I get that question a lot. From the first day I opened my Virtual-e-Yours business it became evident that I was going to have to learn how to perfect that so-called elevator speech, because few I came into contact with knew what a virtual provider was.
When called upon to introduce myself at networking events I always start by asking if anyone has heard of a virtual provider. I see more hands now than before. Still, those same people who raise their hands end up finding me at some point and admitting that although they’ve heard of it, they don't exactly know what a virtual or personal development virtual provider does, nor are they familiar with the benefits of hiring one.
Networking events don't normally give an opportunity to give a lengthy definition. Since the word "virtual" is one which is self-explanatory, I still have to follow it with “I provide virtual project and personal development support to busy clients via the Internet”, just to bump into a sea of blank stares. In trying to create clarity in defining what I do, I studied my website and realized that I was failing to truly answer the burning question, "What do you do?" I have felt many times the need to define what Virtual-e-Yours offers but have only generalized and in doing so, failed at answering the question.
Unlike most job descriptions, this one encompasses many specialties and many industries. The background and training of each individual virtual provider determines just what they offer for services. In reality, each and every virtual provider offers something a little bit different than the next. In light of this revelation, there are two ways I now deal with the looming question of “What do you do?”
If the person is asking about virtual providers in general I think it would be fair to compare it to being an engineer. Civil engineers, mechanical engineers and chemical engineers all do different things, yet they are all still engineers. Social media, bookkeeping, web development and personal development virtual providers are all still virtual providers.
So how do I respond when I am asked specifically what I do? I’m working on coming up with a new elevator speech that is more specific to my services. I've also updated my site and clarified the services available. Today, when someone visits our website, they will have a much better idea of just what Virtual-e-Yours offers.
