Elevator Speech

Quote:

Originally Posted by SalesGuy

I just voted... "I'm afraid of elevators, but am currently working on my flight of stairs speech."

I knew there would be at least one....

Very non-committal, Salesguy--but that is fair. It's the people who are all claiming to use it "with great success" but won't share their "great success" stories that are bugging me at the moment.

Here is what I am looking for:
I have a sales tool that I use "with great success." Dollar store screwdrivers. I mail them out to my target prospects before I call them for an appointment. How do I know they are a "great success?" Here's why: The goal of the screwdrivers is to break the ice and get enough attention to get the prospect on the phone. Here are some of the comments I have received during my initial call following the mailing:

"I don't remember anything I got in the mail last week, but I remember those screwdrivers."
"Hey...it's the screwdriver lady."
"Oh yeah, thanks for the screwdrivers.."
"Yes, I remember those screwdriviers...I gotta say, they got my attention."
"Yes, I remember the screwdrivers. Why did you send them to me again?"
"I'm sorry, I'm not interested, but thanks for the screwdrivers. I'm really sorry."
"We had a good laugh in the kitchen about those screwdrivers."
"I was wondering what kind of person would expect me to buy something because they sent me some screwdrivers."

Not every comment was positive, but EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM REMEMBERED THE STUPID SCREWDRIVERS AND TOOK MY CALL. It is one of the most effective sales tools (silly as it may be) that I have ever used. It gets me in the door and that translates into sales.

If I spent 10 more minutes, I could probably think of 20 other statements made to me about the screwdrivers. When something is successful, it is not difficult to articulate. That is why I cannot figure out why 10 people use the elevator speech with great success and why they are not clamoring to post stories about how their elevator speech prompted conversation with strangers about their business (which is the goal of the elevator speech and would indicate "great success").

There is a difference between blindly using something ...and using something with great success.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainMaker

It's the people who are all claiming to use it "with great success" but won't share their "great success" stories that are bugging me at the moment.

Bugging you?

You want someone to "convince" you that elevator speeches are effective and because nobody is "clamouring" to tell their story you have a problem? Cry me a river.

This thread stinks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

Bugging you?

You want someone to "convince" you that elevator speeches are effective and because nobody is "clamouring" to tell their story you have a problem? Cry me a river.

This thread stinks.

I don't really want to be "convinced," Frankie. I know every technique is not well suited for everyone or every situation. I am on a very serious quest to master sales. There is a huge pile of work out there with a gazillion theories and techniques from every guru under the sun. Frankly, I am tired of wading through it all, trying to shake loose the things that really work in real life...from the "exercises" that sound good in theory, take up time, and don't make a hill of beans in the real world. To me, the elevator speech is one of those things, and yet...people are voting that it works for them. So I say to myself: "What am I missing?"

Last time I checked, the purpose of this forum is for salespeople to share with other salespeople, to swap experiences, and learn from each other. You have not contributed to this forum since last August. Rather than making a rare appearance to criticize me for prodding, why don't you share something that will make this thread "stink" less.

Alternately, there is an option to "unsubscribe" to the thread at the top. Use it.

As the others have already posted, "Good luck with that."

Well, this is about all the fun I can stand on this topic. Thank you to those who participated in the poll. For all of you who are quietly enjoying your successful elevator speeches, but won't take the time to share it on the board, I have 4 words for you: Good luck with that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Well, this is about all the fun I can stand on this topic. Thank you to those who participated in the poll. For all of you who are quietly enjoying your successful elevator speeches, but won't take the time to share it on the board, I have 4 words for you: Good luck with that.

RM, you seem like a very nice person with a marvelous passion for the sales profession and all it has to offer.

But I think you give people too much credit.

The critical skills in selling are sales conversationalist skills which include that of the creative listener--and--operacy, the ability to get things done. I believe you have both, and are forever engaged in refining both--but don't expect many others to have them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Boye

Why Seek Ye the Living Among the Dead?

What does that, the title to your last post, refer to Gary Boye?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

What does that, the title to your last post, refer to Gary Boye?

I think that was meant to be an insult Frankie.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZBroker

I think that was meant to be an insult Frankie.

Not as straight forward as yours to me, Frankie.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Not as straight forward as yours to me, Frankie.

Like AZbroker and you RainMaker, I too interpret Gary Boye's response as an insult.

Gary Boye, was that insult aimed at salespeople in general, forum members in general, or just this thread's participants?

Elevator Speech

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