In today’s episode, we’re talking all about how to craft your elevator pitch. We talk about the importance of an elevator pitch when you’ll use it, how to frame it and how to use it so it feels natural.
Networking might make you think of something stiff and boring, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It really just means you’re out there meeting new people and finding a way to relate to them. You’ve done this a bunch throughout your life, and now you’ll just continue to in a way that’s focused, clear, and helpful.
Your goal when networking is to get to know as many people as possible both within your field and even outside of it. Often the most tenuous connections are the people who end up helping you the most. So, the more folks you know, the better it gets. Get that web of connections started early.
Ok, so maybe this rarely happens in an elevator, but an elevator pitch serves a very specific purpose, whether you’re physically inside an elevator or not. Elevator pitches help you briefly outline who you are, your experience, and what you’re looking for.
This pitch could happen anywhere you’re meeting new people—at networking event, a bar, waiting in line to buy coffee, you name it. Networking opportunities happen a lot. So, hone the pitch, craft it to be really spectacular, and practice. You want to quickly and concisely tell someone new who you are, what you do, and what you want.
Today we’re talking all about how to craft your elevator pitch. We talk about the importance of an elevator pitch when you’ll use it, how to frame it and how to use it so it feels natural.
- First: The introduction. Give a warm smile. Be bold. Extend your hand, make strong eye contact, and introduce yourself. For example, “Hi there. I’m Laura Eshelman. I wanted to come over and introduce myself.”
- Second: What you do. If you don’t have a job yet, describe your area of expertise. Lead with what you do rather than a title. “I tell compelling stories through digital video.” Then, if you do have a job you can mention your title and where you work, but always lead with what you actually do because it demonstrates your expertise first rather than just a title.
- Third: Your story, the short version. Share a brief overview of your qualifications and tailor the experience to what might be relevant to the other person. Share what makes you unique and cater the pitch to how they might benefit from your unique blend of skills and experience. “I just graduated journalism school and am looking for what’s next. I have extensive experience in producing short-form video and would love to find an opportunity where I can put my experience into action for a publisher.”
- Fourth: The pitch. This is where you get to the point and specify what you want. Are you looking for a job, an introduction to someone in their network,15 minutes of their time, or some advice? Make it clear what you would like the next step to be. “I realize you are very busy, but if I find any job opportunities available on your site, may I follow up with you? How can I be sure we stay in touch?”
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