Networking for Dummies: Elevator Speech
If you have ever been around face to face networkers you should have heard the phrase elevator speech. An elevator speech is a short introduction to say who you are, who you represent and what you do quickly efficiently and accurately. It's called an elevator speech because you should be able to deliver this little speech while riding on an elevator with them.
I can tell you it's next to impossible to get all that information out in an interesting manner and do it effectively without practice. I'm going to tell you that even if you are only networking here you want to have an elevator speech. You will come across opportunity after opportunity to expose people so having a speech that you know and is second nature to you is a must. It should be between 1 and 2 minutes long and include you're name, your business and a brief description of that business. All you want to do is peak their interest then you can exchange information, give them your card etc. Now when you are standing in line at Walmart waiting to pay for your purchases, you can put that time to use by exposing your business.
But what about online? How do you do an elevator speech online? Simple your elevator speech is a little longer and allows you more "time" but you don't have to cram it all in. people can take their time with your elevator speech because your elevator speech is called a "profile."If you have not properly filled out your profile you may as well not even be here. Your profile should make you stand out. You want it to convince people to get to know you.
Oh yes and get rid of that question mark! Site avatars are fine for a new person but 2 months later there's no excuse for you not to have put up something that is you. If you are still impersonating The Riddler after a month on this site the impression you are giving is one of laziness. If you can't be bothered to complete your profile, why should I believe you will be bothered with networking.
And don't worry if you profile is not perfect, you can always update and tweak as much as needs be. But make sure that your profile tells people who you are not what company you represent. Your profile is to sell you!
I can tell you it's next to impossible to get all that information out in an interesting manner and do it effectively without practice. I'm going to tell you that even if you are only networking here you want to have an elevator speech. You will come across opportunity after opportunity to expose people so having a speech that you know and is second nature to you is a must. It should be between 1 and 2 minutes long and include you're name, your business and a brief description of that business. All you want to do is peak their interest then you can exchange information, give them your card etc. Now when you are standing in line at Walmart waiting to pay for your purchases, you can put that time to use by exposing your business.
But what about online? How do you do an elevator speech online? Simple your elevator speech is a little longer and allows you more "time" but you don't have to cram it all in. people can take their time with your elevator speech because your elevator speech is called a "profile."If you have not properly filled out your profile you may as well not even be here. Your profile should make you stand out. You want it to convince people to get to know you.
Oh yes and get rid of that question mark! Site avatars are fine for a new person but 2 months later there's no excuse for you not to have put up something that is you. If you are still impersonating The Riddler after a month on this site the impression you are giving is one of laziness. If you can't be bothered to complete your profile, why should I believe you will be bothered with networking.
And don't worry if you profile is not perfect, you can always update and tweak as much as needs be. But make sure that your profile tells people who you are not what company you represent. Your profile is to sell you!
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Comments (6)
Paula van Dun16
Retired
Great post Cheryl. I would like to add that is a global network and that is important to post in English. It does not have to be perfect. Lol mine is not perfect either.
Cheryl Baumgartner12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
It is astounding how many people here think that they can just throw a bunch of links at strangers. I want to know the people I deal with. If I don't know you how can I possible network with you?
Cheryl Baumgartner12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
I was hoping to avoid pointing out that there are people just that well, I can't even think of a nice way to put it!
Frank McMillon9
Web Designer and Professional Consultant
How about the Riddler who posts those 12 links? Now that's worse...
Cheryl Baumgartner12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
I honestly don't know which is worse the Riddler or the one who fills out his profile with 12 dozen links to here there and everywhere and nothing else.
Frank McMillon9
Web Designer and Professional Consultant
Cheryl, I applaud you on this blog post. I echo what you state in regards to the "?" profile.
If one does not update their profile with a photo of themselves, how can they expect another get to or want to know them?
With Social Networking, it is all about Know, Like and Trust.
Thanks again for sharing your tips with the APSense family.