CMS Career Blog

I posted this article a year or so ago — but a good article deserves a re-posting!  If you are working on how you should introduce yourself, here’s a great formula!

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Fellow Toastmaster Jim Nudelman has a simple 4-step process for writing an Elevator Pitch — a 10-15 second focused introduction of your “value proposition” that can be given in an elevator when someone asks, “tell me about yourself.” Jim (”the Noodle” as he is known to friends and family) is an experienced National Sales Trainer, so he should know something about putting your best foot forward to capitalize on a brief window of opportunity. Here’s his process:

Step 1 — Begin with an ACTION PHRASE that is NOT a noun. (”I am a ______________” — but don’t use a “label” in the blank.  You don’t want people to put you in a box.)

Step 2 — Add a one sentence statement about what you DO. (”I do _________________” — What do you help people or businesses do?)

Step 3 — Give a statement of the SPECIFIC IMPACT. (”People who utilize my process find _________” — list one or two things from the perspective of your potential employer.)

Step 4 — End with a CALL TO ACTION. (”I am looking to be introduced to _______________” — be specific!  If you ask for something non-specific you are likely to get it.  What good it that?)

Here’s Jim’s elevator pitch and contact information:

“My name is Jim Nudelman. I am a master of building relationships. I teach sales professionals how to build and grow their business. Sales professionals who have attended my workshops have increased their business by as much as 50%. Please introduce me to people not companies looking to build and grow their business.”

James Nudelman, National Sales Trainer
503-939-4715
jnudelman1@yahoo.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/thenoodle

It’s a simple formula that works! Try it and you will notice a dramatic increase in the effectiveness of your self-introduction that we call your “elevator pitch.”

I met with a sharp group of graduate students from Portland State University the other day and learned as much from them as they learned from me. They have a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge of the International Business scene! I was impressed.

I shared with these students my “5-Finger Exercise” for Networking. Here is what (I hope) THEY learned form me:

Rule # 1 - Networking is about what you can GIVE, more than about what you can get!
(O.K. — RIGHT NOW make a list of what YOU have to offer in a Networking setting (30 seconds).

Rule # 2 - DON’T FORGET RULE #1!
There’s an old saying “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Rule # 3 - People want to help other people.

Rule # 4 - Know what you want - the clearer you are about what YOU are hoping to get out of the networking meeting, the better!

Rule # 5 - Use the meeting to expand your network.

Three questions you should ask at the end of every networking meeting:
1. “Who do you know that I should talk to for further information?”
2. “Would you be willing to give your comments on my resume?” (Be sure to send it by email — NEVER carry a copy with you to a networking meeting.)
3. “How would you like me to keep you informed of my progress?”