You do what?

Have you ever had a potential customer call you and ask the most general question of all? "What does your company do or what services do you provide?" That is a big question for a new business still trying to find its way in the world. Your answer to that question can determine if you get the client or not. First lets talk about ways to assure the person on the other end is confused and probably will not call you back.

Answer 1. We do lots of things. What are you looking for. This is the Jack of all trades master of none answer. The client will think you are mining for information so you can give them the answer they want to hear instead of your specialty.

Answer 2. We are a company of this many people located at this place and we have won x number of awards etc. etc..... This answer just sounds to much like a sales pitch. They are already calling for more information so you already know they are interested. Kill the over done sales pitch.

Answer 3. We integrate your communication funnel into a revised function of customer interaction. What? This answer came from a chat company. It really meant they provided live chat on your website. This sounds like you are trying to sound smart. It is not customer friendly talk. Keep it simple, please.

What are some good responses to the big question what does your company do? From experience I have fumbled around with this question and sometimes taken why too long to answer. At times I have answered and then wondered what the heck I just said and why. I have learned that people want a short, honest, complete, laymen answer.

My answer to this question now is, "we are car and van couriers that do same day and next day deliveries for companies and personal clients. We deliver packages of all kinds that are under 55 lbs. each."

This answer serves my business by simplifying my services enough to  open up dialogue between me and my clients. It leaves room for them to ask questions. And that helps build a re-pore. This answer also says that we do deliveries but we are not truckers so we can not transport huge pallets of goods. And finally my answer lets my clients know that our service can be used by your business and by you on a personal basis.

So what does your company do?
Leave a comment below and tell me how you answer the question?