Take an Elevator Ride

Perfecting your 30-second sales pitch.

Have you ever been to a dinner party or networking event and someone asks, “So, what do you do?” Now’s your chance! You have a captive audience and an opportunity to engage them in your company’s story and potentially bring on a new client.

“I’m a consultant,” you say. And just like that, the chance to be interesting and engaging has passed you by. Or, maybe you’re the type that starts with, “I was born in a hospital in Florida…” and proceeds to share your life story that ends with, “I’m a consultant.”

Either way, you probably flubbed the opportunity. When you have the chance to inspire people with what you do – take it! But you must keep some important concepts in mind to be effective and empowering.

1. Time is not on your side. Try to keep your pitch to 30 seconds. It’s what we call the ‘elevator pitch.’  If you can tell someone about yourself and what you do during an elevator ride, you’ll garner success!  If people want to know more, they’ll ask. But, as long as you’re clear and concise you’ll be surprised that you can tell the entire story in that time.
2. Speak to your passion. Tell people what it is about your work that really excites you and the value clients get from working with you. Make sure you tell people the things Do you love about your work (and not just that it pays the bills). Make sure you include the details and answer the questions before you have to be asked.
3. Practice makes perfect. Your pitch should come naturally and fluidly. Start by writing it down on paper. That way you can see if anything is missing. Once you have your pitch developed – memorize it and own it.  Finally, practicing in front of the mirror (as crazy as you’ll feel doing it) is a great way to get comfortable with your story.  Make eye contact with yourself, so you can get used to relating to yourself as others relate to you!
4. Keep it simple. Chances are the people you meet are not experts in your field – so don’t talk to them like they are. Be conversational and avoid terms/topics that might be confusing.

Keep in mind – you are your own expert. People are only going to know the things you share with them. So, if you can’t explain what your company does, how can you expect others to understand your product or service enough to hire you?

At Pick My Brain, we can help you develop a pitch that is sure to bring your company new clients. Contact us at 310.771.0665 for more information.