What's Your Elevator Pitch?

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Permalink Reply by WeddingMediator on January 8, 2010 at 7:25am

And, when you say lose, I'm guessing you mean 'pick up their own glass' instead of someone else's, right? I"m imagining those little charms you put on wine glasses. Am I right?

I don't know your business, but I'll take a stab. How about:

What do you do? Do you like to drink from other people's glasses at parties? Yuck, right. Well, my charms makes sure you always find and drink from your own glass. No worries!

As for defending your work from those comments- don't. Not everyone will get it and you don't need to waste time or energy on them. On the other hand, those incredulous folks can help you identify and beat obstacles to sales. Why would people buy that is a perfect example because you just know someone else wonders that too. Offer that answer and you've made new sales and that's never annoying!

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Permalink Reply by Wine Coutures on January 25, 2010 at 7:31pm

I've been thinking of simple ways to answer the 'why would people buy that' question. And your example of an elevator pitch really covers that well. I love it! Thank you for the insight.

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Permalink Reply by Soulful Engagements on January 8, 2010 at 4:36am

This is just my opinion, but I would actually reverse the order of your elevator pitch. I think the second part of your elevator pitch is way more interesting, attention grabbing and relateable than the first. Leading with " help wedding professionals fall back in love with their businesses. I'm a Bridal Coach." can lead people to the assumption that you only work with professionals that hate their jobs, which I don't think is the case. Even happy professionals can benefit from learning how to deal with the drama.

But that second part, "You know how weddings tend to have a some drama? Well, I teach pros easy skills that resolve misunderstandings and set boundaries so everyone can enjoy the wedding experience. I'm like a vendors best friend." It's more engaging to the person listening. I found myslef thinking, "yeah there is drama that goes along with weddings, you can help address that oh, how do you do that?"

Hope that helps!

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Permalink Reply by WeddingMediator on January 8, 2010 at 7:13am

Hey, thanks! That's incredibly useful feedback. Lately, I've been tweaking my pitch and your thoughts help a lot. And, you're right. I do my best work with folks who are happy and want to feel happier and more in charge. I also changed my title from bridal coach, which makes it seem like I work with brides, to problem-solving coach because it was more accurate.

So, from now on I'll be saying, You know how weddings... ;)

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Permalink Reply by Lone Pine Photography on January 9, 2010 at 5:53pm

What do you do? I artistically and unobtrusively photograph weddings.
Really? Yes, can you believe I actually get paid to do something that fun? Me either, but the most rewarding thing is that in every single case, I began as a vendor and ended up being a friend.

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Permalink Reply by WeddingMediator on January 10, 2010 at 7:27am

So, thanks for playing. Assuming you want feedback and won't take offense, my response is: So?

Most wedding photographers I know strive to be artistic and unobtrusive, so what makes you different in that? Also I didn't hear anything about what *I* get as the customer except maybe a new friend.

Do you do something especially artistic and unique? We all listen for our own best interests. So tell me why working with you is in my best interest. How about one more try? ;)

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Permalink Reply by Lone Pine Photography on January 10, 2010 at 4:10pm

I hear ya loud and clear, but photography isn't a commodity like bartending for example. There's either an emotional connection to/appreciation for my work or there is not. If there's not, that bride or groom is better off with someone else, probably less expensive.

The nature of photography is artistic and unique. Perspectives and the eye for a shot are different with every photographer, not to mention the way taste affects post production and editing. Two highly regarded professional photographers can cover the same event, and the results would be completely different in every way but the subjects.

I understand that most services are dependent on what they offer and whether a bride or groom can get more service that meets their needs with one vendor or another, but photography is different. That's why some photographers can charge $25,000 and deliver 200 final images to a client, while another photographer can deliver 1,500 final images and be valued at $1,000. It all comes down to taste, and that's why I love it.

That's why I didn't expound, and just shared my "elevator speech". I'm familiar with Gitomer and have read his Sales Bible every year for the last 6 years or so. I'm not offended, but my 30 second bit can't change.

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Permalink Reply by Soulful Engagements on January 11, 2010 at 2:14am

"I hear ya loud and clear, but photography isn't a commodity like bartending for example. There's either an emotional connection to/appreciation for my work or there is not. If there's not, that bride or groom is better off with someone else, probably less expensive."

I agree with this but I think you also just explained why your elevator pitch should expound. Right now your elevator pitch is a little dry and generic. It doesn't differentiate you in anyway. If you want to try and spark that emotional connection right off the bat I would use more descriptive words that describe your work and/or style.

As you have it written I may say "oh that's great your a photographer", but you haven't given me a reason to even want to look through your portfolio. But if you had something like...I capture every emotion of the day and you don't even know I'm there...It starts to make the person you're speaking to think about what type of pictures you would produce and generate in interest in seeing what you have to offer.

Just my .02

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Permalink Reply by Soulful Engagements on January 11, 2010 at 4:36am

Alright so I took a stab at writing mine, feedback is welcome.

What do you do? As I’ve learned from experience, planning your own wedding can be an overwhelming yet extremely rewarding task. I provide brides, who are their own wedding planners, with the tools and knowledge to successfully plan their wedding.

Really? Yes, I’m the creator of Soulful Engagements, a comprehensive wedding planning blog that offers a fresh voice for brides of color looking for advice and inspiration throughout the planning process. By providing relevant articles, practical advice and personal experiences I hope to make the wedding planning process as stress free as possible.

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Permalink Reply by WeddingMediator on January 11, 2010 at 8:23am

Hey, I like it, except for the first clause which makes me want to see your wedding pictures first. LOL So, can I ask the obvious question? How are you different from ChocolateBrides.com? This might not be an issue at all since there aren't many blogs/sites targeted to brides of color, but I thought I should mention it.

And, you know, I experience you as someone who is very sharp, friendly and open and this language is kinda formal. Is that what you intended?

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Permalink Reply by Soulful Engagements on January 11, 2010 at 9:08am

Thanks for the feedback. I think what differentiates my blog from Chocolate Brides are the tools (i.e, planning worksheets, guest list templates, how-to articles, interview questions, etc.) that I provide. As far as I know those types of things are not available through CB, it's more of a community and blog about trends, real weddings, etc.

I really wanted to create a site that is a one stop shop when it comes to getting information to plan a wedding. From setting your budget, to interviewing vendors, to addressing invitations as well as providing inspiration through the types of post you would typically find on wedding blogs (i.e. real weddings, inspiration boards, etc.)

As far as formality, I think that's just a habit I picked up from working in corporate America for so many years. I definitely need to work on talking more casually especially when it comes to reaching out to younger brides who may find the formality a turn off. Thanks again for the feedback!

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Permalink Reply by WeddingMediator on January 11, 2010 at 10:05am

Got it! I wonder if you could joint venture with CB and share brides? And, I hear ya about corporatespeak. Once learned, it's very difficult to unlearn, or at least, I have trouble LOL ;)

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