#FF

It's Follow Friday on Twitter.

Who are you following?

The Sales Meeting

Looking for a way to grow sales without leaving your office? With various sessions for one low cost, you can sharpen your skills and sell more! Sign up today for "The Sales Meeting" virtual training sessions. More information can be found here.

Social What?!?

Still confused about what social media is and how it can work for you?? Download this chart available on CMO.com.

You've Got Mail...Because You're Part of a Listserv

Does your company have an E-mail listserv? How are you collecting prospects? How frequently are you E-mailing your list?

Constant Contact, the company I use to E-mail my listserv recently sent me a guide called "Building an E-mail List that Builds Your Business." It offers some really great tips and you can read it here.

Interested in being part of my E-mail listserv? Wondering on what I send my contacts?? FREE information on selling of course! If you'd like to be added, please e-mail melissa@thoughttransformation.com.

Make Your Business Card Work For You

Not only do business cards create a tangible link to you, but they get saved if you were seen to have value. Also, by using an innovative one, you can get precious mindshare for a few seconds and that helps your selling message stick.

Here is some more information on the power of the business card, as well as some very clever examples!

Can you hold the door, please?

You’re now ready to create a great elevator speech and use it to sell. One last tip . . .

If you try your elevator speech for a month and it doesn’t generate enough
interest, examine the component parts.

• Are you focused on the right problem?
• Would another benefit be more relevant?
• Is your message too long?
• Is it clear?
• When you deliver your message, are you friendly and positive?

There’s always room for improvement if you look for it! For more information on creating your elevator speech, read my e-book "Create Your Elevator Speech" available for free on LindaBishopOnline.com.

Time is Ticking

How much time should an elevator speech take? Get out the stop watch and time it. Work on a script that takes 20 seconds or less to deliver. Beyond 20 seconds, a stranger who is listening to you talk starts losing interest. Cull every unnecessary word. Be specific. Eliminate acronyms, trade lingo and jargon. Make sure your message is clear and easy to follow. If you continually stumble over a phrase or word, find another way to say it.