Networking and interviewing can possibly some of the most nerve-wracking experiences that can happen in ones life. Sure there are some mediocre nerve wracking things like getting married and having kids, but interviews? It is definitely almost 10 times worse. Luckily there are some super great people in the world who have been through interviews and networking events that have had to give elevator pitches and have come out on the other side with smiles on their lovely faces. Here are a few of them to tell you about their experiences and even give you some advice!
Nora Henick @ La Femme Collective
Tell me about the company you work for or own and what your role is in the company.
La Femme Collective is an online community that supports and encourages the career development of women. I am the Founder and Editor in Chief at LFC.
What would you do to start planning on your elevator pitch?
When getting ready to network, I try to remember the most important things the person I am pitching to will want to hear. Whether focusing more on the career aspect of LFC, or stressing the importance of supporting women, I make sure I know who my audience is and what will resonate most with them.
What do you do in your elevator pitch that’s different/unique?
I think what separates the LFC pitch from other pitches is our passion. Sometimes you hear people being compared to used car salesmen because they are pitching something in which they have no true belief. Each woman that works at LFC truly believes in what we’re doing, and so our passion really shows when we reach out to potential features, partners, etc. Also, we have some clever words we like to throw in, that definitely leave people wanting to know more (i.e., entrefemmeur).
What should you NOT do in an elevator pitch and what should you absolutely include?
Following my above point, I think you should avoid saying things you don’t believe in. There are going to be pitches you’ll make sometimes that people won’t respond to, and that’s okay. What you’re pitching isn’t going to be for everyone. Realizing which people are going to fit best with what you’re pitching will help you seal the deal. Again, be passionate! Don’t tone down your excitement if you don’t have to. Nothing makes me happier than talking about LFC, and I really believe my love shows when I talk about LFC. When you believe in something, convincing others of the potential becomes a lot easier.
What’s something that you notice people say in their elevator pitch that you think is doing more harm then good?
The only thing that I’ve noticed that does someone more harm than good is talking more about themselves than the things they believe in. If you’re networking with the purpose of talking to someone about your ideas, you should be sharing those ideas and why you believe the world would be a better place with those ideas in it. A lot of people, especially because we’re a society that’s very big on resume sending, talk at people about themselves, instead of with people about their ideas. Obviously this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk about yourself at all while networking; people definitely want to know who you are! Just make sure there’s a healthy balance.
Have you gone in thinking you know what you were going to say and then blanked or changed your minds on what you were going to say?
I prepare to say things and completely blank on them at least once a week. When I was originally interviewing for jobs, I would prepare with pages upon pages upon pages of notes, and I would get in there and they would ask me what my name is and I would respond with something along the lines of “Seven.” I find that preparation is great, but too much preparation (at least for me) backfires. I end up trying to memorize these perfect ideas I’ve crafted in my head, and they don’t end up coming out the way I thought they would when I can’t remember the exact wording. In situations like that, I find that you can only do so much, you have to trust your ability to speak proudly of who you are and what you believe in after that.
Do you have a funny elevator-pitch-gone-wrong story you can look back on and share to help people feel better and about going into an interview?
I wish I did!! Unfortunately I don’t yet, but trust me – as LFC is still just a baby, give me a few more weeks and I’m sure I’ll have introduced myself as “Seven” to someone while trying to tell them they should read LFC 🙂
Monica Walsh @ Rose Commercial Real Estate
Tell me about the company you work for and the role is in the company.
I work for Rose Commercial Real Estate. We are a commercial brokerage firm in Southern New Jersey. A lot of our business is spread over Camden, Burlington and Gloucester County. Everyone has their own niche here but we sell everything from land office buildings, retail buildings, and industrial buildings. We also do a lot of commercial leases. For some projects we work on redevelopment sites, we take old spaces or forgotten about properties and present them in a way that will better serve the community.
I began working for rose in 2011 on the marketing and admin side of the business, and as I got more comfortable with the field I made a decision to get my real estate license. Now I get to do a little bit of everything, but I have been working hard on growing the brokerage side of my career and even every week I can see that expand.
Do you do any interviewing for your company and do a lot of networking?
