Top tips for Elevator Pitches
They strike fear into the minds of many a confident networker, and yet the elevator pitches or 60 second intros beloved by many business networking groups can really work in your favour. So they’re worth getting right.
1. Prepare in advance. You don’t need to write out a script word for word, but have a think about what sort of referrals you’re looking for this week and which aspects of your product/ service you’d like to emphasise
2. Keep it brief. Don’t waffle on or talk for more than your allotted time (usually 60 seconds) – it bores people and they’ll switch off.
3. Practice (so that you don’t waffle)
4. Smile and make eye contact with people around the room
5. Sound enthusiastic. If you’re excited about your business then other people will be. If you can’t muster much confidence or passion then how do you expect anyone else to?
6. Be specific about the referrals you’re looking for – “anyone who needs some printing doing” is unlikely to generate contacts in the minds of your fellow networkers, it’s just too generic. “companies in Dubai looking for help with their branding” whilst much more of a long shot, is actually more likely to gain you the contacts that you need
7. Tell a relevant story/ brief testimonial – they are much, much more powerful than you telling everyone how wonderful you are!
8. Stay focused. Remember – you have just 60 seconds to make an impression – keep it brief, passionate and focused.
