Create an Illustrative Business Model

Have you ever attended a networking event and tried articulating your business objective to someone who just doesn’t seem to grasp the concept?  They may even be your ideal client.
When people ask, “What do you do?” most people answer, “I help businesses with their social media strategy,” “I coach executives” or “We build websites.” That’s what we’ve been taught, but what the person really wants to know is, “Do I need to know you?”
When we share our expertise, while we understand the full context, the person we’re speaking to may have a different interpretation and just move on to the next person, not realizing they DO need to know you.  Therefore, it’s important that, when articulating your expertise, you have a clear problem-solution statement that addresses the Who, What and Why? Take a look at the sample problem-solution statement below:
I work with [your ideal client] + [biggest problem you solve]. I help them to [transformation/outcome your clients achieve].

Here are a couple of examples I use interchangeably:

“I work with service-based entrepreneurs who are seeking to get to new levels in their businesses. I help them create high-profit businesses that give them more freedom in their work/life mix.”

“I work with service-oriented entrepreneurs who are struggling to get a breakthrough in their businesses. I help them create thriving, 6-figures business, and beyond, so that they have the means and freedom to live life on their own terms.”

The next step is to design a business model that keeps you focused and true to your vision, but also gives your prospective clients a clear illustration of the key benefits they receive from working with you, as well as the primary areas of focus to achieve the desired outcome or transformation.

My take action challenge for you this week is to >>download my illustrated business model << and use it as a guide for creating your own. Because people have short memories and attention spans, an illustration is a great re-enforcement tool.  (There are many types of business models; most often used for internal purposes. This exercise is a simple illustration for marketing purposes).

Allow prospects to download it from your website, social media or online newsletter. Make copies to share offline at networking events, on business display tables, at training sessions, and other business hotspots.