Comments for Debbie LaChusa

Comment on Happy Holidays! by Debbie

Debbie — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 02:09:43 +0000

The feeling is mutual Edna! I am so inspired by all that you have done and your attitude. I hope 2012 is your happiest year yet!

Comment on Happy Holidays! by Edna Valentino

Edna Valentino — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 02:03:47 +0000

So great to have worked with you this year, Debbie. Thanks for all of the wonderful ideas you shared. I am grateful for all that I learned and continue to learn from you:)

Comment on Happy Holidays! by Debbie

Debbie — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:02:39 +0000

Carole,

What a small world! My award is from 2004, too. That means we probably got them at the same event.

Happy Holidays!

Debbie

Comment on Happy Holidays! by Carole Friesen

Carole Friesen — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:54:31 +0000

Thanks for the beautiful greetings. I noticed your award in the background. I have one of those in my office from Peaks Success Tracs 2004 “Top Achievement”.

Great to meet a fellow traveler,
In the Wisdom of Love,
Carole M Friesen

Comment on Ditch the Elevator Pitch by Ania

Ania — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:14:10 +0000

Very interesting blog, thank you Debbie.
I’m been struggling with my elevator speech for the best part of a year now. You’ve hit it on the head why that is – I’m still not clear on my market!
Talking about the benefits that my clients have experienced definitely helps, though!
Ania

Comment on Ditch the Elevator Pitch by Laura Crooks

Laura Crooks — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:17:06 +0000

Hi Debbie – Several months ago mine finally came to me: I help experienced dieters keep their weight off permanently. Permanent weight loss starts in your mind, not in your mouth.

It is so easy to remember, because it is what I am about. It feels great to finally have a concise and intriguing summary of what I do! Thanks for your help in me getting there.
Laura

Comment on Ditch the Elevator Pitch by Deborah Alcock

Deborah Alcock — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:27:53 +0000

I totally agree. I have been in many networking groups and the “intros” that really work incorporate heartfelt passion.

Comment on Ditch the Elevator Pitch by Signe A. Dayhoff, Ph.D.

Signe A. Dayhoff, Ph.D. — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:33:35 +0000

Exactly! You want to get them talking about themselves. You can learn so much that can be helpful for you to help them and learn more about potential prospects (perspectives, needs, wants, attitudes, etc.).

And, besides, your being focused on them creates a great first impression. Show interest and listen and they will tell you just about anything you could want to know.

This reminds me of an exercise I have people do to learn to interact, listen, and make small talk comfortably. Talk to complete strangers anywhere: in a store, in a bank. Make an observation about the common environment or, better still, sincerely compliment the person on something.

People need and love to be noticed and given attention. Furthermore,they have stories they are dying to share. It’s good practice for you and can totally make their day.

Comment on Ditch the Elevator Pitch by Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:53:46 +0000

I totally agree Signe. When I say to “know who you are” that is indeed knowing who you uniquely are and how you serve others in a way only you can.

You are so right it is about the other person. I think we’ve all been on the receiving end of a networker who is just trying to sell us. I don’t know about you but it makes me want to find someone else to talk to, FAST!

I think if we can all be clear about the following two questions, we’ll best answer when someone asks, “So what do you do?”

1) WHO do I serve?
2) HOW do I serve them (what do I help them accomplish in a way no one else does)?

Comment on Ditch the Elevator Pitch by Signe A. Dayhoff, Ph.D.

Signe A. Dayhoff, Ph.D. — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:46:36 +0000

I would add to your “who you are and what you do. Identify your unique point-of-view.” When you say who you are, don’t label yourself with, e.g., I’m a consultant.” Instead slide into what you do by framing it in terms of how others have benefited from it, e.g., “I teach busy moms how to comfortably and permanently shed any extra pounds at home using the latest fun dance moves.”

You have at most 30 seconds so make them count. You never want to sound as if you’re “selling,” just providing interesting, engaging information to start a conversation wherein you can provide some free, useful tips to the other person.

In networking where you are most likely using your introduction, you want to make it all about helping the other person, not achieving some pre-set goal for yourself.