How to introduce your business and make a good impression
I work out of a modern building, the Portsmouth Technopole, occupied by many businesses. Many are in the software / technology sector. There are many constant ones, like us, who have been there years. And there is also a regular proportion of comings and goings, with new start ups and businesses leaving the home and taking office space.
It’s the latter that I’m talking about today as, to help them on their way, the Technopole management invite new tenants to introduce themselves by email to existing tenants.
Without exception, I read the 7 or 8 line introduction, and I’m no wiser as to exactly what these businesses do or why I’d use them.
It’s the same when I attend networking events, and people are invited to introduce themselves and their businesses. They almost always fail to leave a clear impression as to what it is they do and why you would use them.
It’s not enough to say, “we’re IT specialists and we help companies manage their computer networks”. You have to be explicit and assume that the audience know nothing (usually the case), and simplify your message so that everyone understands.
I tested our message about proposal writing and automation on lots of people. When they said they understood what it was we do and why they would use us, then I was ready to take it to the outside world.
We hear constantly about the importance of the ‘elevator pitch’. Yet not enough people take the trouble to make sure their audience gets it. You have but a few seconds to get your message across, and your future prospects depend upon others understanding what you do and why they should use you.
Tags: First Impressions
