F-053
The Elevator Pitch
The 30 second infomercial is a key element of every HAPPEN meeting.
It offers the opportunity for new members and visitors to introduce
themselves. Rather than a long explanation of how the 30 second
infomercial works (as well as a disc ussion of the related issue of making
a good first impression), readers are referred to articles F-011, F-031
and F-034.
What follows here is another way of looking at the 30 second info-
mercial. Known as “the elevator pitch”, it offers many of the same
elements as our 30 second infomercial – but in a slightly different
package. The concept comes to us via our longtime friend and HAPPEN
supporter, Martin Buckland.
If you want to know more about Martin, take a look at the “bio”
provided at the end of the article.
An elevator pitch is your chance to make a lasting impression. It serves as
great job search tool that should be practiced and refined constantly. It can
be used in a variety of settings; a networking event, riding the bus, in the
doctor’s office, a convention, cold calls to potential employers, job
interviews and career fairs where its imperative that you make a quick,
memorable and decisive impression.
The saying, Practice makes Perfect is true. The more polished and rehearsed
you are the better an impression you will make. The Elevator Pitch provides
the listener with succinct information a snap shot of your past, and a snap
shot of your future.
It should consist of words that are used in your vocabulary frequently and
articulated slowly enough for the listeners to comprehend the message.
It emphasizes your uniqueness, your competitive advantage and the benefits
you will provide upon your new appointment, coupled with a snap shot of
your career history.
An elevator pitch is as essential as a business card. You need to be able to
articulate who you are, what you do, what you are looking for and how you
can help others.
What is your hook?
A client of mine uses the following line which consistently draws attention:
“I am bi-lingual, I speak I.T. and I speak business, I act as the conduit
between the two functions.” I’ve watched the audiences as this phase is said,
it’s a call to attention. The mesmerizing moment that captures a listener,
keeps it exciting.
About 150 to 225 words.
Any longer and it will drag on beyond the 60 second attention span. Keep it
brief, make it powerful, leave a long lasting impression.
Passion.
The energy, motivation and confidence have to be displayed either by the
way you carry yourself in-person or through your verbal inflections over the
telephone when conducting a cold call.
So what exactly is the recipe for a successful elevator pitch?
Start with your name: Hello I’m Martin Buckland.
What you do?: I make my clients look sexy! I’m a multiple certified career
management professional specializing at the $100,000 plus senior executive
or those with an ambition to be $100,000 plus, law enforcement officers and
sales and marketing executives. During the last 16 years I have built Elite
Resumes into becoming a competitive company with clients in over 60
countries. We have worked with the Brother of the Sultan of Oman, 3 CEO’s
of Canada’s’ financial institutions, and a C-level executive from IBM’s
global head office. I enjoy my work, making people stand above the
competition in their job search is my forte!
What are you looking for?: I’m seeking clients looking for new
opportunities at the senior executive level, police chiefs and deputies looking
for a new career upon retirement and sales leaders with an outstanding
record of revenue growth. If you know of anyone wanting to enhance their
careers please consider referring them.
How I can help you: I have a considerable database of people in influential,
decision making positions in all business areas and functions across the
world with an emphasis on North America. I am more than willing to share
my contacts with you.
Finish with your name: Thank you for listening, my name is Martin
Buckland.
This is my elevator pitch, at 210 words. Notice the hook? I make people
look sexy! It’s a compelling, wake up call and certainly makes people listen
to what follows. I have successfully enticed them to listen.
If you want to network successfully, you need an elevator pitch. Write it
down and practice your speech in front of the mirror and with friends.
Record it and listen to it. The first few times it may be uncomfortable for
you, however, it gets easier. Are you comfortable with the verbiage? Is the
voice tone and inflection right? Are you confident and engaging? Refine if
needed.
Martin Buckland Bio
Martin Buckland is a Career Management Professional based in Oakville,
Ontario. President of Elite Resumes, he is certified in resume writing,
executive and career coaching, job search strategies, personal branding and
interview coaching with clients across the world.. He has extensive
knowledge of the best strategies to secure a job most effectively and is well
networked with recruiters and human resource professionals across Canada
and the United States.
For more information on his services view
