Gratitude for the PERFECT PITCH
Every once in a while, we get to experience something wonderful: a gesture of gratitude that takes our breath away. I was fortunate enough to experience this recently.
Let me start by asking you about how you define yourself; what do you say when you meet someone new? Can you explain who you are and what you do in a tantalizing 10 words or less?
Steve Phillips, a motivational coach and speaker, emailed me from across the pond to ask how he could perfect his pitch (ELEVATOR PITCH: A brief description of who you are and what you do, used when meeting someone new, particularly at networking events.) A great pitch is always 10 words or less. It should be concise, yet open the floor to further questions. I’ve heard many elevator pitches that simply made me want to leave…and am amazed at how some people are at a complete loss when it comes to defining themselves.
The best ones are intriguing, like an advertising headline. Don Boyer, for example, says, “I help people solve problems.” This is even better than “I’m a problem solver” because it makes it about “THEM” – the people to whom you are speaking.
I often say “I help people to realize their dreams.” As a writer, speaker, and life coach, (and “The Queen of the Business Lunch”!), I have become a Business Relationship Expert. However, I’ve also experienced a great deal in my life and, as a mentor, I can help others to avoid mistakes, see their options more clearly, and narrow down their “definite chief aim.”
Steve was having a challenge because – as most people in the field of personal development – he is busy doing many things. He hosts his own seminars, coaches individuals – particularly in overcoming addiction and destructive behavior – and he is a writer, and a speaker. What a mouthful! No wonder he was having a challenge getting his pitch down to 10 words or less.
He knew he had a problem, because he was losing people in the first sentence or two, leaving them more confused than ever, overwhelming them with too much information.
I helped him by encouraging him to FOCUS on the desired outcome. “Do you want people to hire you as a coach? Do you want them to hire you as a speaker? Do you want them to hire you to put on an event?” Unless YOU are clear about what you want to accomplish, how can you tell others – especially in just a few words!?!?!
By sharing some thoughts and direction with Steve, he was able to come up with a better pitch that IMMEDIATELY started to net better results. I was happy to help.
I was delighted, however, when Steve took the time to record a video testimonial about his experience working with me! Steve, thank you so much. I am regularly asked if an e-mail thank you is acceptable, versus a hand written thank you note. From now on, I am going to encourage my audiences to post a video blog (or Linked In Recommendation!) as the best way to say THANK YOU!!! I’m delighted to share his video:
Cheap Client Gifts They’ll Treasure
With the holidays approaching, business professionals everywhere are wondering how they are going to get through the season without going broke – especially at the end of a year that was, for many, anything but ROBUST. Fear not, my friends, I have some simple, affordable solutions.
Great Gift: A Thoughtful Photo in an Appropriate Frame
First choice: a photo of you with your client in a fab picture frame! Not only is it thoughtful, but your client will get to see your pretty face sitting on their desk or credenza – at least be reminded of a fun time. C’mon, you have a camera on your phone, don’t you? Next time you are taking your client to lunch – or even in a conference room or their office for a meeting, whip out your cell and snap a close up of the two you laughing. If you play golf with your client – a photo of you together on the course is IDEAL!
Need some CHEAP (ahem…I mean AFFORDABLE) frames? Try T.J. Maxx or Home Goods. They have TONS of frames – everything from business/leather to seashells to “Girls Night Out” – and they are mostly under $10. Imagine being able to give TEN clients customized, thoughtful gifts for less than $100!!!
(Okay, to be PERFECTLY HONEST, it will run a little more by the time you splurge on glossy printing paper, toner, and gift wrap – but compared to buying lavish gifts like massages or Mont Blanc pens – like I USED to – this gift is crazy cheap and super thoughtful.) Oh – and BTW – I get my toner and paper and MOST of my office supplies on Ebay for savings that make me wonder why office supply stores are still in business!
