Networking Is Always Important
Sometimes the hardest step is getting your foot in the door. Networking is extremely important when trying to secure government contracts. An organization that hosts networking and training events throughout the year both nationally and locally is the Small Business Administration (SBA). These events are usually no cost to business owners and can offer a treasure trove of information about how to obtain contracts from various agencies.
This is your opportunity to shine so make sure you are prepared to present an elevator pitch to better define your company. This is a speech that explains what your business has to offer and how you can help another organization meet their goals. It should be short and simple, no longer than a 30-second elevator ride.
Remember Registration With The SAM Directory Is The Vital First Step
SAM stands for System Award Management.
To do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management directory. The government will not hire any type of business (large or small) that has not registered in SAM. Sam Directory will help guide you through this process so you can spend your time preparing to win these lucrative government contracts.
Please read one of the helpful blog articles on our site like Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses. These blogs will help give you all the information you need to understand how we can help make the process very easy for you.
Make It Short But Sweet
It can be difficult, to sum up, your beloved business in thirty brief seconds. You have so many wonderful points to mention, summing it up can seem impossible when you are in this type of spur of the moment situation.
This is why practicing your elevator pitch is an essential first step in the process. Quickly jot down the most important concepts of your business in no more than four short sentences and then narrow it down even further.
Remember To Be Clear And Concise
Do not spend too much time trying to explain complex terminology that is very industry-specific. The elevator pitch should be so simple that any random person of the street can understand exactly what you are trying to convey. This is important because it makes sure that you keep the attention of the listener, no matter what their level of expertise.
Practice Makes Perfect
Now that you have a short clear and concise message, it is time to practice in front of the mirror. Many people find talking to themselves in front of a mirror to be silly and unpleasant. However, this is the best way to really learn your elevator pitch until it becomes second nature. It will help you with things like smiling at the right moment and making pleasant eye contact.
Practice until you totally eliminate awkwardness and the words like “umm” from the elevator pitch. Make sure that you speak with enthusiasm in your voice. You want to make sure the listener understands the passion you feel for your business and make it sound very natural and organic.
Convey What Makes You Stand Out From The Crowd
You should also include what makes you unique from your competitors. Make sure you do not mention your competition by name or say negative things about them in general. Being classy is always a great way to make a good first impression.
Instead, you should focus on what makes you different and how the agency can benefit from your particular company. It also makes the listener aware that you have knowledge of the industry and makes you less likely to be caught off guard by industry-related questions.
Make Them Curious and Leave Them Wanting More
Let them learn a little bit about you. Give them a tiny bit of information about your story and background. This can make even the most mundane of products very interesting.
Example: “I was interested in becoming a parts manufacturer because my great- grandmother worked as one of the first female riveters in a factory during World War II.”
This allows the listener to place an interesting story with an otherwise fairly mundane business pitch. This small piece of information will make the customer want to find out more about you and your business in less than thirty seconds, making them much more likely to invite you over to the government agency for a proper presentation.
Call To Action
This brings us to the final stage of the elevator pitch. Understand that you need to include a call to action that takes you to the next step in the process. Make sure that you know what that next step needs to be and you leave it open for the listener to initiate the action.
Summary Of The Elevator Pitch
Here is a rundown of what is needed in the beginning:
- Grab them with a statement that engages them and prompts questions. Remember to smile and look friendly
- Introduce yourself
- Tell them what your company does
What Do You Offer:
- What problems can your company solve for the agency?
- Give an example of past work
- Let them know about your company’s knowledge
What Are The Benefits:
- What very special service, product, or product does your company offer?.
- Give them the advantages of working with your company. In what do you differ from competitive companies?
- Have a version for every type o business situation. A convention might be a little different than a networking meetup.
How Do You Do It:
- Tell them a short story of how your company is unique.
Call For Action:
- Ask for an appointment, referral, or presentation after you have completed your pitch.
Be Confident
Remember that you are an amazing person who is running a fantastic business. Stay calm and follow our instructions to start winning lucrative government contracts that can take your company to the next level.