More Elevator Speech Tips

A couple of weeks ago I did a blog post on how to turn conversations with strangers into possible business opportunities. Whether you are at a cocktail party, a networking event, or a business conference you need a clear, concise and memorable answer to the question “What do you do?” It usually the first question people ask when they meet you and your response is commonly referred to as your elevator speech.

It seems like it should be a relatively easy thing to come up with, but many people struggle with how to talk about themselves. Last weekend I was one of several experts who offered tips and ideas for crafting an elevator speech in an article in the Seattle Times.

Crafting an effective elevator speech takes time and once you do have something you like, it’s important to test it out and see if it gets you the results you want. Are people becoming interested in what you have to say or do they smile politely and wait for their turn to talk?

Don’t give up. And don’t believe it when you hear people say the elevator speech is dead. People are still going to ask you “What do you do?” And you will still want an engaging response.

And a little shameless self-promotion. I know someone who can help you with your elevator speech!