The 60 Second Presentation

You never know when the next opportunity to promote your business will come up, and when it does - you want to be ready for it. Imagine, you got talking to someone in the lift and so you only have a minute to get them interested in you and your business. In our busy lives, when everyone is constantly rushing from place to place, these short presentations, also called “elevator pitches”, become increasingly important.
Being realistic, there is only that much you can say in one minute. So you have to choose carefully. I would suggest that the objective of a 60 second presentation is to get the other person interested, and remember you and what you do. So that next time they need what you have - they would think of you and be able to find you too!
Tell them something unexpected, interesting and therefore memorable.
Unless you are a flying acrobat in Cirque Du Soleil, telling your job title and main job responsibilities is unlikely to get you remembered. Describe yourself in an unusual way. For example, I write business plans for start-ups. This helps people to start or grow their businesses, to get funding, and ultimately helps someone’s dream of their own business to come true. So I could say that “I help make dreams come true”. Sounds cheesy but what you want is some intrigue in your introduction.
Tell them a story they can relate to.
Once you got your products and services out the way, tell them an entertaining or success story from your business experience that would make your presentation memorable. For example, I recently did a business plan for an Australian technology company, who were seeking a multi million investment from a business angel, which they got. I will be surprised if they don’t become a household name in a couple of years.
End your presentation with a call to action.
Now is a good time to tell your name and your company name. When people are interested in you they are more likely to remember your name. And, of course, no business presentation is complete without a call to action, which tells your audience what you would like them to do. Mine would be “Give me a couple of days, and I’ll help you make your dream of a business come true!”
And don’t forget your business cards!
May 2012
Professional Business Plans
Being realistic, there is only that much you can say in one minute. So you have to choose carefully. I would suggest that the objective of a 60 second presentation is to get the other person interested, and remember you and what you do. So that next time they need what you have - they would think of you and be able to find you too!
Tell them something unexpected, interesting and therefore memorable.
Unless you are a flying acrobat in Cirque Du Soleil, telling your job title and main job responsibilities is unlikely to get you remembered. Describe yourself in an unusual way. For example, I write business plans for start-ups. This helps people to start or grow their businesses, to get funding, and ultimately helps someone’s dream of their own business to come true. So I could say that “I help make dreams come true”. Sounds cheesy but what you want is some intrigue in your introduction.
Tell them a story they can relate to.
Once you got your products and services out the way, tell them an entertaining or success story from your business experience that would make your presentation memorable. For example, I recently did a business plan for an Australian technology company, who were seeking a multi million investment from a business angel, which they got. I will be surprised if they don’t become a household name in a couple of years.
End your presentation with a call to action.
Now is a good time to tell your name and your company name. When people are interested in you they are more likely to remember your name. And, of course, no business presentation is complete without a call to action, which tells your audience what you would like them to do. Mine would be “Give me a couple of days, and I’ll help you make your dream of a business come true!”
And don’t forget your business cards!
May 2012
Professional Business Plans