I try to go to a variety of networking events that will expose me to different to sets of people whether it is a large event that host several hundred people at once or if it is a small and intimate coffee meeting. Networking is about making a relationship, not getting as many cards as you can in a small space of time. To get to know my clients better I suggest we go for a run instead of a traditional lunch or drink. People seem to like this and you get to really know the person one-on-on. When you make friends with someone it makes it nicer to do business with them.
What’s something that you notice people say in their elevator pitch that you think is doing more harm then good?
I have found that the less nervous I can make myself and the plainer I can be the better response I get, but it is important to be yourself. I think talking too fast is a pit fall. It can also misconstrue what you are trying to communicate or people can not understand what you are saying and are too polite to ask you to repeat yourself.
What would you do to start planning on your elevator pitch?
I try to explain myself as if they had no idea what my business was about. Start from the basics and try to simplify what you do in less than 20 seconds. It depends on the situation. If I know whom I’m gong to meet and I know what their experiences are then I can adjust to that situation. If I am meeting someone who is another broker then the pitch will be shorter because they have more knowledge on the field. When you are speaking with tenants who most likely does know the ins and outs of leasing you need to say more. For real estate it depends on what kind of business they are in. Most confusion surprisingly comes in retail situations when a client doesn’t understand what a triple net lease is (A lease that covers real estate taxes, common area maintenance, and building insurance). My job is to educate and make sure people know what they are getting in it.
What do you do in your elevator pitch that’s different or unique?
Sometimes it is important to tell people how you conduct your clients. Tell them exactly what you are going to do for them so they know what to expects.
What should you NOT do in a pitch?
Going on to long without asking the other person a question. Even they you want the other person to be informed, you want the other people to be involved.
Have you gone in thinking you know what you were going to say and then blanked or changed your mind on what you were going to say?
Sometimes when I really want something to work or get nervous I can blank out but then I take a moment to breath and try and explain myself as clearly as I can.
It never hurts to practice. It is always good to be prepared.
What should some ABSOLUTELY include in their elevator pitch?
They should include contact information. Remember to give them your business card.
Do you have a funny elevator-pitch-gone-wrong story you can look back on and share to help people feel better and about going into an interview?
I know I fumble all the time but you have to remember to have a sense of humor about yourself.
Gary Shickora @ North Western Mutual
Tell me about the company you work for or own and what your role is in the company.
I represent North Western Mutual; it is a financial planning firm. I specialize in helping clients achieve financial security, investment, trust and insurance.
What would you do to start planning on your elevator pitch?
I don’t like to use the word pitch. I do have something planned on what I would say.
Be prepared to answer the question. It sounds basic, but part of my role of Managing Director is to recruit, coach, and develop new advisors. If you meet someone at a formal event, at a bar, or anywhere, they ask what do you do. You should always be prepared to have a substantive answer to that that differentiates you in the industry.
What do you do in your elevator pitch that’s different or unique?
I don’t like to use titles; I like to make it about them and not just how I do it, but why I do it. The benefits would be, “if you run your own business, I help you save money and protect your families while minimizing the taxes they pay.”
“I don’t know if you’ve had those concerns recently, I’d love to sit down with you at another time to discuss further,” then I ask them what they do.
You should also know your audience. Something’s you might say to one person, and not another. You wouldn’t speak to a college student the same way you would talk to their parents and or their grandparents who are at retirement age. I might want to say something that appeals to the college student, which could be different than the grandparent.
What should you NOT do in an elevator pitch?
Nothing offensive, or it might turn them off. Don’t make assumptions about their situation either.
What should some ABSOLUTELY include in their elevator pitch?
You should shake hands, and make sure you maintain eye contact. Be present in your conversation, not seeing who you should be talking to next. Definitely listen to what they’re saying and give them 110% of your attention.
What’s something that you notice people say in their elevator pitch that you think is doing more harm then good?
For me, people who are overly aggressive are a turnoff. When getting new business, jamming business cards down everyone’s shirt, can hurt their chances of working with me.
Have you gone in thinking you know what you were going to say and then blanked or changed your mind on what you were going to say?
It hasn’t happened in a long time, but definitely yes, when first starting out.
