Auntie Kate The Resale Expert

You know those times when someone asks what you do, but you only have a limited time to intrigue them?

Like when you’re on an elevator with that person who holds the possible key to your potential future success?

That’s why a 30-second distillation of “what you do” is called an elevator speech.”

I freely admit I have a hard time explaining what I do in 30 seconds or less. But here’s a formula that might help you devise your 30 seconds:

Try filling in the blanks in this simple statement, prefacing your remarks with a clear iteration of your business name:

I help______ do______ by_______.

Let’s see how I can use this: At Too Good to be Threw I help resale shopkeepers realize a healthy profit selling used goods while saving the planet’s resources. I provide them with online advice via articles, blog posts, books, and downloadable white papers that help them refine and market their business.

(Notice I added a phrase that states my ethical stance, while saving the planet’s resources. That’s optional to this exercise, but I feel strongly that my career is my contribution to the Greater Good and like to bring it to the forefront of the conversation. Besides, a statement like this lets me continue, if we’re on a longer-than-average elevator ride, by asking “Do you ever/often shop resale? What do you like best/ don’t understand about buying used stuff?” ) Your turn: Fill in the blanks!

I help______ do______ by_______.

Never ride in elevators? Well then, think of this as your cocktail-party answer to “And what do you do?” You can even use this as your web site or Facebook “About” info, your Chamber of Commerce introduction, or even

your simplest mantra reminding yourself of what you do and why.

Photo courtesy Steve Snodgrass.

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