Whats your Elevator Speech?

Greg Nichols

Greg Nichols

New member
I've been asked what I do for work. I give the canned response vehicle detailer, which often is followed by that sounds good.....end of discussion. That response lacks passion and doesn't beg for more info. I've come across something called your elevator speech where you construct a memorized intro that leaves the person asking more, it shows passion, and motivation.



I've started working on mine and thought it would be great to see how others word their speeches. We are all striving for the same thing, so borrowing from others ideas is a great start.



Here is a link to what an elevator speech is How to Craft an Effective Elevator Speech



Cheers,

GREG
 
"I'm an auto paint correction specialist." Never actually told anybody that but I think its probably accurate for most of us.
 
I think this is a wonderful topic, Greg. I have put this into use many times, even literally. I used to do a lot of vehicle pick-ups from high-rise office buildings when I worked in Minneapolis and often I would get some suit that would see me with a binder and my work polo on and ask me what I was doing.



It didn't hurt that we had a posting in the parking garage and my shirt had the company logo, web site, and "Auto Reconditioning Specialist" on the sleeve, so most people that struck up the conversation were looking for more info.



Currently, I have two approaches; informational and casual



"I own and operate an auto detailing business. I work mostly on high-end and collector cars but I also do a lot of regular cars. Every car should be detailed at least once per year to prevent permanent damage and retain a higher resale value. What kind of car do you drive?"



The other is simply, "I'm a professional car geek."



I use that one on people that are more likely car geeks themselves and draws them to ask more questions.
 
We are well skilled as detailers but I think we are lacking in the area of business management and marketing.



I would hope that we can post up some ideas on these topics this winter, so we can plan out the year better.



Cheers,

GREG
 
Greg Nichols said:
We are well skilled as detailers but I think we are lacking in the area of business management and marketing.



I would hope that we can post up some ideas on these topics this winter, so we can plan out the year better.



Cheers,

GREG
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Exactly why I spend much more time on business matters, as opposed to actual detailing technical issues. I am always honing my skills, but marketing my business is usually my priority. When people ask what I do, I tell them I own an auto detailing company. I never reply that I am a detailer; that is just a job title to most people. Many people have trouble getting past the the reputation that this industry carries. That is why I do my absolute best in making my company as professional as possible.
 
brwill2005 said:
Exactly why I spend much more time on business matters, as opposed to actual detailing technical issues. I am always honing my skills, but marketing my business is usually my priority. When people ask what I do, I tell them I own an auto detailing company. I never reply that I am a detailer; that is just a job title to most people. Many people have trouble getting past the the reputation that this industry carries. That is why I do my absolute best in making my company as professional as possible.
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This is an excellent point and something I always follow as well. If you tell people you are a detailer they picture a high school kid washing cars in the back of their local dealership.
 
brwill2005 said:
When people ask what I do, I tell them I own an auto detailing company.
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I wonder why most folks AREN'T doing this. I mean, just about everyone in this forum owns their detailing business, correct ? So why if someone asks you, would you say you say anything different than "owner of a small business" ? Anytime I've ever been asked, I tell people that I own a automotive detailing business... sometimes people look at me confused (some people don't even know what the word detailing means... that should throw a red flag at all of us), so I dumb it down and call it a car cleaning company (yes, yes, I know, paint correction is not "car cleaning", but I don't get the opportunity everytime to go into depth about what my company specializes in).



In either case, ALWAYS tell people that you own your own company. It's a different level of respect that you get, even from complete strangers.
 
I tell people I am an "Automotive Appearance Restoration Specialist"and own my own business. If they are intrigued a good conversation ensues, and if they are perplexed I explain how some individuals restore engines and or structural parts of an automobile, but I specialize in restoring the aesthetic characteristics of an automobile. If they still look puzzled I look it right back at them...then usually we move onto other conversations. :)
 
People ask me what I do and I say " I wash cars for a living" It gets there mind thinking a little and they usally laugh and say no really. I say " Then I try to tell them what I really do!!! Greg this is an outstanding article thanks for the link man. I hope all is well!
 
WAS said:
I wonder why most folks AREN'T doing this. I mean, just about everyone in this forum owns their detailing business, correct ? So why if someone asks you, would you say you say anything different than "owner of a small business" ? Anytime I've ever been asked, I tell people that I own a automotive detailing business... sometimes people look at me confused (some people don't even know what the word detailing means... that should throw a red flag at all of us), so I dumb it down and call it a car cleaning company (yes, yes, I know, paint correction is not "car cleaning", but I don't get the opportunity everytime to go into depth about what my company specializes in).



In either case, ALWAYS tell people that you own your own company. It's a different level of respect that you get, even from complete strangers.
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Problem is that many people in this industry run non-registered, fly-by-night operations. They are very unprofessional and do our industry no justice. I think it is very important to distinguish one's company from these types operations.
 
I slowly turn my head towards them and stare..... hold it like that for 5 seconds, dont say a word. Frown, then I tell them,



"leave me alone, I,m hot, sun burned, sweaty, have to go to the bathroom, I haven't eaten lunch yet and I am running late for my next job." :angry



I,m not big on small talk.
 
thanks for the link, there is a lot of great info there, mine is I own an auto reconditioning business, many people don't tie that into detailing (washing) and they usually ask what the business does, then I give them a card and let them know
 
Superior__Shine said:
I slowly turn my head towards them and stare..... hold it like that for 5 seconds, dont say a word. Frown, then I tell them,



"leave me alone, I,m hot, sun burned, sweaty, have to go to the bathroom, I haven't eaten lunch yet and I am running late for my next job." :angry



I,m not big on small talk.
Click to expand...



Joe your humor is almost as polished as your cars!



Cheers,

GREG
 
okay I'm attending a class (networking) tonight and one of the aspects I need is elevator speech. Here is my 2nd draft with more drafts to come. While I don't believe I'll use this on everyone, parts of it I can use in just about any situation.







Elevator Speech​



(Emotional Hook) Reflections Detailing is Utah’s premier vehicle reconditioning experts that specialize in restoring vehicles to the highest standards. (Benefits) Reflections detailing increases the value of any car, regardless of age. Reflections detailing specializes in client education to maintaining the workmanship done. Reflections detailing has no unsatisfied clients, and performs to maintain that standard. (Credibility) My clients own multi million dollar vehicles, are world class sports icons, and the local soccer mom. Our clients are discerning owners that want something more than the average detailing. (call to action) Do you see any reason why Reflections Detailing can't make you a discerning owner?
 
If you spoke to me like that in an elevator I would hit the elevator alarm and start screaming!!!



Doesn't sound natural.



When asked I just say, "I beautify cars" and hand them a business card. From there I can determine if there is interest or not.
 
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