I would probably ask questions to get them to talk more if I forgot. Hopefully get back on track from that.
Do you have a funny elevator-pitch-gone-wrong story you can look back on and share to help people feel better and about going into an interview?
In my previous company, there was a time where I wasn’t dressed appropriately, for where I was, and it made me uncomfortable.
Anything else you would like to add?
Biggest thing is to be you, and be true to yourself. If you do something you feel is important, then you will come across naturally and excited. It’s not what you say but how you say.
Michelle Rosen @ All American Coin
Tell me about the company you work for or own and what your role is in the company.
I am the Owner of Coin business that retails coins to coin collectors over the phone.
We are coin wholesalers and work with our dealer so we are able to obtain the coins for less money, so we can sell them for less money.
Do you do any interviewing for your company or do a lot of networking?
We use phone calls to reach out to people interested in buying coins.
When on the phone you would introduce yourself; say you are calling today from All American Coin, a coin wholesaler. We are calling because we want to tell you about our spring special where we’re offering Benjamin franklin proof rolls. They are 90% silver and the last available silver coins. Do you know what a proof coin is?
What would you do to start planning on your elevator pitch?
I do research the coins so I can give them a history of the coin.
What should you NOT do in an elevator pitch?
Promising people that they will definitely make money with buying our coins. We can’t promise someone that they will do well with the purchase. We can’t promise it will increase in value, and don’t be overly aggressive.
What should some ABSOLUTELY include in their elevator pitch?
Silver and gold market is low right now, so buying it now is a good investment and a great idea. Depending on your industry, try to find something unique that will help the person you are talking to better understand why they need you now.
Also ask a question. It will involve them in the process to make it more of a conversation.
Have you gone in thinking you know what you were going to say and then blanked or changed your mind on what you were going to say?
I am very confident in my product and the company so from practice and experience it comes naturally even if I don’t have a script.
At a party or casino, If they say what do you do, I say I am an owner of a small business and we sell coins to coin collectors over the phone. I then give them an example of the coins we sell, about the coin, and why the coins might benefit who we are selling them to.
Anything else you would like to add on the subject?
In person, try to be persuasive and personable. Know the benefits and features of what you sell. Know your strengths and weaknesses because in this day and age, it’s about making someone want something rather than pushing them to want it. Be more persuasive than pushy.
Michelle Yeager @ Cherry Hill Public Library
Tell me about the company you work for and the role is in the company.
I work for a public library in New Jersey that serves a population of approximately 70,000 people. We provide materials and services to a very culturally and economically diverse population. From books, to Internet access to resume help, we act as a hub and community center to the residents of our city. We are also a non-profit, which means that we are often working to provide all of this under tight budget constraints. Specifically, my role is a full time Librarian and the Youth Services Supervisor; I manage a department of about 13 professionals and support staff that provide materials and services to kids and teens from birth to age 18. My team is responsible for the selection and purchasing of print and eBook titles as well as other materials like audiobooks, magazines and video games. We also perform story times, visit schools, help with homework projects and research and attend public events to promote our services throughout the community.
Do you do any interviewing for your company or do a lot of networking?
Yes, I interview people annually for seasonal positions and then as other positions open for whatever reason. It could be because an employee has moved to a different position or they are moving on to another organization. Most networking happens outside of the facility at workshops, trainings and conferences. There are also committees at the state level that allow opportunities to meet colleagues from other libraries from throughout the state.
What’s something that you notice people say in their elevator pitch that you think is doing more harm then good?
Using terminology or buzzwords that are specific to your field. It comes off sounding like you’re reading a resume and often causes people’s eyes to glaze over. Making this mistake can alienate the person you’re trying to reach. Instead of saying “I perform collection development and management” try saying “I hand pick the most up-to-date, popular and relevant books for our customers.”
What do you do to start planning on your elevator pitch?
First, I like to think of my audience. Am I pitching to someone that works in my field who has had similar experiences to me? Or am I talking to a community stakeholder who may have less knowledge of the services libraries provide? Secondly, how is what I’m saying relevant to them? What is in it for them to continue this conversation?
What do you do in your elevator pitch that’s different or unique?
