One of the best things about my job at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is hearing about the way that the Chamber brings business people together. After all, our mission as an organization is being the united voice of business in the community, and what better way to demonstrate the interconnectedness of the business community than Chamber members coming together to help each other?
I'm not necessarily talking about companies doing actual business together. Perhaps a member you meet at a Sundowner helps you out with a technical question. Or maybe you make such a memorable impression that a fellow Chamber member decides to send new business your way.
Often, the only way I hear about these interactions is by chance. For example, I just happen to overhear two members talking about their positive experience during a committee meeting, or someone mentions in passing what another Chamber member did for them. That's great, but really, I want our members to actively share these stories with me so that I can share them with everyone.
That's where the testimonial comes in. Part of being an active Chamber member is not only taking an active role in the opportunities for professional development and networking opportunities that we offer, but to be an ambassador for the Chamber. If the Chamber helped you in any way, or if you developed a relationship because of it, I want to hear about it!
Here then, are some tips for creating the perfect testimonial.
Keep it Short: Testimonials don't have to be long to be effective. In fact, the best thing is to keep them brief. It helps to think about a couple of points you want to make and then work to present those points in the most efficient way possible. Answer the who, what, when, where, why and how and you should have enough to create a compelling testimonial.
Tell a Story: Add that personal touch by relating a story. Don't make the language sound too formal – tell it in a way that you would a friend or acquaintance. That makes the testimonial more effective.
Don't make it about yourself: Remember, the testimonial should be about the person you're writing about, not about yourself. Readers can tell if you're writing a testimonial to further your own agenda. A testimonial that features too much of your product or services comes off as self-serving and is not effective.
Jorgensen can be reached at [email protected]
I'm not necessarily talking about companies doing actual business together. Perhaps a member you meet at a Sundowner helps you out with a technical question. Or maybe you make such a memorable impression that a fellow Chamber member decides to send new business your way.
Often, the only way I hear about these interactions is by chance. For example, I just happen to overhear two members talking about their positive experience during a committee meeting, or someone mentions in passing what another Chamber member did for them. That's great, but really, I want our members to actively share these stories with me so that I can share them with everyone.
That's where the testimonial comes in. Part of being an active Chamber member is not only taking an active role in the opportunities for professional development and networking opportunities that we offer, but to be an ambassador for the Chamber. If the Chamber helped you in any way, or if you developed a relationship because of it, I want to hear about it!
Here then, are some tips for creating the perfect testimonial.
Keep it Short: Testimonials don't have to be long to be effective. In fact, the best thing is to keep them brief. It helps to think about a couple of points you want to make and then work to present those points in the most efficient way possible. Answer the who, what, when, where, why and how and you should have enough to create a compelling testimonial.
Tell a Story: Add that personal touch by relating a story. Don't make the language sound too formal – tell it in a way that you would a friend or acquaintance. That makes the testimonial more effective.
Don't make it about yourself: Remember, the testimonial should be about the person you're writing about, not about yourself. Readers can tell if you're writing a testimonial to further your own agenda. A testimonial that features too much of your product or services comes off as self-serving and is not effective.
Jorgensen can be reached at [email protected]