Executive Expressions

“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” – American tennis great Arthur Ashe

Who Needs An Elevator Pitch?

Are you good at talking about yourself? A lot of us are uncomfortable talking about ourselves. We do not want to be judged. This is especially true when we lack self-confidence or are self-conscious. We wonder if the person will believe that we are who we say we are. We analyze every facial gesture. We downplay our accomplishments and abilities. Remember this: You are your own worst critic. Consider this quote from author Brene Brown:

Social interaction is confusing and stressful for many. Knowing what to say, when and how to say it can be tricky, in an environment where you must also present a professional persona. Some of us are very good with words and interact with others with ease. In either case, when it comes to putting our best foot forward at a networking event; job interview; meeting an investor; or when being introduced to a colleague, it is best to be prepared for some version of the question, “Tell me about yourself.” In the previous article on networking, I wrote about being able to communicate how “…your unique set of capabilities and experiences show that you bring a distinct, unique value…” But you may simply need something to say to introduce yourself clearly, and in a succinct manner.

If you do not want to stumble when asked who you are and what you are about, having a template answer will give you a foundation of confidence and also confer the advantage of appearing confident when you do not feel that way.

Enter the elevator pitch.

What Is An Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a 30-second sound bite that tells the person a couple of key things about you and helps to start a connection. Why is it called an ‘elevator pitch’? Picture yourself in an elevator. Someone you have been dying to meet enters, and in the time before you or the person gets to their floor, you want to introduce yourself, get your point across and ask if you may keep in touch with them! The pressure is on, but you’re not worried. You have rehearsed exactly how to present your own quick personal marketing campaign; it will help settle your nerves and make you look good. Potential connections will also appreciate that you did not talk their head off, sound confused and create an awkward situation for you both.

So let’s dive in.

Elements of an Elevator Pitch

Before you begin writing, do a brain dump on the following three questions and pick out the ideas that will create a narrative that is authentic to your passion, vision and purpose, to create a compelling, persuasive story for your audience. This will also make it easier to spontaneously recall.

Who Are You?

Create a list of words that describe yourself. Remember, this is for professional purposes. What can you say about yourself that is relevant in the environment (job fair; business conference; networking event; after-work mixer)? What are you working on?

Example:

“Hello! I’m Lynn White, so nice to meet you. I recently graduated from Caribbean International College with a Master’s in Marine Biology I’m focused on sperm whales and their importance to healthy oceanic ecosystems.“

What Do You Do?

Now you talk about your relevant skills and perhaps how you applied or developed them through past work experience – even an internship or volunteer work. What do you or will you hit the ground running every morning to do?

“I got an amazing opportunity assisting the first researchers to tag sperm whales and their prey. I got that highly competitive job because they liked my history in data analysis, organizing and logistics along with my theoretical training.”

What Do You Want?

What is your ‘ask’? This part depends on the purpose of your pitch. What do you want and what will you offer in return? Your ask will depend on the situation: job interview, networking event, industry conference… And the person’s position: HR Manager; business manager; colleague; etc.

“My intention is a career in research and eventually public policy advising. I’ve been following XYZ Organization for a while now. Would you mind if I contact you in the next week for an informational interview on your company?”

Whatever the ask, if the answer is no, treat the situation with grace and gratitude:

Person: “I appreciate your enthusiasm. Unfortunately there is a hiring freeze so we will have no openings for the forseeable future.” You: Smile, “I understand. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. Would you mind if I follow up by e-mail some time in the future?”

If the answer is affirmative:

“Wonderful. Thank you so much. I will send a follow-up e-mail by tomorrow morning. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

A Few Important Points

1. DO NOT sound rehearsed. Yes you want to practice your pitch, but it should flow naturally, not like you are reading a script. Remember the ideas you want to convey instead of word-for-word memorization. This will make it easier to pivot as necessary.
2. Pace yourself. Rushing will communicate anxiety and maybe even give the impression that you’re not fully present. A conversational pace gives the listener the chance to absorb what you are telling them, helps create a connection and can help you come across confident and authoritative.
3. Have different versions of your elevator pitch for different targets and situations.
4. Practice your pitch! Practice in the mirror, practice with a friend. Practice with a career coach or mentor. (You can use your pitch to find a mentor.) Practice with a person whose task is to act uninterested. How do you get their attention. Do not shy away from constructive criticism. You want to sound as natural as possible, so you want to try to know what you’re going to say (with variations) like the back of your hand. Do not wing it.

Where To Use An Elevator Pitch

1. A networking event or other professional social setting
2. A job interview (“Tell me about yourself…”)
3. The Summary section of a resume
4. As part of a bio for social media such as LinkedIn
5. An introduction at a speaking engagement

Who Am I? What Do I Want?

My name is Melissa Mavour. I’m a creative and intuitive entrepreneur with a natural gift for written communication. I started as a voracious reader at three years old and in my childhood I won awards at school for my writing. I attended a writing program with The Philadelphia Inquirer at Temple University. I have completed trainings on digital marketing and am working on a certification in copywriting. Over the years, colleagues, friends and family have solicited my help with a wide variety of writing needs including GoFundMe campaigns, bios, cover letters, applications, business correspondence, marketing materials and web copy.

Today, I want to help YOU develop your communication strategy, whether business or personal, and gain measurable short- and long-term results.

You may reach me via e-mail at executiveexpressionscw@gmail.com, or by Facebook messenger at http://www.facebook.com/executiveexpressions.

Let’s schedule a consultation and start to do great things together!

Job interviews are nerve-racking for everybody. Whether you are fairly new to the work world, or a pro searching for a new opportunity, there are some important ways to make yourself memorable – for the right reasons. Come back soon!

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