Being able to quickly and clearly answer this question in the form of a benefit statement can have a big impact on your success, networking results, and business opportunities.
Human communication is 70% non-verbal, so in the space between me asking “What do you do?” and you answering, I can tell whether or not you are full of it. Example: If the first thing out of somebody’s mouth is “Uhhh” followed by a pause, then youre letting me know what you do is so unimportant that even you cant describe it. Why, then, would I care? But if you can come back with “ I show people how to build and run a website without any experience.” I can instantly understand what you do and how you can help me or someone I know.
Avoid giving people your official title. Most of the time people don’t know what your title means and they subsequently lose interest.
Me: “What do you do?”
You: “Im a programmer”
Me: “Umm, OK” (thinking: “I don’t think I need a programmer, so I probably don’t”)
Now imagine the following convo…
Me: “What do you do?”
You: “ I built and run an online network of people interested in success and achieving their goals in life”
Me: “Wow, You got my attention! Whats your website?”
You: “Its www.whatever.com, heres my business card. Make sure you subscribe and let me know what you think in the comments section”
Don’t Say |
Try This Instead |
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“Im in Accounts Receivable” |
“ I help companies maximize profits by minimizing loss from vendors and account holders” |
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“I wait tables” |
“I help people develop new tastes by introducing them to different dishes” |
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“I teach English” |
“ I teach people the vocabulary and writing skills they need to improve their careers and their lives” |
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“I sell jewelry” |
“ Im a style consultant that matches affordable jewelry to my client’s preferences” |
A sale is made before you ever ask somebody to buy. Think about what you do, then turn you job into a description of how you help people. This is called a “Benefit Statement”. You must be able to state your initial benefit statement as a universal message. Having a “scripted” commercial explaining how you can help others from the onset is critical to your success. You will sell more insurance contracts, pick up more tables, gain more students, and get more site subscribers than your competition.
So now its your turn. Throw your benefit statement below in the comments section and let all the other readers know what you do!
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This is very true. While I was preparing for Blog World Expo, I went over something like this with myself. I knew I would need to be able to briefly yet accurately be able to explain what I do and what I was looking for.
Here is what mine sounds like. “I develop strategies for marketing on websites, design blogs, and train individuals on how to get the most out of their internet experience.”
Oh yea, I meant to ask you how the expo went. Hit me up with your number…ceo@arthurpledger.com!
Great advices!
Here it goes!
I provide day to day Hardware,Software and network support to people who use our computer equipment and their peripherals.
AKA (IT Support)
thanks LOL
Great example! I actually know a few ppl who could benefit from what you do. I will be sure to throw em your email!
Actually I sell jewelry and was blown away by “ Im a style consultant that matches affordable jewelry to my client’s preferences”. You hit the nail on the head with that statement.
Glad I could get you engaged! BTW, checked out the site…I think custom jewelry is gonna be the wave of the future of fashion, so stick wit it! I will make sure to let you know when im in the 804 next!
Appreciate that Arthur…Man I love this site. I read it almost everyday and take notes on it.