What's your elevator pitch?

When you meet new people at a networking event, the question, ‘What do you do?’ inevitably arises. How do you handle it? Stumble out a few well-worn phrases that you’ve heard others using? Ferret around in your handbag or briefcase for a set of dog-eared cue cards?

This moment is a golden opportunity – a defining moment in your new networking relationship. Depending on how you project yourself, you will either build interest in your audience or switch them off.

Don’t be fooled: first impressions really do count. And if you are new to networking, it can seem quite daunting to speak about your business in a room full of seasoned entrepreneurs. Where do you start? Just how do you stand out from the crowd? Read the rest of this entry »

It's a Wonderful Life

‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ I’m not ashamed to admit, is one of my favourite films of all time. This timeless classic follows the life of George Bailey, a frustrated businessman who contemplates suicide believing he’d be worth more dead than alive.

James Stewart’s poignant portrayal of Bailey captures universal questions that we all ask ourselves at some point: What do I mean to others? And, what difference do I make?

For George Bailey, he learns his true value after a series of flashbacks giving him a glimpse into how life would have been if he’d never been born. He realises what a role model he is, how he touches others’ lives and what a remarkable difference he makes to his community.

In running your own business or leading a busy life juggling several responsibilities, you never really stop to think about the impact you make. You should… Read the rest of this entry »

If you’ve ever laughed your way through the incomparable ‘Monty Python’s Life of Brian,’ you’ll recognise Eric Idle’s song asking us to ‘Always look on the bright side of life.’  No doubt you’ll be whistling along to it too, now I’ve reminded you…

How does this relate to sales copy? In a previous blog post on psychology, I explained the importance of psychology in the buying process. Understanding your audience, as well as tapping into their desires, is the first step to writing effective copy.

The second step involves using positive affirmations to make customers feel happy and secure with the product you are selling. In short, confident, cheerful copy outsells negative sales writing. More of this later … as I want to explore positive thinking.

Read the rest of this entry »