Two months ago I spoke to a networking group of women business professionals on effective business communications. The emphasis was on public speaking and networking and we focused on the simple use of presenting your value proposition as opposed to a contrived elevator speech. I adhere to a networking technique I learned from my pal Doug Petch. The technique is for when someone asks what you do is, “I help ________ who want to ________.”
Examples – “I help insurance buyers who want to reduce their total cost of insurance.” “I help business professionals who want to become more dynamic presenters.” “I help insurance agents who want to advance their careers.”
What’s the common response back?
“How?”
Thus starts a conversation where you can begin to build relationships.
I was invited back to this wonderful group today to speak on a separate subject. They started their meeting by introducing themselves and every one of them started with their value proposition. In fact, after each presentation, the rest of the group would in unison ask, “HOW?” Then the member would tell how. What a great way to practice.
The bottom line is that this particular group of business professionals decided to take what a speaker taught them, make it an emphasis, teach it to those who weren’t even at the meeting, and expand on it to make it relavent to all. That’s what I call putting it into practice!
Do you put what you learn into practice? How many workshops or seminars have you attended and then left the great strategies buried in a pile somewhere? I admit I’ve been guilty of that. Here is a great example of building on what you learn and making it a part of your strategy. It’s getting the most out of your investment.
Cheers,
Thanks so very much, Dan, for returning to speak to our group today. Without question, we really do make a conscious effort to put what you’ve taught us into practice at each and every meeting. I have to give credit to our presiding officers who encourage us to practice our “value proposition” when doing our 30-second commercials. I wish I was there today. I could use some help with discipline with regard to this internet social network thing. It can be a real time hog, huh? When you have a chance, would you give me a list of other topics you cover? Maybe there will be opportunity in the future to work together again. Our group has certainly benefited from your presentations. Best regards … Sharon
And I in turn learned it from Mark LeBlanc (markleblanc.com). Glad to know that others find it as useful a technique as I have.