Elevator Pitch(es)
Have you learned the art of the ‘Elevator Pitch’ yet?
You know how it goes, right? The elevator doors open, you step in, and there he or she is. The VIP you need to talk to. You have a floor or two – less that 15 seconds! – to make a pitch. Are you prepared?
You’d better be ready right now with a succinct statement that delivers your message. Include who you are, what you do/have to offer, the benefits of what you propose, and a simple offer or call to action.
Think short and to the point; 25 to 50 words will do. If you have multiple products/services, then prepare a separate pitch for each. Then, use these elevator pitches whenever/wherever you need then.
When networking, make your pitch and then add: “and what about you?” to the end so the other person can respond.
Do this right and you have an effective (and necessary) technique for promoting your products and services. Don’t put this off. Get your pitch(es) together today.
2 Comments
I think a really important thing to remember about an elevator pitch is that you really can’t tell someone what you do in that short amount of time, so you need to be compelling and intriguing enough that they say, “Why don’t you come into my office and tell me more” . It’s all about relationships so you are actually selling yourself…be successful in that and all the rest will follow.
Great point, Robert. Thanks for contributing. And I really enjoyed meeting you at the SEA Conference. You went out of your way to help the students learn to make a living from their art.