If you’re like me and fancy yourself a bit of a “Martha Stewart” (ie: Creative, love to cook, etc.), the
Even Grocery Store Cookies Look Amazing When Served on a Pedestal
possibilities are endless. Here’s a gem of an idea: Drop off a gourmet treat (home baked or store bought) on a beautiful serving platter. Even grocery store treats will look scrumptious when they are offered on an elegant cake plate or crystal dish. This is also a SUPER hostess gift idea! Your client (or hostess) gets to keep the wonderful serving platter (or dish or stand) AND enjoy a yummy treat. I have found extraordinary serving pieces at the discount home shops around town.
At parties, a hostess will say “Let me clean the serving piece you brought so you can take it home.” I reply, “No, that’s for YOU, for being such an outstanding hostess!” They get to KEEP the platter – and they will think of you EVERY TIME THEY USE IT!
Try to find gifts that are “sticky” – in other words, something that your client will want to hang on to. If
Hats with Logos are Always a HIT!
they are a sports fan, score some logo’d merchandise for them. You don’t have to go into a sports memorabilia store for a signed photo or limited edition item. If they love golf, you can pick up a logo’d hat or visor for less than $20. If they love football, get them a coffee mug with their team logo. (This is a great idea – UNLESS you’re client is a fan of the Cleveland Browns. I’m from
The Cleveland Browns - Great Fans, Lousy Logo!
Cleveland, so please forgive me for saying this, but WHERE is our logo? Brown is just a COLOR – ya know? We don’t have a dolphin, a bear, a patriot, or even a star! We don’t have Bengal strips or ram horns. The Browns are just brown & orange. Really? It doesn’t matter; they have some of the greatest FANS in the history of the game!)
Your client won’t care WHAT you give them – IF it’s promoting their team, favorite athlete, or activity. It’s the THOUGHT that counts – and logo’d merchandise is incredibly thoughtful.
By now, you’re getting the picture. THINK about what your client enjoys (yes, that takes a BIT of effort!) If they are female, don’t risk personal items such as perfume or pocketbooks. If they travel, a travel alarm clock is a great choice – or even fancy luggage tags! Business books are great, too, especially for the executive on the rise. How about a book on Etiquette? As a speaker who touches on that subject, I can assure you that most people would LOVE to have the dos and don’ts when it comes to etiquette. And so on. The possibilities for giving a wonderful gift are not tied to your pocketbook or wallet. Just get creative and – in a pinch – you can always ask their assistant where a person’s outside interests lie.
Last but not least, you could send your clients a notice that you are writing and posting a recommendation for them on Linked In. This does not cost you a dime – just some of your time. Imagine getting a note from a vendor or associate that reads: “You’ve been so amazing to work with this past year that, in the spirit of holiday giving, I am giving you a recommendation on Linked In. I will also be making a donation in your name to _____ (list your charity here).” Isn’t that incredibly thoughtful? You can make a single donation to your favorite charity and rather than shop and go crazy, just spend a few quite evenings writing recommendations for your clients.
Here is a brief video about a response I got a few weeks ago after deciding to post a Linked In recommendation for a colleague. Happy Holidays!
I’ll Be Speaking @ PCMA Meeting This Week!
Professional Convention Management Association Chapter Meeting, 10/7
Thursday morning, October 7th, I’ll be speaking at the Southwestern/Pacific chapter meeting of PCMA: Professional Convention Management Association. I’d like to send special thanks to Gina Mann at the Las Vegas Convention Vistors Authority for recommending me as this month’s speaker. The breakfast will be held at the South Point Hotel & Casino at 8AM.
I’ll be presenting “B FACE 2 FACE 4 SUCCESS” - a 60-minute keynote presentation on building EFFECTIVE & PRODUCTIVE business relationships that will include suggestions that you will be able to implement IMMEDIATELY to increase your sales and improve your bottom line. This presentation is built upon the lessons I discovered while building relationships during my sales career, which I shared in my first book, “The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 and 2.” My experience during nearly 20 years of sales and my ability to build such incredible relationships is why my clients started calling me “The Queen of the Business Lunch”.
