When attending a Chamber of Commerce breakfast networking \rget-together, I'm always perplexed by the lack of thought and \rpreparation many business owners display when giving a 60-second\roverview of their business. These people have spent enormous \ramounts of time, money, and energy on their businesses. Yet, \rwhen asked to give a quick synopsis, they fumble for the right \rwords, they ramble, they go off on a tangent, the information\ris disjointed, or the words are boring and seemingly unimportant.

Their performance creates a very poor representation of what is \rotherwise a very good business. Listeners have forgotten the \rpitch before it's even over!

Some people have a natural gift for speaking well \rextemporaneously, and they manage the process with great \rself-control. But, for the other 80% to 90%, it's a different \rstory. They muff important opportunities over and over in many \rdaily situations. They frequently miss the chance to make \rvaluable business connections or to develop brand new prospects \rand customers.

Very few business people make the effort to script out a \rcompelling 60-Second Elevator Script (60 seconds is the time you\rhave to meet someone new in an elevator!) that's committed to \rmemory and is able to be delivered at a moment's notice. \rHowever, it's so simple to do, and it's one of the most \reffective marketing tactics you can employ.

Everyone knows the importance of first impressions during the \rfirst few seconds of meeting someone new - - - whether it's how \ryou dress, the sound of your voice, or the words you use. A \rconcise, well-stated business pitch costs you absolutely nothing\rto develop, except for a little time, some thought, and, of \rcourse, memorization.

I use a simple four-step process when scripting these pitches \rfor clients:

1. Interrupt

2. Engage

3. Educate

4. Offer.

Begin with a sentence or two that achieves the same result as a headline in a good ad. It attracts attention because it Interrupts the listener with information that has emotional meaning, usually something that deals with problems, frustrations, and annoyances of your target market.

Follow on with another sentence that Engages the listener by offering a promise of upcoming information that is important and relevant.

Next, give a quick overview that Educates your listener about exactly what you do that's unique compared to industry competitors. You could even include a brief example. Keynote the things that differentiate your business.

Finally, conclude with a sentence or two that Offers the listener the chance to obtain more information. The offer should be risk-free and uncomplicated.

Craft and refine your 60-second elevator pitch (realistically \r1 to 2 minutes). Get everyone in your company to memorize it as\ra condition of employment. (You can even provide small \rincentives to pass the test.) You and your staff will then be \rable to give the prefect presentation of your business whenever \rthe time is right: at a business meeting, in front of prospects,\ron an airplane, at a trade show, as an on-hold phone message, at\ra party. It's a great conversation starter. When it becomes \ryour universally used marketing tool, you'll have a coordinated\rstaff that's totally at ease with the topic, and the perception\rof your business by everyone outside your company will soar to\rnew heights!

Good luck with your marketing efforts.

¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è¡è\rIf you would like a FREE 60 Second Script Template that you can\rbegin using immediately for your company, simply email your\rrequest to: 60SecScript.

About The Author:\rMarc Gamble, the author, teaches business owners, entrepreneurs, \rand professionals how to acheive bigger, bottom line results \rfrom their advertising & marketing efforts without spending more \rtime, effort, or money. Learn marketing strategies and tactics \rto separate yourself from your competition and become the \robvious choice to do business with. To learn more about how to \rimprove your own Marketing Efforts and Achieve Better Results, \rvisit: http://www.MYMOnDemand.com/vpc1_mgnm\rEmail: mgamble@mymondemand.com