Elevator pitch – You need it. Now!

Elevator pitch – You need it. Now!

By Rajesh Setty on Fri 01 Jan 2010, 12:17 PM – 11 Comments

I wrote a while ago, that you are always in a boxing game. People want to “box” you whether you want it or not. If that is happening anyway, why not do something to help them “box” you right – for example, creating a compelling elevator pitch for yourself?

Now you need it. More than ever. People have only a tiny bit of attention span for what you are saying. What they hear have to meet their “filtering criteria” to make them decide to give “more attention” to what you will say next.

As a first step, you can start with creating a six-word memoir for yourself. Since most of you may not be at an age where you write memoirs, imagine yourself sometime in the future and think about what your six-word memoir should be. Mine is here (after multiple attempts) and there is no guarantee that this will stay what it is. But the the journey to reach there was fulfilling in itself.

Everyone needs an elevator pitch. I was at a coffee store at Calistoga (north of San Francisco) and saw their elevator pitch right on their wall.

This year, make it a point to create an elevator pitch for yourself. As I said earlier, the process of creating one will provide you with rewards (knowing more about yourself) along the way.

 

Related Articles:

Posted in the Main Page category.

If you enjoyed this article, Get Life Beyond Code delivered by email or subscribe using your Feed Reader and original feed RSS
SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend   

«

»

11 Comments so far, Add Yours

kare anderson  on January 1st, 2010

Rajesh: Naming a business, program, product or cause is a complementary task to creating an elevator pitch and a memoir. As a part of “boxing,” craft a sticky name for your work before someone else (such as a competitor or critic) else. Tips for naming here http://sayitbetter.typepad.com/say_it_better/2009/12/the-priceless-power-of-memorable-naming-1.html

Rajesh Setty  on January 1st, 2010

Thanks Kare for the link. I will check it out right this afternoon.

Have a fantastic 2010.

Best,

Rajesh

Ramesh Natarajan  on January 1st, 2010

Rajesh,

Thanks for the reminder on this subject. I’ve tried creating elevator pitches few times earlier. In that process, I really ended-up adding more items to my goals and values list than really coming up with a solid elevator pitch.

I’ll work on creating a clear elevator pitch for myself (and my blog) very soon.

~Ramesh

Thomas Clifford  on January 1st, 2010

Hi Raj!

What perfect timing! I just finished my six word pitch last week:

“Converting people-centered stories into gold.”

It took a while but well worth the time and struggle. The cool thing? It can easily be used in multiple places.

Thanks for sharing the inspiration- may 2010 bring you greatness. Take care, Tom

Rajesh Setty  on January 1st, 2010

Ramesh, wish you the very best with the exercise.

Tom, I LOVE your six-word memoir. That is so YOU right there.

All the best for a fantastic 2010.

Best,

Rajesh

Steven Diamond  on January 1st, 2010

Learning to give a proper elevator pitch is one of the most important skills you can develop and learn in business. I can’t tell you how many times I have had the chance to give mine and had I not sat down and truly thought about this, planned it out and what I was going to say in advance, I would have blown it big time. Instead, being prepared made the connection and ultimately I achieved my goal. When you think about it in the terms Rajesh is talking about here.. six words really can change your life.

Rajesh Setty  on January 1st, 2010

Steven,

You have a great elevator pitch on your site. For the benefit of readers, the website for Steven reads “stop stressing now.”

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to add your comments.

Have a fantastic 2010.

Best,

Rajesh

Steven Diamond  on January 3rd, 2010

Wow… Rajesh, I guess you’re right. I never thought of it from that perspective. That was done unintentional. But it’s true. When we changed the URL a few months ago I was looking for something that told people what the site was all about. But you are RIGHT! It’s three words that tells the whole story. Fascinating.

thank you.

Steven

Rajesh Setty  on January 3rd, 2010

Steven, I simply love the positioning.

It may be done unintentionally but has been executed brilliantly.

Honestly, I think that approach is already in your “background thinking” as I explain it in the post below:

http://www.lifebeyondcode.com/2009/12/26/why-some-smart-people-are-reluctant-to-share/

Have a great day.

best,

Rajesh

Dave Doolin  on January 4th, 2010

Web Zero to Web Hero in 1 Weekend.

Rajesh Setty  on January 4th, 2010

Nice one Dave. It is more than six words but it’s cool :)

Best,

Rajesh

Leave a Comment