Neat trick: Using a PDA to maximize your networking opportunities
Sunday, March 4th, 2007
A few months ago I was given a PDA as a birthday gift. It’s an HP iPAQ. It sat in the box for a couple of months until I found the time to try it out. Now I’m getting hooked. The wifi capability is great and the screen resolution is better then I anticipated. It has great features such as the ability to play audio and video files, and calendar syncing.
However, here is my favorite feature:
It will run a PowerPoint presentation.
Why is this so great? It’s a pitch in the pocket. I’m now creating a PPT with our core story and selling proposition, a 15-20 second “micro-pitch” with a few key visuals. I can even add a video.
So what will I do with a micro-pitch? Use it as networking aid. Here is my business card, oh, and check this out, this is our core story, want to see it?
“You mean right now?”
Click click. “So what we do is…” 20 seconds later you’ve just answered the “so what do you do?” question using the most powerful visuals you have.
I plan on making a pile of these mini PowerPoints to explain basic Web development and marketing jargon. What do you mean by a custom CMS? Mash-up? Fused online-offline marketing?
“Want to see samples of our design work?” Click click.
“Want to see a highlight of last night’s basketball game?”
What a great tool; you’re now setup to outshine any competitor at a networking event.
Anyone can use this, from a Pfizer sales rep to a barbershop owner (want to see the top 10 current trendy hair cuts for kids?) he says while at a PTA meeting waiting for it to start.
It really takes the pressure off you to have the graphical aid. Plus it’s unique, so use it before it gets popular and it will make an even greater impact. Mobile technology is going to get more and more relevant in the next few years, so get used to it. The ‘micro pocket pitch’ is an easy way to get started.
- Bruce
Ps. Don’t know what your core story is? Don’t know how you can represent it visually in a few images? No problem. That’s part of what we do. Give me a call and we’ll hook you up. PDA not included. Actually, why not, I’ll include a PDA if you don’t have one, teach you how to use it and configure it so it’s ready to tell your story to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