A strong ability to build relationships can assure your success – whatever field you are in. WHY? Because PEOPLE PREFER TO DO BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE THEY LIKE! Your parents were wrong: success in life actually IS a popularity contest! After all – who wants to hang out with or do business with people they DON’T LIKE?! When you look at it this way, it makes sense: to succeed, you need to develop your PEOPLE SKILLS.
People have choices – and when it comes to business, they are even more likely to take advantage of their options … especially in THIS competitive environment. No business decision is ever JUST about price!
When I deliver this presentation, I ask my audiences for a show of hands to
The feedback I get when presenting supports my doctrine: PEOPLE PREFER TO DO BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE THEY LIKE!
indicate how many people REGULARLY go OUT OF THEIR WAY to patronize a particular business because they PREFER how they are treated at the more inconvenient location than at a similar business closer to their homes. I ALWAYS get 100% response! That supports my point: your people skills can improve your business or destroy it. It’s not that hard to build solid, productive business relationships. I’ll be sharing tips and techniques so that you, too, can become a Business Relationship Expert! Hope to see you there.
Get Paid to Speak & Write: Workshop 10/9/10
Speaking at last week's MPI Meeting in Edmonton
To say I’m behind on my blogging is an understatement! Even now, with so much I want to share here, I still feel as if I should be doing something else – like PPTs for next week, press releases, or new one sheets. Marketing yourself as a speaker has no finish line! That’s just one of the topics I will cover at my workshop - “Get Paid to Speak & Write” - on October 9th – in Las Vegas/Henderson at the Hampton Inn on St. Rose Pkwy – between Eastern and Seven Hills. Read to the bottom for a personal story that’s sure to crack you up!
People ALWAYS tell me they are working on a book or they call me to tell me they want to speak professionally. I hope everyone who has ever thought of being a speaker or a writer will to come to this one-day event. Along with my expert guest speakers, I will help you to move years ahead in your speaking career in one action-packed, entertaining day. You will discover what it takes to succeed and MONETIZE a speaking or writing career.
You may wonder why I am presenting SPEAKING and WRITING together. It’s because the two go together like soup n’ sandwich, hand n’ glove, peanut butter n’ jelly…. you get the picture! If you are a speaker, you need products to sell – books, audios CDs, Mp3s, Video programs, and more – so that people can take your message with them and continue to learn and improve. And, if you are a writer, you need to learn to share your message with an audience in a brilliant, cohesive presentation. Doing one without the other is like peanut butter….all by itself. 
As president of a speakers bureau in Las Vegas, the convention capital of the world, I know what it takes to be a great speaker.
As an award-winning author, I’ve experienced everything the world of publishing has to offer. If you’re working on a book and need to decide whether or not to self-publish, I can help you to decide by sharing the facts of the publishing world with you. I’ve self-published, sold my work, contributed to anthologies, published anthologies, and am a regularly featured columnist in the Las Vegas Business Press. I know the world of professional writing and can help you get your book published or help you to market your book.
Visit my press release at expert click for all the details – then call or e-mail me to register. BONUS: Those of you who know me well know that I love to give more than expected. That’s why I asked my friend LuAnn Terrell – at Showtime Marketing – if she would donate some killer show tickets for my attendees. She came through with tix to HUMAN NATURE – Smokey Robinson’s hot new show featuring four smokin’ guys from down under singing the very best of MOTOWN – on the Las Vegas Strip. Tix are regularly $70 each – but each attendee will get a PAIR of tickets when they attend this workshop. AND every attendee will also get a FREE copy of “The Power of the Platform” – an anthology that features messages from some of today’s top motivational speakers.
Why wait? Sign up now and get started on the path to achieving your dream of GETTING PAID TO SPEAK!
Now, here’s my personal story: Every time I get a check for THOUSANDS of dollars to speak for an hour, I call my brother, Barry. When I was a little girl, Barry used to give me a quarter just to STOP talking for a few minutes! Ahhh- sweet revenge! The truth is, however, that I owe him a debt of thanks. If he hadn’t been so hard on me, I don’t know that I ever would have learned how to make my stories more exciting, more compelling, and more content-rich. Nothing like having a hard-to-please audience to raise the stakes! And now you know my darkest secret.
