Whether at a networking event, out at a bar, or sitting next to you on your next flight, you never know when you may have the opportunity to speak with someone that could change your career for the better.
Having who you are and what you do summarized into a quick yet thought out, carefully curated, elevator pitch allows you to memorize it and take advantage of every opportunity you may encounter.
What exactly is an elevator pitch?
According to Indeed.com, an elevator pitch is a quick summary of yourself. It’s named for the amount of time it should take to deliver it—the duration of a short elevator ride (roughly 30 to 60 seconds or 75 words). Elevator pitches are sometimes thought to be specific to an idea or a product, but you can also use it to sell yourself as a professional.
You want to have an elevator pitch memorized so you can speak to it anytime you come across someone that may ask you about your career and goals.
The perfect scenarios to use your elevator pitch are at networking events, interviews, industry meetups, conferences, and career training.
Tips:
#1 - Practice your elevator pitch with family and friends to fine-tune it before you start using it in the real world and to make sure you have it memorized.
#2 - Have business cards at the ready to hand out. You can even create personal cards with a QR code directing folks to a personal blog, website, or portfolio.
#3 - Don’t forget to tailor your pitch to different audiences if needed. One size fits all may not work for everyone you meet.
#4 - Don’t forget to stay calm and confident when delivering your pitch. You know your own strengths and goals. Speak with confidence from the heart and your message will get across.
How To Build Your Elevator Pitch
There are four main components that make up what you include in your elevator pitch:
Who you are + what you do + the industry or community that you serve + how you help them = your elevator pitch!
Here is an easy breakdown -
- I... what you do
- For...who you serve
- So they can...results you help them achieve
Here is an example of an elevator pitch I could use on behalf of EventUp:
My Name is Nicole Catatao, I’m the Sr. Marketing Manager for EventUp powered by Tripleseat, the leading global venue directory where we connect social and corporate events planners with their perfect event venue space to streamline the event planning and execution process and to help venues grow their events business and revenue.
Share with us your elevator pitch in the comments below!
