Here is a reprint of the most asked for post we have ever published. It’s a bit of free job search advice that you can’t live without, because networking is the key to finding your next job. Read it and enjoy!
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Fellow Toastmaster Jim Nudelman has a simple 4-step process for writing an Elevator Pitch — a 10-15 second focused introduction of your “value proposition” that can be given in an elevator when someone asks, “tell me about yourself.” Jim (”the Noodle” as he is known to friends and family) is an experienced National Sales Trainer, so he should know something about putting your best foot forward to capitalize on a brief window of opportunity. Here’s his process:
Step 1 — Begin with an ACTION PHRASE that is NOT a noun. (”I am a ______________” — but don’t use a “label” in the blank. You don’t want people to put you in a box.)
Step 2 — Add a one sentence statement about what you DO. (”I do _________________” — What do you help people or businesses do?)
Step 3 — Give a statement of the SPECIFIC IMPACT. (”People who utilize my process find _________” — list one or two things from the perspective of your potential employer.)
Step 4 — End with a CALL TO ACTION. (”I am looking to be introduced to _______________” — be specific! If you ask for something non-specific you are likely to get it. What good it that?)
Here’s Jim’s elevator pitch and contact information:
“My name is Jim Nudelman. I am a master of building relationships. I teach sales professionals how to build and grow their business. Sales professionals who have attended my workshops have increased their business by as much as 50%. Please introduce me to a sales manager who has told you they are tired of losing sales to their competition.”
James Nudelman, National Sales Trainer
503-939-4715
jnudelman1@yahoo.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/thenoodle
It’s a simple formula that works! Try it and you will notice a dramatic increase in the effectiveness of your self-introduction that we call your “elevator pitch.”
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8 Responses to “4 Step Process for Writing an Elevator Pitch”
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My “pet peeve” is typos, especially in the headline. In fact, I have been known to stop reading blogs if it is just too much/too often.
Case in point: writing and elevator pitch.
We all know you meant: writing AN elevator pitch.
Best Wishes!
Cindy, the whiner
This simplifies the process for sure. Could you add a share on Twitter button to your 30 blog challenge series?
Oops. Thank you Cindy for catching my mistake. I have changed it.
Sharon, I am looking into adding Twitter to the “share” list.
Sean
Interesting organization of the pitch, especially the action phrase. I never thought about the fact that “web designer” or “eBusiness coach” is bubbling me into a section of what I do. It’s something I will be changing in the future. Thanks, Sean.
BTW, Wordpress has this great, free plugin called ShareThis that adds Digg, Twitter and such to every post. Noticing the comment from Sharon, it’ll be worth adding.
Thanks Joe. I’m having trouble with my WP plug-ins, and need to talk to my ISP to find out why. I will def. add that one when I get the details figured out!
Thanks for this Sean. This is a great formula for developing a great value statement. Part one is best suited for an “active” noun or phrase that leads you closer to your target audience. The label is actually very effective and it’s good to be in box (as long as it’s not a coffin). Being labeled is exactly what you want, unless you are trying to label yourself something you are not. Part two is best suited for your uniqueness…that is to say those things you enjoy doing and do well. Here again, use descriptive language, active nouns/phrases. Part three is the proof in the pudding. What results are you most proud of and how did that get you & your company real results. Part 4 is easy if you’ve done parts 1-2-3 well, and should end in a specific question that leads you closer to your target market (a company or person you would most like to meet right now). In Jim’s example, starting this question with Who do you know (at Nike in sales management?) and allowing a slow 10 count before you talk again. It’s okay to format, reformat, practice, change, tweak the pitch until you get it “right” then you might want to change it some more. Happy networking.
I see why this has been the most popular post. It is wonderful advice: concrete, useful, succinct and results-oriented. Thank you for sharing it (again).
Regarding labels, they can indeed be useful if your goal falls squarely into a “label-able” category. However, for those whose business models cut across categories, or who differentiate themselves on the basis of crossing conventional boundary lines, labels can be unhelpful.
Alternatively, one could always come up with one’s own defined term and make it a new “label”! After all, the purpose of the elevator pitch is to stand out and show that you are an original.
May, you are so correct. Labels don’t really mean much, and neither do job titles. Go out there and create your own personal brand. Label it yourself. You will go much further. Remember, nobody hires somebody who can do everything. They hire someone to solve a particular problem.
Thanks for sharing!
Sean