No one knows the pressure of the boardroom better than me – one wrong move can be the difference between winning and losing. On The Apprentice, Mr. Trump often asks, “Why should I keep you here instead of.”
In life, we are often faced with the same questions by those we want to do business with – people always want to know why they should do business with you instead of your competitor. A major advantage that I had over the other contestants was that I knew when to launch into my own 30 Second Commercial.
In a 30 Second Commercial, you need to be able to sell yourself and your skills to a complete stranger in 30 seconds or less. What are the compelling reasons why someone should do business with you?
I have enclosed some tips on how to write your own 30 Second Commercial:
Be Able to Recite on a Moment’s Notice. On the show, I knew my 30 Second Commercial better than my competitors. Whenever asked, I could name specifics as to why I was the better choice, my precise record as a project manager, and what I had to offer that no one else had.
Know Your Competitor’s Commercials. Not only could I tell my story, I also knew those of my competitors, and could bring them up when it was advantageous. In one circumstance, I knew the win/loss record of my competitor better than he did, and that led Trump to fire him instead of me.
Don’t Let Anyone Else Write Your Script. Going onto The Apprentice, I was pegged as the Modest Midwestern Housewife – and instead I showed them I was someone who could “handle the killers of New York.” Mr. Trump told me that he respected me for knowing who I was. Always be yourself!
I wish you great financial success using this technique – be sure to send me the royalties!
