September 28, 2020 / by Don Connelly / Presentation Skills / 0 comments
Yes, I’m a huge believer in stories, and in taking time to build value in your services, your brand, and in taking a detailed fact-finder, so you can make your engagement truly client-centered and set yourself up for the close.
But as we all know, many times there just isn’t enough time.
Sometimes you don’t have a leisurely lunch appointment. Sometimes it’s just a meeting engagement: A shared Uber ride, a shared elevator. That’s why you need an “elevator speech.”
Before we get into what constitutes a good elevator speech, let’s think about what you want your elevator speech to accomplish for you.
In 30 seconds or less, a good elevator speech should accomplish the following:
Establish your unique value proposition (UVP).
Establish a reason to initiate contact later.
Establish the means to initiate that contact.
Set up the expectation of contact.
Let’s look at each one in turn.
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How to Create a Digital Marketing Strategy
December 21, 2020 / by Don Connelly / Marketing Yourself / 0 comments
An increasing number of financial advisors are catching on to the fact that most of their clients and target market reside in a digital world where, if they fail to connect with them there, they risk becoming irrelevant or obsolete. Email, the internet, and social media have transformed the way consumers conduct their lives, and their influence now surpasses all other forms of persuasion, including television and print media. The critical question financial advisors must ask themselves now is, “How much digital influence do we have over our target market?”
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Create an Elevator Speech that Wins
September 28, 2020 / by Don Connelly / Presentation Skills / 0 comments
Yes, I’m a huge believer in stories, and in taking time to build value in your services, your brand, and in taking a detailed fact-finder, so you can make your engagement truly client-centered and set yourself up for the close.
But as we all know, many times there just isn’t enough time.
Sometimes you don’t have a leisurely lunch appointment. Sometimes it’s just a meeting engagement: A shared Uber ride, a shared elevator. That’s why you need an “elevator speech.”
Before we get into what constitutes a good elevator speech, let’s think about what you want your elevator speech to accomplish for you.
In 30 seconds or less, a good elevator speech should accomplish the following:
Establish your unique value proposition (UVP).
Establish a reason to initiate contact later.
Establish the means to initiate that contact.
Set up the expectation of contact.
Let’s look at each one in turn.
Read more
How to Create a Value Proposition
January 20, 2020 / by Don Connelly / Marketing Yourself / 0 comments
There are thousands of pizza vendors in the United States. But only one of them is known for, “Fresh, hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.”
There are thousands of clothing retailers in the United States. But if I say the words, “You’re going to like the way you look. I guarantee it,” I guarantee you’ll know exactly whom I’m referring to. You can probably see his face.
If you don’t already know what your value proposition is, you probably don’t have one.
Your value proposition establishes two things: The value that you bring to the relationship and why you’re the one they should engage to bring it.
A great value proposition has six characteristics:
It defines who you work with;
It focuses the client experience – not your qualifications.
It addresses specific problems you can solve for the client.
It’s unique to you in your market. None of your competitors can quite say the same thing.
It connects with the client on an emotional level.
It helps you justify your fees so you’re competing on something other than price.
Here’s how to create your value proposition so it has these six characteristics.
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How to Make The Most of Your Value Proposition
October 7, 2019 / by Don Connelly / Marketing Yourself / 0 comments
Too few advisors know what a value proposition is or why they need one. Others understand the importance of identifying their unique value, but don’t know how to articulate it.
This is a serious mistake, because unless a prospect understands what you do and why you do it, they’ll remain unconvinced about your worth. In fact, without a strong value proposition your business won’t even get off the ground – it’s the first step in building your financial advisory practice.
Here are some tips on creating and expressing your value proposition.
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How to Elevate Your Brand and Justify Your Fees
August 12, 2019 / by Don Connelly / Marketing Yourself / 0 comments
If you provide above average service, you deserve to charge above average fees. Don’t underestimate yourself. Make sure you get paid your worth by focusing on creating a business brand and style that clearly communicates your value.
Price is never the only consideration.
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