Word of mouth
is fabulous business promotion.But why sit
back and wait for word of mouth to build? You're impressed with your products
or services, aren't you? Speed up the word of mouth process by creating and
using a Promotion Kit
Why Carry a Promotion Kit?
Wherever you
go and whatever you do, you are surrounded by opportunities for business
promotion. Having a Promotion Kit with you ensures that you're ready to
capitalize on those promotion opportunities.Have you ever
had someone ask you for your business card and be in the unfortunate position
of saying, "Sorry? I don't have any with me right now"? This doesn't
happen to people who have a Promotion Kit prepared.And think of
your wider experience. If you're shopping, you'll be visiting other businesses
that might be interested in exchanging some advertising space with you. If
you're taking one of your children to a sports event, you'll be meeting people
who might be interested in your products or services. Even if you're just out walking
your dog, chances are good you'll meet someone.With a
Promotion Kit, you're ready for every contact.
Building a Promotion Kit:
The basic Promotion Kit will include:- your business cards
- other people's business cards
- your elevator spiel
You read that right. Business promotion is a circle, not a line. You already have a whole network of business contacts, including businesses that you and your friends and family prefer to do business with, because of their superior products or services. You probably don't have all their contact and product information memorized, though, so carrying those business' cards is a convenient way to share that information with others.Carrying other people's business cards can give you an entrée into conversations with strangers. People like to receive information that they see as immediately valuable to them. Being able to "tip" someone about the exact service or product they're looking for at that time will get you remembered, spread good word of mouth, and maybe even get you the chance to talk about your own business.At the very least, it will make the person more receptive to your business promotion activities.
Don't Leave Home without an Elevator Pitch!
Your elevator
pitch is your verbal calling card or introduction. I call it an elevator pitch
because it has to be really short, but still give the person you're talking to
a clear explanation of what your business is all about. (Think of the time
you'd have to talk to someone while an elevator goes up two or three floors).
Limit your elevator pitch to two or three sentences that tell your listener what you do and, even better, what your business can do for the person you're talking to. Practice your pitch so you sound relaxed and sincere.
Limit your elevator pitch to two or three sentences that tell your listener what you do and, even better, what your business can do for the person you're talking to. Practice your pitch so you sound relaxed and sincere.