friends out. Trust me. Do this unselfishly and it will come back ten fold.

Who can you partner with that already sales to your type of potential clients? Can you swap client lists? Will they endorse you? Do you feel comfortable endorsing them?

Check out this website for lots of information on networking groups. http://www.bni.com

Always remember to wear your company logo whenever you are going to be in a situation where your potential clients will be around. A creative tagline can entice people to ask questions about your business making it an easy marketing opportunity for you.

Promotions that get results!
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
Milpitas, Ca

Build your business in a slow economy! Part 2

Now that you've had a week to start implementing the customer service ideas from Part 1 it's time to start on Part 2....focus on your bottom line. Start by reviewing all of your overhead. Is there any place you can cut back? Do you need all of your phone lines? Can the heater be turned down a few degrees? Are you optimizing your time and gas each day by grouping appointments and tasks outside of your office? Do you need that monthly subscription? Look in every nook and cranny to make sure you cutback every place you can.

Cash flow is king with the new economy. Review your Accounts Receivables. Get aggressive. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Companies are trying to keep their cash as long as they can which can mean 45, 60 even 90 days. Send statements, make phone calls and get aggressive with your collections. It may be time to change your policies so you aren't strapped for cash nor stuck when a company goes under.

Socking away funds in good times and bad are always important. Put it in your budget and stick to it. You'd be surprised at how fast a little money put in savings will add up by the end of the year. Commit to leaving it in savings.

Spend your advertising budget wisely. Businesses are closing daily and their customers are looking for another company to work with. If you sit quietly in the background, then quietly sitting in the background you will stay. You need to prospect and keep "touching" your existing clients so they know you are there when they need you. Instead of throwing money away on untargeted advertising make your money work smarter for you.

The results of a recent study showing the average cost per impression for each advertising vehicle is as follows:

* The average promotional products item is $0.004
* Advertisement in a National Magazine is $0.033
*In a Sports Radio is $0.005
*In a Newspaper ad (1/2 page BW) is $1.019

Review the results and ask yourself which of these marketing vehicles effectively targets the exact clients you want to "touch"? The only answer is promotional products. It's the only vehicle that delivers your messge to the exact person, in the exact company at the exact time you want to reach them.

Don't stop advertising in this new economy. Instead start advertising effectively so you get the most out of your advertising dollar.

If you have any questions or need help with your advertising feel free to contact me. Promotional products advertising is not just my job. It's my passion!

Promotions that get results!
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
Milpitas, Ca

Stand out above the competition!

With so much competition how can your company stand out? Get up close and personal with them!

How do I do that? If you have a mascot, brand it. Use it in all of your advertising. Make it come to life. Have a costume made and take it to the streets. This is a great way to get your name out there. People love to take pictures with mascots. Don't stop there! Have a present ready for them so your company stays "top of mind". Give a T-shirt away and they advertise and endorse your company for you. Walking billboards for your brand!

Don't have a mascot. Put together a "street team". Put together a small group of "brand enthusiasts" to dispurse throughout an event or area. With a consistent look throughout, wearing the brand message and giving away your logoed merchandise, free products, etc. your event will be a success and will save you hundreds even thousands of dollars over radio, print and TV advertising. Great for lead generation as well!

The goal of the "street team" is to place your brand into the hands of the targeted consumer and build an immediate and intimate relationship. Outgoing personalities, fun giveaways, free items, etc. bring the consumer to them.

Consumers like street teams because they can touch and feel the product in a safe environment without the pressure to buy. They also put a face on your brand. Give the appearance of being a large company even if you are working out of your home office.

Before you send your street team out, spend a little time educating them on your company, the products and what you expect to accomplish.

Think through what you would like to hand out. Most business owners don't understand that there is a difference between a give away and a promotion. Which one do you want to do? A give away can not be tracked. It is handed to the consumer and you have no way of knowing if they ever used it. A promotion requests an action needs to be done in order to get to the next step. For example, hand out a key with a keychain that says "Bring this key to ________(company name) on ______(date & time). For your chance to win a new car. "

By really showing your target market that you understand them you ensure a deeper emotional connection.

Promotional ideas for your street team:

*At a tradeshow? Give away an item with your booth number. When they arrive they play a game which puts them in the drawing to win a grand prize.

*Drive consumers to your website. Give away a game piece that drives people to your site for a chance to win.

*Split your targeted consumers up into groups and go where they are. Example....Consumers: athletes, Moms, Partiers, etc. Location: parks, malls, night clubs, etc. Gifts: watches, beauty supplies, glow sticks.

*At Christmas time get into the holidays by dressing your street team in Santa gear. Give away items that are gift wrapped. Everyone likes gifts, especially when you have to unwrap it to see what's inside. Encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday's.


Street team checklist:

#1-Hire attractive, outgoing people that represent your brand & target clients. First impressions do matter.

#2-Create demand. If the consumers believe there is enough to go around then they won't jump on it. If they think they need to jump on it quickly to get their share they will jump!

#3-Don't be cheap! Spend a few extra dollars and get the results you want. Make the promotion memorable, useful or interactive. Surprise them. Delight them with your gift. If you go cheap the item will probably end up in the trash.

#4-Include a call to action. Drive foot traffic to the retail store or online for redemption. Request and incent your target clients to take action. Then keep track of the effectiveness of your offer.

Street teams are gaining in popularity. They save money, build your brand, generate leads and increase market share. What are you waiting for?

Need help with your street team promotion or any others? Just let me know.
Thank you,
Shana
Complete Workplace, Inc.