I like to give an interesting fact or statistic that anyone can relate to and can easily remember, for instance: “A lot of people question the relevancy of libraries in a 21st century world, but did you know that there are actually more libraries in the US than there are McDonald’s?”
What should you NOT do in an elevator pitch?
Tons of things, but most importantly, don’t sell yourself short. Often times we are caught off guard, have had a bad day, question our relevancy or maybe just feel we need to be humble. But this is the opportunity to toot your own horn, to give other people insight into what you do, peak their curiosity, and send them off to spread your message.
What should some ABSOLUTELY include in their elevator pitch?
It sounds simple, but a smile and some enthusiasm can go a long way. Illustrate that you are excited about your field and the services that you provide. This shows people that you are open and excited to talk about what you do and sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. Enthusiasm can be very infectious.
Do you have a funny elevator-pitch-gone-wrong story you can look back on and share to help people feel better and about going into an interview?
Oh my gosh, too many to name! It was years into my position until I even thought of preparing an elevator pitch. I tend to be more of an introvert and the thought of trying to “sell” something to someone even if it was FREE scared me! But luckily with practice it has gotten easier. My advice is to practice, whether with other colleagues or in the mirror. Make sure it is something that feels natural to say and then fake it until you make it.
Andrew Rosen @ Jobacle
Tell me about your company.
I started Jobacle, which is a career advice blog, back in 2005. I have put out podcasts which have had over 1 million downloads, and I have been features on and in The Washington Post, BBC Radio 4, Yahoo!, Gawker, and many more!
Do you do any interviewing for your company or do a lot of networking?
Interviewing and networking are two things I find myself doing regularly at both my full-time job and freelance gigs.
What would you do to start planning on your elevator pitch?
I always want to know what my goal is and not lose sight of it. The approach and measures might change, but the goal often remains constant.
What do you do in your elevator pitch that’s different or unique?
I’m me. Always. I try my best to never deviate from who I am. I find that being 100% authentic always works out for the best (and helps me sleep better at night!).
What should you NOT do in an elevator pitch?
In my opinion, the harder people try for something, the more obvious it is. I would not hide your motives and fill the time with a lot of fluff and BS. Get to the point and be genuine.
What should some ABSOLUTELY include in their elevator pitch?
I think engagement is imperative. You’ll want to make eye contact and display confidence, without coming across as cocky or wordy. Oh, and don’t forget your name!
What’s something that you notice people say in their elevator pitch that you think is doing more harm then good?
A common thing I come across is people coming to their “big sell” immediately. While an elevator pitch must be brief, dropping your biggest selling point or nugget of information right at the top is not always the best approach. In fact, I think it can often get diluted, as a person is too busy trying to size you up.
Have you gone in thinking you know what you were going to say and then blanked or changed your mind on what you were going to say?
Flexibility is tantamount to success. My guess is that if you are using the same “script” for all of your pitches, you are not getting where you want to be.
Do you have a funny elevator-pitch-gone-wrong story you can look back on and share to help people feel better and about going into an interview?
Thankfully, no!
Jill Lawlor @ Cooper University Health Care
Tell me about the company you work for and the role is in the company.
I’m the Vice President of Marketing at Cooper University Health Care.
Cooper University Health Care is Cooper University Hospital and a network of more than 100 outpatient offices throughout the region, including a Surgical Center in Voorhees and Urgent Care Centers in Cherry Hill, Audubon and Sicklerville.
Do you do any interviewing for your company or do a lot of networking?
Yes, I do interviews and network for Cooper University Health Care.
What’s something that you notice people say in their elevator pitch that you think is doing more harm than good?
It is more harmful when people focus on the negative rather than the positive.
What do you do to start planning on your elevator pitch?
I get comfortable with my pitch so that I don’t sound like a pre-recorded program. I practice as much as I can until I perfect my pitch.
What do you do in your elevator pitch that’s different?
I try to keep it brief, lasting no more than thirty seconds.
What should you NOT do in an elevator pitch?
You should not use a lot of jargon or acronyms that the listener may not comprehend.
What should some ABSOLUTELY include in their elevator pitch?
I talk about how Cooper University Health Care’s mission is to serve, to heal and to educate. All positive.
