Skip the Elevator Pitch When You’re Networking

This week’s motivational video with Master Coach, Vanessa Long

Say this instead of an elevator pitch when you’re out at networking meetings…

(This is a Summary of this week’s Mojo Moment, you can get the full video here)

I think that the elevator pitch has been inappropriately appropriated by the service professional. Not only does it not work well, it makes us look foolish, or, worse yet, obnoxious.

– Michael Port, Book Yourself Solid

Is the elevator pitch dead? No, it’s still important. But, if it’s what you rattle off when someone asks you, ‘So, what do you do?’ then we’ve got some work to do.

When you’re out networking, we’re looking to build relationships.

And relationships start with a conversation. A great way to start a conversation is with a question.

Remember: if you see their eyes glazing over, you’re not doing it right!

Our motivational coaching quote today is from Michael Port’s book, “Book Yourself Solid” + we’re looking at what to say at networking events when someone asks you, ‘So, what do you do?’

We’re answering the question: How do I make a great first impression and introduce myself professionally?

Our Big Ideas:

Idea 1: Don’t deliver a memorized pitch… engage

There’s nothing worse than shaking hands with someone who WON’T LET GO as they rattle off their dead-eyed, memorized pitch about how great they are and all the things they do and they never seem to breathe and you end up feeling… trapped.

Don’t be that person! Networking is terrifying. You’ve got to keep breathing.

Idea 2: Is the elevator pitch really dead for networking?

Should it be? No, not really.

You just have to know when to use it and when to hold off.

When you have 30 to 60s to stand up at a meeting and tell the group who you are, you absolutely should have your spiel nailed.

And, in fact, I tell you EXACTLY how to do that in my class, Nailing Networking. It’s pulled straight from my business training for coaches and it walks you through HOW to craft a compelling intro that has a group leaning in.

But, back to that solo intro. 

Idea 3: The Key to Networking is Relationship

The key here is relationship.

You’re speaking WITH a person, not AT them.

Instead of rattling off your dead-eyed script, look at them, ‘feel’ into them. You know what I mean, we’re energy workers! What are their pains and problems.

What do they need help with? They’re at this event for a reason and you have the chance to breathe life into their world.

How can you do that? By helping them. Always by being of service.

That’s why we’re service professionals – coaches, healers – it’s what we do.

Don’t miss this opportunity. And if you glaze them over, you’ve missed it.

What is ONE QUESTION you can ask when you’re out networking?

See the whole video here: https://youtu.be/FgYqmb32B1g

And make sure you watch to the end for the bonus power tip.

The Details: “Book Yourself Solid: The Fastest, Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even if You Hate Marketing and Selling” 3rd Edition. (John Wiley & Sons, 2018)

Where You Can Get ‘Book Yourself Solid’:

Amazon U.S.: https://amzn.to/2lH5ftq
Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/2naKKFW

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Vanessa Long

Vanessa Long is creator of the Seasons of Success and author of Discovering Your Passionate Purpose. Focused on providing straight-forward, no b.s. solutions, strategies, and support to move you from where you are to where you yearn to be. It’s time to tap into your purpose and build a life that expresses all of who you were designed to be.