Time and time again you are told you need to have an elevator pitch. I have made multiple different pitches to figure out the most basic way to create one that is effective. Some people will naturally be skilled at producing one, but for those who may not know where to start, here are 3 simple steps to crafting the perfect pitch.

Start with the basics

Word Clouds are my favorite. They provide an efficient, effective way to put all of your thoughts into words. Jot down 10 – 15 words you would use to describe yourself in your pitch. These could range from top personality traits of yours, what you are currently working on, how you tackle a problem, or what you want to accomplish. Once you have your words chosen, try utilizing websites that will help you to create your word cloud (such as abcya.com). This quick exercise will get you thinking about your current skill set and allow you to better visualize your strengths.

Prioritize

Now that you have ideas of what you want to convey, you must prioritize what is most important. This may vary depending on the situation, but it’s important to figure out how to align your goal. Are you looking to hire someone? Do you want to obtain a job? Maybe you’re just looking to expand your network. Whatever it is, look back at your word cloud and, with your goal in mind, see which words pop out to you. Which ones will help you to state who you are, what you do, and what you want to do? Pick these words and make a simple prioritization list, similar to this example:

Combine your content

Now that you have all of your information, it is time to put your elevator pitch together. It’s best to create concise sentences that are easy to remember. You want your pitch to be short and to the point, and to not sound too rehearsed. If you provide too much information it can be overwhelming and sound sloppy, but you need enough to get your point across. Also, it is a good idea to always end with a call to action to ensure a future with the connection. Instead of just saying nice to meet you, hand over your business card and ask them to connect with you either through an email or social media.

Follow these three simple steps to craft an effective elevator pitch for the next time you are at a conference, post-work event, or even in an elevator.  Once you have crafted your pitch, it’s important to practice saying it out loud so you are prepared for any situation. This way you cannot only improve your networking skills but also make a memorable impression on anyone you meet.

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