If YOU would like to show someone a check for thousands of dollars that you earned for speaking, be sure to e-mail me to register for this outstanding one-day workshop. It will TRANSFORM your life!
FORBES Insights: Executives Prefer Face-to-Face Meetings
Executives PREFER Face-to-Face Meetings
FORBES Insights‘ latest report shows that executives prefer face-to-face meetings. Wow – As “The Queen of the Business Lunch,” I could not have put that better myself. The reasons why they preferred IN PERSON, face-to-face meetings? There is no comparison:
- To build STRONGER, more MEANINGFUL business relationships (85%)
- Ability to read body language and facial expressions (77%)
- More social interaction, ability to bond with co-workers/clients (75%)
- Allow for more complex strategic thinking (49%)
- Better environment for tough, timely decision-making (44%)
Complaints about technology-enabled meetings were that they often resulted in disruption and delays. The ONLY reasons anyone said they preferred technology-assisted meetings were bottom-line, such as saving time, money, or location flexibility.The choice is yours: STRONGER, MORE PRODUCTIVE business meetings or technical difficulties?
As a Business Relationship Expert, I discovered a long time ago that those relationships that were built over a business lunch, an outstanding networking event, or even a round of golf lasted forever. We bonded. Apparently, I’m not the only successful executive who knows that, although I may be the only one who wrote a book about building business relationships over lunch (“The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 and 2″).
A compromise can be reached, too, by holding smaller meetings with an assist from technology. But to build long-lasting, solid business relationships, seize some face time!
BTW, the Ritz-Carlton weighed in on the report to reach out to business travelers by offering “Meetings Within Reach,” a value-added opportunity for organizers of on-site seminars, executive retreats, and other corporate events. Their message is “It’s not extravagant IF it produces results.” I’d like to give special thanks to Bruce Himelstein, Ritz-Carlton’s senior vice president of sales & marketing. He acknowledged that technology can never replace the “traditional methods of dealing with people in person…” I rest my case … there is NO Substitute for QUALITY “Face time.”
Notice: I am currently seeking annual contracts with companies who would like to send me out to speak to their clients on the importance of quality face time and how to build productive business relationships. E-mail me to explore the possibilities.
“The Queen of the Business Lunch™” on Face Time
I guess everyone wants to know how I became “The Queen of the Business Lunch™” (a nickname my clients gave me). I’ll get to that in a minute. My book, “The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 and 2” has become a tremendously helpful guide for entrepreneurs and business professionals. And now, I want to help even more people through speaking engagements as well as endorsement deals.
I’ve been focused lately on helping businesses to build deeper, more caring relationships. Allowing others to really get to know you – even some of your vulnerabilities – is invaluable. My newest keynote presentation is titled, “B Face 2 Face 4 Success.” It’s spelled out like a text message because the very technology that was supposed to help us seems to have consumed us, instead!”
It’s apparent that creating new ways to generate quality face time is on everyone’s mind – from iPhone’s “FaceTime” software to American Airlines’ new business-class swivel seats for in-air face-to-face meetings as well as their offering air-to-ground calls on the new iPhone, to CISCO’s recent campaign: “Welcome to the human network.” Corporate America is going all-out to put us FACE to FACE with each other.
I can help companies drive the message home – whether that message is “Breakfast is the new lunch!” or “Take time to make face time,” or even “Connecting on a budget.” As a Business Relationship Expert, I show how to create the quality face time that can help individuals to achieve greater success and companies to connect more deeply with their customers and clients….even on a simple coffee date. Also, many people need help with how they are supposed to behave when they are – finally – face-to-face!
My colorful stories help people create more productive “face time” when out with their clients – from getting that first, all-important face-to-face meeting to building lasting relationships. The more people you know, the more people you can get to know. Everyone in your circle knows other people who may need your services or products. Successful professionals understand this and take mere networking or business meetings to a much higher, personal level.
