Crafting an Effective Elevator Pitch

Introduction to Elevator Pitches

• People dislike being pitched to with rehearsed, salesy language.
• An effective pitch should build real human connections.
• People do business with those they like, so likability is key.

Modern Formula for Elevator Pitches

• Should be meaningful and compelling.
• Updated for the modern workforce.
• Include tools for articulating pitches in interviews.

Steps to Develop Your Elevator Pitch

1. Write Down Key Points

   • What do you do?
   • Who do you do it for?
   • How do you do it?
   • Why does it matter?
   • Include accomplishments and reasons you love your job.
   • Avoid over-editing; focus on getting ideas on paper.

2. Reorganize and Engage

   • Mix up the order of elements.
   • Add a question at the beginning and end to engage the audience.
   • Questions should highlight the problem you solve or context for your role.

3. Example Pitches

   • Blockchain Technology: Start with a probing question, concise role explanation, and a notable accomplishment.
   • Low Unemployment Rate: Connect role to a relatable issue and showcase achievements.
   • Work-Life Balance: Highlight the significance of your role without jargon.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid excessive business jargon.
• Do not self-describe with clichéd terms like "creative" or "hard-working."
• Avoid telling your entire story upfront.
• Focus on understanding and adding value to the other person.

Networking Strategies

• 60 Seconds of Value: Use conversation to understand other's needs and find ways to add value.
  • Suitable for building business relationships.
• Research and Follow-Up: For job seekers, focus on the company’s challenges and offer solutions.
  • Effective for landing competitive jobs.

Practice and Feedback

• Record your pitch and seek feedback from professionals, not friends or family.
• Be open to critiques; initial drafts are often flawed.

Elevator Pitch in Job Interviews

• Often used to answer "Tell me about yourself" in interviews.
• A critical component of interview success.
• A worksheet is available for refining this response.

Conclusion

• Like, subscribe, and engage with provided resources.
• The approach enhances chances of both networking success and job acquisition.