If you're a college intern, you have a slight advantage in today's world of startups, hipsters and millennial businesses. You're young and hungry, and you can get away with it!

So be honest. During this entrepreneurial internship with Aflac, your goal is to learn, gain experience and hopefully make money. And there are several variations of the "I'm-an-intern-so-please-meet-with-me-for-a-business-interview" prospecting pitches that can lead to employer meetings (ERs).

BUT BE CAREFUL. People don't like the bait-and-switch. You don't want a business owner granting you an interview, only for them to later feel like you're there to sell something.

Here's my favorite pitch that I feel can work if done correctly:

"Hi, my name is _____________. I'm an entrepreneurial marketing student at [NAME OF YOUR SCHOOL]."

"I'm interning this [SEASON/TERM] with a new small-business platform called Everwell."

"I was wondering if you'd be able to grant me a quick 10-12 minute interview so I can learn more about your business. We're trying to see what organizations might be a good match for our platform."

"Don't worry. I'm not trying to sell anything. I'll explain to you about what our platform does, and I'd be open to get some feedback."

Well, what does it do?

"Well, it's a web-based business tool that -- right now -- offers companies the ability to offer health and ancillary benefits to their employees at zero cost. 

It works for part-time, full-time, and 1099 employees all the same. And it's powered by Aflac, which is our largest carrier.

And by offering these benefits, your business can actually take advantage of a tax break, lower your worker's comp premiums, and ideally improve employee retention and morale."

How does it do that?

"Well, it'd be very easy to show you how it works in about 10, maybe 12 minutes. I can bring my tablet and walk you through it." 

"Do you have time for a short meeting on Tuesday, at say, 3pm?"


...and scene. 


THE INTERVIEW
Now that the business owner is expecting an interview, do a little research. Then be ready to ask these questions! Remember to make it sound like small talk. Keep it to about 5-7 minutes, tops.
 
1. I read online that this company has been in business since ____. Have you always been the owner?

2. How many employees do you have on staff?

3. What's their demographic makeup?

4. Do people work full-time? Part-time? Seasonally? 1099? Is there turnover?

5. Our company conducted a research study that targeted the six biggest dangers to small businesses, and we based our platform, Everwell, to address those issues. They are:

A. Rising costs due to taxes, worker's comp, or health insurance premiums
B. Having to cut existing benefits
C. Low employee morale due to absenteeism and presenteeism
D. High turnover
E. Navigating around new Health Care Reform (ACA) laws
F. Employees' financial devastation due to illness or injury

If you had to choose one, what would you say has been your biggest issue or concern?