Use your giving spirit

We have all heard the phrase, "give and ye shall receive".    Remembering and putting that phrase into action when out networking will help you stand out and be remembered.

In my many years of networking, I've noticed one common thing:  while many professionals typically use networking as an opportunity to promote their business, they are also hungry for getting the help they need to be successful in their business.  It's all about meeting new people and building connections to get what they need to get ahead.  Yet, not a lot of people consider that they can give so much in a simple introduction.
 
Some people may bristle at the thought of giving; they might worry that if they give away the farm, so to speak, then they'll not have a reason for the person to purchase their product or services.  Not the case!  I'm not encouraging you to give away everything - I'm offering a suggestion of how you can reflect a "giving spirit", which will in turn position you as someone who is approachable and trustworthy.
 
Allow me to show you how incorporating a "giving spirit" into your elevator pitch or introduction can be a simple act: 
 
Give advice:  Everyone enjoys hearing a "tip" on how to do something better, easier, or faster.  Or even just a reminder. 
 
Example:  A lady in my town who works for the local Fire Department, when daylights savings rolls around, uses her 30-second networking commercial as a time to remind everyone to check or replace the batteries in their smoke detector.  What advice can you give in just one or two sentences of your networking commercial?

Give a solution:  I'd bet dollars to donuts that you provide a solution to either a small or large problem that either business professionals or consumers deal with on a regular basis.  How many times have your customers had an "ah-ha" moment because you gave them (without selling them) an answer to a problem that had been nagging them for ages.  Were they grateful for the solution? 
 
Example:  Two of the biggest things busy people like to find a solution for are time and money - we never seem to have enough for either, right?  What solution can you offer in just a few sentences of your 30-second networking commercial that will provide a solution to just one of those things?  Or, what other kind of problem can you provide a quick tip on how to solve?

Give an idea:  People love to hear creative ideas for how to boost or improve their business.  Chances are you're doing a few innovative things that might just be the spark someone needs to get out of a slump.
 
Example:   At a networking function last year a business professional shared a unique way for how she shows appreciation to her customers or people who have done something special for her.  She purchases boxes of "Thanks-a-lot" Girl Scout Cookies (each cookie has the word 'thank you' in various languages), puts some ribbon around the box and attaches her card.  She then delivers them while thanking the person face to face.  I loved that easy and economical idea, and have started doing the same - see the picture above. The recipients always love the special touch, and I boost my little second-cousin Katie's cookie sales every year!  I would have never thought of that idea on my own.  What creative idea do you have that can impact another person, and how can you share that idea quickly in your 30-second networking commercial?
 
Give of yourself:   Do you not have room in your 30-second elevator pitch to give advice, a solution, or an idea?  Giving of yourself simply means making yourself available to provide any of those things.  It's also a great way to encourage people to want to know more about what you do, and the problems you solve. 
 

Example:  When I'm at networking functions which allow people to do their 30-second networking commercial to an entire room of people, I will often end my pitch with an offer to help people with their networking commercial right on the spot.  I say something like, "Would you like to improve your 30-second networking commercial?  Bring me your toughest challenge with your commercial, and we'll solve it while we chat!"  or "Were you nervous when you gave your networking commercial today?  Come see me after the meeting and I'll give you some tips on how to beat your networking nerves".  By phrasing the offer as "while we chat", you're taking the pressure off feeling "sold to", and people will respond to knowing they can get some friendly advice or help from you in just a few short minutes.

Review your elevator pitch and see if you come across as someone who enjoys giving.  Again, by reflecting your "giving spirit", you are building an image that you are approachable and trustworthy.  You're also positioning yourself as an expert in your field.  Your chances of people approaching you after a meeting or networking function will improve greatly.

Would you like to use this "Fresh Tip" for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can as long as you use this complete blurb with it:  Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.  Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.