I practiced in the shower. I rehearsed in the van on my way there. I went over and over it in my head instead of listening to everybody else go, but still, I was terrified. I'm sure it went terribly though to be honest it was a blur once the microphone hit my hand so I don't even remember it!
What am I talking about?
The first time I gave my 30 second elevator speech.
For those who have done formal networking events, (for me it was Brookfield Chamber Business Connections) you are very familiar with your 30 second elevator pitch. This is when you get a chance to speak about your business, your brand, and what makes you a great person to do business with. Your elevator speech is an immense opportunity to create brand recognition and start to foster the "know, like and trust" factor that makes people motivated to buy from you. It is not to be taken lightly. Add in the innate pressure many people feel about public speaking and it makes for one stressful situation.
To own your brand and raise up your voice you need to be able to articulate what it is that you do. Figuring out how to do it in 30 seconds is not easy, but it's an essential endeavor. Once you have your speech crafted in a way that captures the spirit of your brand and how you want to resonate in the world I promise you it will serve you again and again.
I went through this exercise in 2019 after I decided to niche down to only serve businesses through my photography. I credit the wonderful teachings of Kami Guildner, a coach who invites us to speak about our businesses in a way that focuses on clients' desires and not their pain. I love her philosophy of building a brand aligned with who you are, and then taking that message out into the world to make a difference.
Here is mine:
Katie Soyka Photography - Elevator Speech
You want to represent your business in a professional and beautiful way. But it can be difficult to know where to start, and often intimidating getting in front of the camera.
I help women and businesses who are ready to take their brand to the next level by connecting them with their ideal client through photography and video.
I am your consultant with a camera.
Ready to write yours? Here are 3 tips to keep in mind:
1. Focus on what is in it for the customer
2. Don't be afraid to niche down
3. End with a memorable tagline that stands alone
Once you have your 30 second elevator speech, make sure it's sprinkled throughout your marketing efforts. It should be reflected in the opening lines on your website. It can be incorporated into postcards and sell-sheets. I have mine on the top of my pricing sheets that I send prospective clients. Practice it, share it, live it.
This fall I was a table sponsor at Propel - Empowered women Empowering Women, and I was asked to stand up and tell about my business. I definitely was not expecting or anticipating it, but let me tell you, my 30 second speech rolled right off my tongue. Woo hoo!
My photography is about getting at the inner light of you. Getting clear on your elevator speech is one way to share your talents with the world. Having the visuals to back it up is where I come in. I'd love to help you connect you with your ideal clients through photography and video. Click the link below if you'd like to walk this road with me.
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