Elevator pitches are conversation starters and meant to spur "reciprocal" conversation. It's your foot in the door so to speak.
We've all been there...we're with a group or alone in an "elevator" with a new colleague or potential business partner and the silence is deafening. Well...fear not, I'm here to help you get your life together. You need an elevator pitch if your goal is to connect and build mutually beneficial relationships. Whether you're a professional in corporate America or the owner of a business this applies to you.
Develop Your Elevator Pitch
Step One: Identify Who You Are and What You Do
Introduce yourself and state exactly what you do. This is how you grab their attention. Don't ramble. Be as concise as possible. Spark their curiosity. Make them want to know more.
Step Two: What is your why? Why do you do what you do? Clarify your purpose and commitment.
Ask yourself these questions:
What is your purpose?
How do I add value to this world?
Why is this important?
Step Three: What makes you special?
This is your chance to highlight your strengths and accolades briefly. Shine a bright light on your accomplishments and skills. You are capable-make sure they recognize your capabilities.
Step Four: Get the other person to take action such as an exchange of business card.
The easiest way to engage the other person is to ask them a question. The obvious questions might be:
Tell me a little about yourself
Do you have a business card
Lets Connect?
Step Five: Practice & Revise
Your elevator speech is fluid. Add movement, loosen up and practice using the elevator pitch in various scenarios. Your speech shouldn't be monotone and flat. Make it interesting. Cater the speech to the occasion and situation meaning make changes as necessary. You have to be able to "read the room" and "know your audience".
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