Whether it’s at a career fair, business conference, or just passing by on the streets, you never know when you’ll run into someone from your dream company or a client you want to impress. That’s why it’s so important that you have a so-called elevator pitch ready to go at all times. An elevator pitch should be concise enough to be given during the time it takes to ride an elevator with someone, but should contain enough information to convey who you are and what you want. Here are our tips to help you master your elevator pitch:
Prioritize your information
Depending on the situation, you may not know exactly how much time you will have before the other person has to leave or you get cut off. While it’s good to think of all the relevant qualities and experiences you may want to convey, make sure you state the most important material first to ensure that this information gets across.
Find out what makes you stand out
Typically you’ll have a very short window of time to impress someone, so make sure you include whatever specific experience or interests you have that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Practice makes perfect
While you don’t want to sound too rehearsed or robotic, the more you practice the easier it will be to speak naturally when the opportunity arises. Record yourself speaking and play it back to yourself to hear how it sounds, or run through it on your elevator ride up to the office.
Be prepared
Don’t be surprised if your audience has any followup questions. Be prepared to answer them, and have a few questions ready to ask back if you get the chance. It’s also a good idea to carry a few business cards to exchange so that you can follow up on your conversation later.