[Floorwizard]

I agree, things are getting a lil rough on this thread.

But I think that a true elevator speach is not about what you do, it is about what you can do for them.

if you do this:

I am a roofing and exterior remodeling contractor, such as siding, gutters and windows. Here.... take my card.

You won't get much.
No offense Grump, I know you get most of your business other ways.
But how does this chatter really affect the potential client? If I was the client, I would say "great! ....human yellow pages!"
But if this client is a builder and you inform him how you can be proffessional, and save money by offering quality work at a reasonable price, be on time and run a tight crew, blah, blah, blah...ect...ect...
then you will show more value than the phone book.

those 10 seconds are critical. You cannot waste time with canned explenations of your services. The phone book will do that.
Whoever the client may be, just explain how your company can benefit THEM, and if they are interested, they will go further with you.

add value with those 10 secs.

 

[Floorwizard]

if you were hungry, and you saw a steak, you would be interested, but if you smelled it too, you would be VERY interested. If it had all the trimmings, then you would have to have it.

I was mostly speaking about the times you go to meet them at their office. Not really the occasional run into deal.
But I know what you mean.