When using classified ads don’t try to sell your service from ad. Offer more info or free details and then place a link to your site, email address or auto responder.

Send out press releases to various publications introducing your service. Describe yourself and your business and anything unique or special about your particular brand of products.

Bottom line. Get word out. Information can be given for free to your prospects. Try using this proven technique to capture your share of business.

“Hello, I’m Joe Smith. I’m an undertaker’s nightmare.” Now you should have undivided attention of person you’re talking to. An undertaker’s nightmare? So you go on: “That’s because I want to be buried in paperwork.” [Yes, I know, that was a terrible pun. But be honest – it got your attention, right? And that’s what counts.] “I run a printing business. We do any kind of print run, from as little as 100 copies of a monochrome flyer to ten thousand full-color catalogues. And we promise that we will deliver on time, [USP] so you can be sure to have your materials when you need them [Benefit]. We’re so sure of that that we promise to knock 15% off our fee for each day, should a project ever be late. [Guarantee]”

And that’s your business in a memorable nutshell. Just as environmental consultant is now known to everybody as “The trash can lady”, this printer could be famous as “The undertaker’s nightmare”. The point is to be instantly recognized and remembered by people you’ve met – so their next project goes to you instead of person who just said: “Hello, I’m John Doe and I’m a printer”

So, to recap, a great 10 second introduction needs: ·A way to introduce your business that will grab listener’s attention. ·A short description of what you do, including your USP and benefits. ·A Guarantee (if you have one. If you don’t, think about getting one!)

Get all these elements together and you’ll see that people will remember you – and give you their business.