But I am not selling Elevators........

A few years ago I watched a presentation by Jeff Hayzlett on Social Media and Elevator pitches. Jeff called them your “One Eighteen” which was in reference to the average wait for an Elevator in NYC (18 seconds) and the average journey length (1 Minute), I may or may not have those the correct way round. What he was wanting was a short sharp pitch that summed up what you did and why the listener should care....to use a fishing metaphor, Hook you first and then reel you in, 18 seconds to hook and then one minute to reel in. If you get a chance look Jeff up and follow him on Twitter.....you will not be sorry.


With this in mind I thought I could give some details of how to approach your own 1-18 or Elevator Pitch.....Barbra has been working with Anthony, who was off to Speed Networking in Swindon, to make sure he used his one minute perfectly.....


1. Strong handshake.


2. Good eye contact.


3. Keep it brief – 60 seconds or less.


4. Try to follow the “W” technique
- Who are we?
- Where are we?
- What do we offer?
- Why choose us?
-
5. Be interesting. Don't bore them to death. Try to come up with ways to make your elevator pitch unique and exciting enough so that you will be invited to tell them more.


6. Be clear and concise. Tell them what you have to offer in easy to understand bullet points – DON’T USE JARGON unless you are talking to someone from a similar industry.




7. Be credible. Tell them how long you have been in business, awards won, tell them about client testimonials etc.


8. Be likeable. Be friendly and SMILE Give the impression that you are someone who is easy to work with and who is fun to be around. Show that even though you take your work seriously, you still know how to have fun.


9. Be enthustiatic. People want to work with people who believe in what they do.


10. PRACTICE makes perfect. Do lots of roll play with friends & colleagues until you are word perfect. Don’t um and ah – be confident in what you are saying. Don’t fidget.


If you would like to hear ours then please give Anthony a shout or alternately we could send you a written copy. anthony@appleprint.co.uk 01635 521654