I should have stopped by the restroom before getting onto the plane. By the time we’d boarded, waited for clearance, finally taxied halfway to our destination and taken off I was counting the seconds until the “keep seat belt fastened’ light went off. As soon as it did I jumped from my seat in coach and sprinted up through first class only to be cut off right in front of the lavatory by someone else just as he was cut off by the flight attendant as she entered the lavatory.
The guy that had just been cutoff as he’d cut me off turned back towards me, looked at the logo on my shirt and asked, “MarketShare, what do they do?” Rule #20 says, “Always be ready to give an on-the-spot description of what you do and why it matters to anyone who asks.” This is one of those universal rules that applies to anyone who wants to promote their business or career. What do you do and why does it matter?
I replied, “MarketShare is me and I am a marketer who helps businesses be more successful.” Just then the door opened and the guy said, “I need some marketing”, as he entered the lavatory. While he was in the lavatory I scrambled to find a business card and have it ready to hand him as he emerged. He said thanks and apologized for not having a card to give me.
While I was waiting at baggage claim for my suitcase the guy from the lavatory approached me with his business card, introduced himself as Scott Hayes and invited me to get back to him and tell him how I could help him be more successful. I said that he’d hear from me within a week.
Thus in October 2000 began a professional and personal relationship that continues to this very day. You never know how or when you are going to meet your next customer, client or career opportunity. Be ready wherever you are to explain quickly and concisely what you do and why it matters.
Not only is Brian a great marketer, but apparently he was running a video recorder camera discretely. Life changing moments do seem to have a way of leaving an indelible footprint in our memories. Remarkably, I met my wife on a Delta flight as well. Magical things can happen in the air. Anyways, I suppose, at this point, that I am thankful I didn’t trash the lavatory before Brian used it. You know what I mean, LOL. To Brian’s point, the Boy Scout motto sums it up quite well: Be Prepared! Thanks for your service and friendship Brian. Regards, Scott
Love the picture, Brian! Graphic LA can help you be prepared with a conversation-starting logo and memorable business cards.
Good stuff…..what we call an elevator speech…..30 seconds or less to get commitment to get to the next meeting, etc
The new position I am in was a result of 30 seconds with one of our Division Presidents ..when I ran into him at one of our Users Conferences.
He came back after I made a move to the new position created approx. 1-1/2 years ago and said ”it’s amazing what 30 seconds at the Emerson Exchange can get you!” meaning I changed his vision and he created the new position as a result. You have to be prepared! and make your words count! Have a great great day and God Bless!