Elevator Pitch Do’€™s and Don’€™ts

November 21, 2011
Elevator Pitch Do’s and Don’ts

If you suddenly found yourself next to someone who could benefit your career or business connections, would you be ready to seize the opportunity?

It can be as simple as having the right elevator pitch.

“It’s your calling card,” says Ginny Clarke, co-author of Career Mapping. “Anywhere at anytime, there could be an opportunity for a conversation that could serve your career.”

She says preparing an elevator pitch lets you present skills, experience and capabilities in one, five or 15 minutes.

Where to begin? “Write a script,” says Clarke. Other experts recommend writing down what you do in 10 to 20 different ways, then practicing so you know the key

points you want to leave people with.

“Offer what’s important in your life and what means something to you,” says Clarke. She encourages women to talk about personal subjects so people know who you are, allowing others to connect with you.

Something to avoid? Cramming your whole resume into your pitch. “This isn’t a job interview,” says Clarke. She relates it to being on a first date. “You’re getting acquainted, not trying to sell yourself or ask for favors.”

Bonus PINK Link: Now that you’ve conquered the elevator pitch, here’s how to nail your next press release.

Minute Mentor: Co-founder and president of Turknett Leadership Group Lyn Turknett explains the importance of confident body language at work.

By Malee Moua

“If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” Nora Roberts

 
Supporting images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net, twobee, renjith Krishnan, and photostock.