National Business Women Enterprise Network

Making a Difference... Ensuring Success

Article By: Michelle M. Hill-Smith, OnTask Assistants
www.OnTaskAssistants.com
(321) 746-9932


When it comes to the story of our lives, we often go off in a frenzy complaining the entire way about how much more we want. As business owners, our continuous complaint tends to surround the desire for more revenue. “What else could we do to increase our revenue? We have a website, filled with information. Our inventory is well-stocked with great items! I personally hand out business cards and flyers at least 5 times a week. What else is there? Hmmm, we could add more pages and products to our site…that should work, right?”

Wrong! Simply doing more of the same thing that’s not working isn’t effective for your success. I guess that's doing the same thing, yet expecting different results. As the times change, the way of doing business should follow suit. We have to upgrade our systems, enhance our presentation and modernize our way of thinking. As a business owner you must realize that things don’t necessarily decrease but increase. Technology is ever increasing. For instance, if you are using a Windows version below 98, you’re missing out on a lot as your business documents and systems created using this version may not be viewable or workable for others. It’s time for an upgrade.

So the question remains, what story does your business tell? When a potential consumer is your company’s presence, what story do they get? Is it convincing? Is it a full book with connecting chapters? How about a snippet? Is your company immediately visible or does the consumer have to dig further to get the gist? Well, whatever story you decide to deliver at show and tell, make sure its one that is designed to instantly captivate your listening or viewing audience. It should be filled with vibrate visuals, stellar scenes and believable characters.
A potential customer inquires about your company because they feel that you may have what they need. So if you’ve ever done a show and tell in elementary school this should be familiar.

YOUR ELEVATOR SPEECH
An elevator speech is appropriate in all stages of your business. Before your doors open, your speech should have reached at least 50 people. These same people are going to become a cornerstone in your business as they are the ones who made that first connection with your company. Once a connection is made with a live person about something, for some reason, it tends to hold more power. Consumers need to know you exist. They need to put a service with a face. It makes them more comfortable. It holds more significance and truth!

With your elevator speech you will be allowed 15-60 seconds to give a believable, descriptive, jaw-dropping introduction on who you are, what your company offers, and how they can benefit from what you offer. Remember, you don’t sell the product, you sell the benefits of the product. Keep in mind that an elevator speech is only an introduction. For you, that means that it shouldn’t consist of operating hours, why you’re in this business, etc. Time is truly of the essence during an elevator speech. If you get the customer that enthused about the benefits, they should at that point continue to ask you more questions. This is your chance to spill the beans. Remember, you literally have one chance to whew a customer. Make sound observations from the start and you can never go wrong.

OnTask Assistants have helped hundreds of small businesses, start-up entrepreneurs and busy professionals with their business' visibility and marketing strategies. With much trial and error in presenting their business' image to over 10,000 viewing eyes and listening ears, OnTask have mastered what it takes to solidify their company as a leader in their industry. To learn more on OnTask Assistants, visit: www.OnTaskAssistants.com

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are you in the orlando area?

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I am no longer. We've relocated to Concord, NC.

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Wow, how's your business doing there?

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It's actually doing better than when we were in Orlando. The folks here are more business minded. In Florida, everyone just wants to relax and not push hard for business success. Lots of our business comes from the online social sites like LinkedIn.

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Cool. I am new to all this and am just learning more about these networks! I hope it works well for me.

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It will. Just make sure you stay visible and sure of what you are presenting. It should be a great adventure for you. Let me know if you need any help!

Michelle

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Thanks. All advise is welcomed!!

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NBWEN Women's Fund

We believe in giving back to our community, "Making a Difference... Ensuring Success" and we need YOUR help!

Through the NBWEN Women's Fund, our desire is to award $20,000 in scholarships to deserving young ladies seeking a business degree from an accredited two- or four- year college or university, or vocational school, as well as grants to women in our community who wish to establish and grow their own business (startups in business less than 3 yrs).

Five women will each be awarded $2,500 grants, 5 women will each be awarded $1,000 scholarships, and 5 women will each be awarded $750 scholarships.

If you can help us with our goal of "Making a Difference... Ensuring Success", please take the opportunity to contribute in whatever amount you desire. ($1, $2, $5, $20, $100, $250, $500 or whatever you like)

~Thanks in advance!!




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