The opening sentence of our pitch is our most important. And too many of us are getting it wrong…The phrase “Let me know if you ever need a…” shows up a lot, in my inbox and surely yours, too. I’ve come to think of it as the eight most deadly words in entrepreneurship—because that phrase is the death of opportunity. We should all step back and think: Have we used these words? Have we used similar words? And if so, have we failed to seize the moment? We need to stop hiding behind ourselves. Get out in front! Sell yourself and your amazing abilities. Understand someone’s problem, and explain exactly why you’re the solution. “Let me know if you ever need a…”? No. Never. Instead, start with: “Let me explain how I can help you.”
Now I’m listening.

–Jason Feifer