Using the Communications Factor
With all the demands on our attention, we have to prepare ourselves to penetrate the filters and “walls” others have erected. In the networking world, it is called having your elevator pitch perfected. The elevator pitch is what having your story trimmed down to a clear, concise 45-50 second speech which makes the people you’re talking to REALLY WANT to learn more about you and your business.
The reason it’s called an elevator pitch is because it needs to be long enough and short enough that you can tell about yourself and your business during the elevator ride from the lobby to the top floor, where you intend to meet your next big client. Most of the time, you only have 30-45 seconds before people “check out” on you and start doing other things mentally.
The elevator pitch needs to have enough detail to make people want to contact you either via phone, email or, in best cases, by appointment to sit down and talk with you over a cup of coffee or lunch. Just like movie trailers, the elevator pitch needs to provide enough information to intrigue the audience and make them want to follow up with you, but it shouldn’t take two hours to present the “deal.”
Think of your elevator pitch as an advertisement for your business; you need to promote yourself/ your business, without becoming pushy. Pushiness doesn’t work. More often than not, you will find yourself sitting alone at a networking meeting with people trying to avoid you if you become labeled as only wanting to sell your services.
Your pitch should provide the information clearly and effectively, leaving little room for someone to misinterpret your words — and message — as he replays it in his/her mind after you’ve left.
Focus on what it is you do. Be clear. Be concise. Show people how you can help them. Taylor your message to your audience. And check out my other blog by clicking here.
How ’bout it?
Tags: clear, communication, elevator pitch, freelance, message, prospecting
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May 9, 2008 at 11:59 pm
this is great content writing Mark! It is easily understood, concise and to the point… like a written e-pitch
thanks for sharing with me.
best ~mm
May 10, 2008 at 8:34 am
Mark,
I totally agree!
I’ve taken some time in creating my own elevator speech. In fact, I have a long version, medium version, and even a one-liner. I think it sounds pretty decent…
What do you think of this:
“I help business professionals build a community of clients and prospects with a 3-step exposure program that positions them as an expert, allows them to connect with their audience, and helps them turn business leads into raving fans.”
Did I earn a gold star?
All good things,
Bonnie Gean
May 12, 2008 at 7:35 am
I really like your pitch, Bonnie. It intrigues the people to whom you say it, and makes them — or at least it did me — want to follow up with you and learn more!
Thanks for the comment.
Mark