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- Do speak in plain English. Don't use acronyms, technospeak, hype, or marketing babble.
- Do show enthusiasm and passion (if you don't believe it, who will?) but don't go over top. (That's why used-car salesmen are forced to sell used cars.)
- Do practice, practice, practice. It should roll off your tongue naturally and consistently. No ums or uhs.
- Do make sure everyone in company has same story. Don't forget receptionist. You don't want to be in a position where members of your own team have contradictory descriptions of your company.
- Do adjust for your audience. Customers are more interested in what problem you are solving for them than how you plan to make money. Save those details for potential investors.
- Do close with a call to action. Get a business card, schedule a follow-up call, set up a presentation, something.
- Do write it down. This will have a million uses--from boilerplate in your press releases to online directory listings--to get your company description in world consistently. Do shorter versions as well--all way down to about three sentences. This will be vital for your pitch deck.
Jennifer Guinan, president of Sage Strategic Marketing, offers 19 years of experience in marketing, communications, Internet and search engine marketing, and PR for companies and organizations large and small. Guinan’s background includes national and international marketing and communications executive management and strategy, PR and media relations, and consulting.