Information about Business Lunch is IN DEMAND! Here I am featured in SERAI - a trend-setting Japanese magazine
I recently trademarked “The Queen of the Business Lunch™” since I’ve become so well-known by that nickname. If you are just getting to know me, you will appreciate that during my advertising sales career, I personally hosted more than 3,000 client lunches and saw my sales increase by more than 2,000%. I wrote my first book on the business lunch and building relationships to help other business professionals become more proficient at building productive business relationships, particularly by sharing a meal with their clients. I’m excited to share that the book was so popular that it is now available in twelve languages.
Now, I’ve taken the foundation of the principles in the book and expounded on them to apply to today’s tech-obsessed world, when a great business lunch isn’t always an option. There are many alternatives to a business lunch, especially for those who are on a seriously limited budget. I enjoy helping others to create quality face time regardless of their circumstances. Distance and limited money are no reason to stay behind your desk all day. Sometimes, we just need to get a bit more creative.
In “The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life,” the newest anthology in “The Power of the Platform” series published by the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, I shared a story in about my friend, marketing consultant Phil Robertson. In discussing the importance of opening your home to clients, Phil shared, “Now that I think about it, I realize I’ve never lost a client who has been to my home for dinner!” Of course I was not surprised at all; candor and vulnerability can help your business associates to see you as a human being. Exposing your true self can help you to create even better business relationships that will, ultimately, pay even greater rewards – personally and professionally.
If you’d like information on bringing me in to speak to your organization or to inquire about endorsement opportunities, please e-mail me at Robin@RobinJay.com or call 702-460-1420.
Successful Entrepreneur Panel & Book Signing: Sat. 6/26
Join me, Sat. June 26th, to discover how YOU, too, can become a successful entrepreneur!
JOIN ME – “The Queen of the Business Lunch™” when I am one of the featured panelists at the Entrepreneur Panel and Book Signing Community Event in West Summerlin, this Saturday, June 26, 2010 * Time 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Three out of four people would like to be an entrepreneur!
Teen Entrepreneurs of Las Vegas invites you to an open discussion with successful entrepreneurs who will share the stories of their success,answer your questions, and sign their books. Find out how I became a Speakers Bureau President, Motivational Speaker, Award-winning Author, and Publisher!
Join me for this afternoon of celebrating the Entrepreneurial Spirit
“Find your passion amd live your dream”
WHAT BUSINESS WOULD YOU START IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE?
I will be joined by Brenda Ward, Marit Macchia, Regina Ruf, Leslie Gomez, Angelique Daniels, and Will Pettaway.
This fabulous event is sponsored by: Teen Entrepreneurs of Las Vegas and Body Spa West
LEARN HOW WE DID IT … LEARN HOW YOU CAN DO IT, TOO!
at Body Spa West @ 8751 West Charleston Las Vegas, NV 89117.
For More Info: call 702- 885-3011 or visit: TEOLV.ORG
How Do You Ask a Client to Lunch?
A Gift Bag - Always a Great Attention-getter!
You are ready to invite a really BIG client out to lunch. You have the perfect “power lunch” spot picked out. You have your corporate expense account ready to roll. You just can’t figure out the best way to invite a client to lunch. You are not alone!
Seems many executives choke a bit when it comes to inviting a client out to lunch … and the bigger the client, the more anxiety about lunch. It’s really easy to invite a client to a business lunch – and you are only limited by your own creativity. I’m saving the VERY best method till the end – but don’t skip ahead. If you do, you’ll miss some great ways to get creative!
Imagine an executive’s secretary walks into his or her office around 11AM,
You call THIS lunch?!
and sets a shiny gift bag on the exec’s desk. “This came for you just now.” Inside the shiny bag, the executive finds a brown paper bag. In the bag is a square, sandwich-sized container with a VERY dull sandwich inside – perhaps two slices of plain white bread with a single piece of American cheese between them or a classic PBJ, and an apple.
