If you've seen me at one of our committee meetings, chances are that you hear me say the following: "Hi, I'm Bev Jorgensen of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce where we're working to build a strong local economy, promote the community, provide professional development opportunities for our members, represent business before government and advocate for business-friendly political action."
That is the "17-second commercial," an introduction that provides, in a nutshell, all of what the Chamber does. It's based on the Chamber's five core competencies, a blueprint that guides many successful Chambers. Some would call it an 'elevator pitch' or 'introduction statement.' The Carlsbad Chamber way is the 17-second commercial, our experience is that anything longer is where people start to tune out your message.
The Chamber has been holding 17-Second Commercial Workshops for many years. Many members who have been with the Chamber for a long time might remember the workshops presented by the late Willeen Hasler, a former Chamber employee who helped many of our members craft their introductions, and who laid the groundwork for the things we still teach on the topic.
The topic of the 17-second commercial is fresh in my mind because in our recent meetings of the Business Resource Committee, we're teaching committee members how to help other chamber members with their 17-second commercials. Part of what we're trying to do is to promote the idea that these commercials should be routinely freshened up, and that it is a good idea to have several of these that you could employ in different situations. For example, if you approached me at a Sundowner and asked me what I do, you would not get the same commercial I used earlier.
One of the things that a lot of people get wrong is that the purpose of a 17-Second Commercial isn't to sell your product or services, but it should be a teaser that gives people an idea of who you are as a business owner or professional. It all goes back to the Chamber's guiding philosophy that we're not out to do traditional "networking" we want to build relationships that ultimately lead to referrals.
The Commercial's main thrust is that it should be a statement or a question that grabs the attention of the person or people listening to you, and sets you apart from others.
It should include your first and last name, as well as the name of your company.
It is also really important that your 17-Second Commercial makes it clear what you do. Your goal is to awaken awareness for you and your business and trigger their interest for finding out more about you. The best commercials begin with questions or a statement that makes an instant connection followed by a statement of product or service. They may also end with a question.
If you are a Chamber member and would like help crafting your 17-Second Commercial, please contact me, I'm happy to help you connect with members of the Business Resource Committee and I'm confident they're ready and willing to help.
In closing let me ask you this: Could your business use a new best friend?
A best friend supports you, listens to you and helps you succeed. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce does exactly that for more than 1,400 members. Could you use a friend like that?
That is the "17-second commercial," an introduction that provides, in a nutshell, all of what the Chamber does. It's based on the Chamber's five core competencies, a blueprint that guides many successful Chambers. Some would call it an 'elevator pitch' or 'introduction statement.' The Carlsbad Chamber way is the 17-second commercial, our experience is that anything longer is where people start to tune out your message.
The Chamber has been holding 17-Second Commercial Workshops for many years. Many members who have been with the Chamber for a long time might remember the workshops presented by the late Willeen Hasler, a former Chamber employee who helped many of our members craft their introductions, and who laid the groundwork for the things we still teach on the topic.
The topic of the 17-second commercial is fresh in my mind because in our recent meetings of the Business Resource Committee, we're teaching committee members how to help other chamber members with their 17-second commercials. Part of what we're trying to do is to promote the idea that these commercials should be routinely freshened up, and that it is a good idea to have several of these that you could employ in different situations. For example, if you approached me at a Sundowner and asked me what I do, you would not get the same commercial I used earlier.
One of the things that a lot of people get wrong is that the purpose of a 17-Second Commercial isn't to sell your product or services, but it should be a teaser that gives people an idea of who you are as a business owner or professional. It all goes back to the Chamber's guiding philosophy that we're not out to do traditional "networking" we want to build relationships that ultimately lead to referrals.
The Commercial's main thrust is that it should be a statement or a question that grabs the attention of the person or people listening to you, and sets you apart from others.
It should include your first and last name, as well as the name of your company.
It is also really important that your 17-Second Commercial makes it clear what you do. Your goal is to awaken awareness for you and your business and trigger their interest for finding out more about you. The best commercials begin with questions or a statement that makes an instant connection followed by a statement of product or service. They may also end with a question.
If you are a Chamber member and would like help crafting your 17-Second Commercial, please contact me, I'm happy to help you connect with members of the Business Resource Committee and I'm confident they're ready and willing to help.
In closing let me ask you this: Could your business use a new best friend?
A best friend supports you, listens to you and helps you succeed. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce does exactly that for more than 1,400 members. Could you use a friend like that?