As part of my marketing plan for the year, I’m always attending a number of local and regional networking events. Inevitably, when I meet someone for the first time, I’ll ask them not only what their business is but also what their interests are. Much more polite to let someone else go first.
Once they have finished with their “elevator pitch” (not a good description, I’ve never had a discussion with someone in an elevator, who does that?), I’ll then have the opportunity to describe my business and my interests. While I always begin with a short description of my consulting practice, I never pass up on the opportunity to talk about my running and, most importantly, my book “Running Log”. If I’m lucky and the running gods are looking down favorably, I’ll actually sell one of my books!
But, more often than not, the person I’m talking with is a non runner who will then go on, in detail, as to why they can’t run. Depending upon how embarrassed they are about not doing any exercise they will go on ad nauseum by defending themselves and providing excuses as to why they are unable to. Since I’ve heard them all, I smile politely and nod my head as if in agreement. (Hey, no need to start an argument; this could be a potential client).
What I will do, ever so nicely, is explain to them that we are all runners and offer the following examples:
- Running (out of time)
- Running (late)
- Running (amok)
- Running (around)
- Running (away)
- Running (for office)
- Running (out of money)
- Running (on empty)
- Running (a red light)
- Running (out of patience)
- Running (off at the mouth)
Roger Hollis is the author of RUNNING LOG, a book of inspiration and humor for both experienced and non-experienced runners.