What's your elevator pitch?
In October, we were focusing on our mindset. Learning by letting go, embracing the cringe, putting yourself in the spotlight, or accepting our shortcomings. But as we can see, November is already aimed at doing some work in our safe space so we can be in control, while out of it. Because we’re good at it!
Let’s have a mental experiment. You’ve got a wonderful business idea, service, or product. With enormous potential. There’s some market traction. Things are going alright but seems like you won’t have enough runway to reach Product-Market Fit. Without that golden ticket of a huge client or an investor, things may fall apart pretty soon.
Or maybe you’re a huge fan of a world-class dumpling master. Mastering your craft for years with a dream of becoming a mentee of said legend. Fingers crossed, right? If only you could show them your craft, they would surely want you to work for them. If only…
One day, you’re at some building, riding an elevator. Going from the ground floor to the top. Midway, sliding doors open - and lo and behold - THAT person enters. That IDEAL customer, IDEAL investor, your hero! You’re certain if you had time to talk with each other, it would solve everything.
But then - when you’re still starstruck - you see they’re riding just one floor with you. Bloody hell. You need to be quick, you need to make a perfect first impression.
But you’ve got maybe 30 seconds top.
How do you pitch yourself to that person of your dreams in one (or two) sentences? Before they leave forever. How do you hook yourself in their mind, making them want to have a follow-up meeting?
That’s what the elevator pitch is for.
Last week Two weeks ago, we explored the mental preparation for the event. Along with having your own reasoning for being where you are. Today, let’s take a look at one of the most important things we should prepare. And the one of the hardest to do well.
Use your “WHY”.
If you follow along, we should have our “WHY” already in place. Knowing the reason and the goal for us being where we are. Quite often, through us doing some homework and internalizing the outcomes. Which is wonderful for understanding ourselves but not really appealing to anyone else.
As you have already guessed - such an elevator pitch is useful not only in the case of the investor getting onto the ride with you. It’s useful in general. And I’ll be encouraging you to have one (or several!) for both networking and business purposes. (yup, once again I’d like to urge you to discern those two)
When we’re facing an opportunity of our lifetime - it’s worth being prepared for that. And when facing other people simply curious about us - well, it’s worth being prepared as well.
This way, we’re much easier to remember. You appear confident and consistent internally. Such a “one-liner” opening stays with people much longer than a paragraphs-long story about yourself. Starting a discussion and getting to know each other should be quick and seamless - without getting any party overwhelmed or bored.
Let’s see how it looks in practice.
Here’s a quick one. Which one sounds more appealing and memorable? Which one feels like there’s a story you can follow up on and have a talk?
Hey, I’m Michał. Since I had issues like that myself, I decided to write a Substack dedicated to introverted networkers. It’s about sharing my lessons that help build relationships. What’s more, I’m working with event organizers to address introverts through both facilitation, workshops, lectures, and my matchmaking algorithm for passive networking. So people can connect in many ways and generate value amongst each other.
Hey, I’m Michał, I’m making introverts network through content, technology, and facilitation. I can ensure everyone will form at least a couple of valuable connections out of your event.
Hey, I’m Michał, I create ecosystems for everyone to build relationships comfortably by including introverts within it.
And if I want to be more „sales-y”?
I make event organizers grow their attendance by activating groups of people who otherwise wouldn’t even consider going. Along with the NPS increase and media coverage.
Or.
Hey, I’m increasing attendee engagement by X% and ticket sales by Y% with my matchmaking technology and introverted networking services.
…. and this is going to be it for today, folks. I promised to deliver content at least once every two weeks. The third week has just started. It’s either trying to push through and deliver the whole text later or just sending out what I’ve got right now.
It’s simply the case of being overstimulated with things going on lately. No worries. We’ll continue this one next weekend!
Stay tuned. There’s an entire part on building such the elevator pitch coming up!