Written on the outside of the lunch bag in black marker, a note reads: “You call THIS lunch? Meet me at The Palm next week for a steak! ~ Robin Jay.” Your business card is stapled to the top of the bag. Really … who could resist an invitation like THAT?!
A stunt like this is over-the-top – but wouldn’t YOU love it if someone went to that much trouble to invite YOU to lunch? I know I would!
If you want a more subdued method for asking a client to lunch, a written invitation can work, though be careful you don’t come across as desperate! Sometimes, in today’s fast-paced business world, catering to old-fashioned methods might make you seem out-of-date; send a quick text message invitation – “When can I take you out to lunch?” – and you might seem insincere or uncaring. It can be challenging, indeed!
You can always just pick up the phone ~
There is always the phone call. Be direct … and be friendly. Now that I’m an entrepreneur, one of my pet peeves is people calling who 1. Don’t identify themselves IMMEDIATELY, and 2. Don’t get to the purpose of their call directly. If I don’t know you, why would I want to go to lunch with you?
Remember W.I.I.F.M.!!! What Is In It For ME?! I don’t get to socialize with my dear friends as much as I would like – so for me to make the time to have a lunch with a stranger, there had better be a good reason.
“Breakfast is the New Lunch”! …or shall I say, “Coffee is Quicker”!
A coffee date can be "Outta This World!"
If you want to BUILD a relationship with someone by asking them to break bread with you, you might have an easier time getting them to say “yes” by making it easy FOR THEM. Coffee is fast. Meet them near their office.
BEST OF ALL: The VERY BEST way to invite a client to a business lunch is to find someone who PERSONALLY KNOWS YOUR PROSPECT. Ask THEM if they wouldn’t mind setting up a lunch date. Tell them lunch is on you. This “Middle Man” of sorts knows both of you. They will probably be delighted to help you arrange a meeting. And – of course – they will get to enjoy a wonderful free lunch!
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS: Network, network, network! EVERY time you attend a networking event, you will meet at least 10 people who each know at least 10 people … and so on. Ask around. Find someone who knows the people you want to get to know.
Remember: An INTRODUCTION is the VERY best way to meet someone new. If you can arrange an introduction, asking clients to lunch will be the easiest thing you’ve ever done.
“The Queen of the Business Lunch” – There is Only One!
"The Queen of the Business Lunch" Gets Trademarked!
Well, it is about time! “The Queen of the Business Lunch™” is FINALLY trademarked! Robin Jay is the OFFICIAL “Queen of the Business Lunch”! You may be wondering what it takes to earn such a title. I’m here to answer your questions!
I hosted more than 3,000 client lunches during my years in advertising sales – though I’m quite sure that is a conservative estimate. My guess today would lean more toward 4,000. During that time, I saw my sales increase by more than 2,000%! That told me that I was doing SOMETHING right. I was compelled to share my tips and techniques with the world … and so I wrote “The Art of the Business Lunch.”
A lot has happened since I began this journey of sharing ways to build better relationships in business. First, most people are actually AFRAID to have lunch with me! Can you imagine? As a Business Relationship Expert, I can see why. But relax! There is no need to fear. The book has been printed. I am no longer looking for extreme examples to write about (Oh – except for my BLOG – where you may just get a mention or two if you misbehave during a business lunch with me!)
The Art of the Business Lunch - A MUST-READ for Business Owners & Sales Professionals
Seriously, the book is a fine example of the BEST behavior you can exhibit. Unfortunately, many of the anecdotes came from MY own MISTAKES! Sure, I’ve said the wrong thing at a business lunch. Of COURSE I’ve spilled my drink at a client lunch. And those times when I got back into my car only to discover food in my teeth? OMG! I hate that! Why didn’t someone TELL ME? But why make all those mistakes yourself when I’ve already made them FOR YOU!!! We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
The secret to an outstanding, successful “power lunch” is to be prepared. Visit my video channel on YouTube to view some of my tips. Here’s one of my favorite videos that explains WHY the business lunch is SO IMPORTANT!