Business Networking Secret: Your Elevator Pitch

So what is an elevator pitch? An elevator pitch refers to those first few words you speak when someone asks you ‘So, what do you do?’

You therefore have to do 3 things:

1. Engage your listener(s) so they do actually listen to what you have to say
2. Ensure that you convey the message you want so the listener understands you
3. Ensure that what you say is remembered

   Remember you only get one opportunity to make a first impression so your elevator pitch is something you should spend time planning, practising and testing.

   Apply this business networking secret to any situation (especially speed networking) when you are first asked to explain what you do, however, for more tips on extended elevator pitches please read 'your effective 60 seconds'

   Ten tips for an effective elevator pitch

   1. Keep it short – generally 10 seconds is about right. A sure fire way to turn someone off if you have just met them is to start rambling on.
   2. Decide what the one key message is that you want to convey – saying you do too many things will just confuse
   3. Choose you words carefully – your elevator pitch should sum up your intended message
   4. Make it interesting to the listener so your listener will be compelled to find out more. E.g. ‘I help to keep people out of prison…’ Why should your listener listen to you? Perhaps pick out an interesting client you had e.g. ‘I recently helped a client make his first million’
   5. Focus on what you can do for people and how you can help them versus what you are e.g. ‘I help people pay less tax’ versus ‘I am an accountant’
   6. Make your pitch specific – this is really important if you are going to be remembered. Eg. ‘ I specialise in helping newly singled women find a clear direction in their life’ versus ‘ I’m a coach and I work with all types of people to help them get what they want’
   7. Prepare different versions depending on who you are speaking to
   8. Practice your elevator pitch
   9. Get feedback from friends, family and colleagues as to how you ca improve your pitch
   10. Last but by no means least convey your passion – passion creates energy and people love talking to people with energy. If you are not passionate about what you do you may have some serious questions to ask yourself

   See Also:-

   Learn Successful Public Speaking From The World Champion
   More Business Networking Tips
   An Effective 60 Seconds
   

   
   

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