Small Business Corner

Let’s face it, when we go to a networking or other type of event, we get excited when someone asks us about our business. Especially if it is someone who has never heard our great story before.

We get emotional, and we get ready to tell this remarkable story about how we created the greatest idea and started our fantastic business. If we pay close attention though, we see that after about 30 seconds, the person’s eyes glass over, and we realize they’re not really paying close attention. But, of course, we keep on talking because our story must be told.

Here are six tips to help you tell your story without losing anyone’s interest.

1. Explain the Problem.

Talk about the problem that the business is solving.

For example, if you have a cupcake business, you might say, “you know how hard it is to find good cupcakes in this area?” Then you might say, “I started a cupcake business in this area to solve that problem.” This establishes a true purpose for your business.

2. Who has the problem?

Now let’s talk about the people that have the problem.

You might say “people have told me over and over they wish they could find a good place to get great cupcakes around here.” This establishes that there are people that have the problem, your potential customers.

3. You offer a solution to the problem.

This is where you talk about the solution your business provides. The needs your products and services fulfil. How you solve the problem.

You might say, “that’s why two years ago I decided to start Marc’s Cupcake Shop. We offer the best homemade cupcakes in this area. We offer the standard cupcakes that most people like as well as cupcakes we create purely from the imagination of our customers,” This is your great solution to the problem.

4. Why you?

This is where you explain, “why buy from you”.

You might say, “I have been making cupcakes for over 10 years for friends, family and local events and decided to take it to the next level and open a cupcake business.” This will tell people why your customers choose to buy from you.

5. Tell them how to find you.

You can say, “we are located at 123 Main St. or you can find us online at www.Marc'scupcakesshop.com.” Ask them to come by your store and try something out, or go to your website and sign up for your email newsletter. This is your ask, your call to action, the most important part of your speech.

6. Stop talking.

Now give the listener a chance to ask questions. This lets them find out more about your business.  This is when you will get the opportunity to explain the details that are most important to the person you’re talking to. Answer questions so they will have all the details they need to take action.

If someone says that would like talk with you another time, get out your phone, and try your best to get it scheduled right now. Don’t wait! Take action now!

Copyright © 2019 SCORE Association, www.score.org. View original article here.