We shook hands over the first coffee of the morning and with a room full of colleagues, I was meeting another smiling face
‘How can I help you?’ I asked.
“I’m not sure, I’m just going to see how it goes with this business, test the water and give it a few months. If it doesn’t work out then I’ll see if I can find a job that offers a decent salary.”
See how it goes, give ‘it’ a few months?
Don’t you just love it when you meet someone you thought might just be that referable person and you hear ‘the parachute story’ – the just in case – the back-stop or something similar to:
Well, it’s just a part-time thing, I’ll give it a go, see what this new business thing is all about.
or perhaps
I’m studying just now and if I get any business coming my way, well, ‘it’s a bonus.’
Or the current favourite where I am just now…
I’m not looking for any new business at the minute, I have a holiday cottage working for me over the next couple of months. Come back and see me at season end …
Business planning or kamikaze marketing? I can see the strategy for both although I know which one has a better return.
Should you be networking if you cannot at least pitch your business with aplomb?
Word of mouth works and the above are just one or two examples of stories sure to dampen the expectation of those serious about meaningful engagement and further business.
It’s not enough simply to show up at meetings, we know it’s tough in the world of start-up although the above examples don’t do themselves (or anyone else) any favours by being ill-prepared during the all-important introductions …
Working on your presentation goes a long way to credibility, your reputation.
Being successful in pitching your business helps set you apart from the competition. It shows you have ambition, expectation and confidence in your offer. Having confidence in your offer means being able to share the same passion and commitment you hold for your business with existing colleagues and new prospects alike.
CharlieKenny.me 