I KNOW WHO YOU ARE BUT…..

Last week I attended a meeting, as a guest, made up of small business owners who were sharing their views on the economy, business in general and also the profile of their ideal customer. It was a cross between a peer group session and a networking session. The entire meeting lasted an hour and a half and discussion points stayed the same each week (the economy and general business happening). Each member had 90 seconds to describe their most urgent need, either in customer profile, employee needs or other specific help in their business.

The twenty plus people in the group have been participating in this monthly meeting for over two years. The number participating in the group was limited so the only way to join was to have an existing member drop out. There were no dues to pay, only a breakfast which covered the cost of the room in the restaurant. The result was that most of the attendees knew each other.

After the meeting, I asked my host what several of the people I found interesting did. Exactly what was their product/service and how did they differentiate their business from their competitors?

The answer I received started me thinking!  In short, he could not answer my questions in reference to the two people I identified.

We all know a lot of people and a lot of people, friends, relatives, business acquaintances, etc. also know us by name and by sight.  My thoughts have to do with all these people that we know; how many of them can tell another person exactly what you do?

This is not a Tuesday Challenge, but an everyday business marketing challenge: It’s time to share what you do, why you do it, and why you are different from your competitors with everyone you know, in all your “circles”.

If necessary, write down the answers to these three questions on a 3 x 5 card and carry it with you at all times. Make part of every conversation you have the following statement: “Let me take a few minutes and share my business story.”

Your answer to these three questions is also a mini brochure; if necessary print the questions  and answers on a 3 x 5 card, add your logo and give it to the person with whom you are sharing your story.

Make this action item a top priority today.