Do you panic when people ask … “What Do You Do??”
How many times have you been asked "What do you do?" Do you answer back with your title or stumble that you are "in-between"?
That is a missed opportunity. You need an ELEVATOR PITCH.
Every single time someone asks What do you do? – at the park, at the beach, at a friend’s house – falling back on your elevator pitch can start a conversation and open doors.
At the very least, your answer keeps the conversation flowing and allows you to reciprocate and find out about them.
IT IS EASIER TO CONSTRUCT THAN YOU THINK. Here is a simple formula to start you on your way. Notice, it's not about your title. The good elevator pitch explains what you DO, not what you're CALLED.
ELEVATOR PITCH FORMULA
Notice, it's not about your title. The good elevator pitch explains what you DO, not what you're CALLED.
Who you are + the problem you solve.
A recent result you have delivered.
Your current status – who you work for and your title or what you want to do.
What you would like them to do with the information.
HERE IS MY ELEVATOR PITCH. "I am Heidi, and I help people get jobs. You know how hard it can be to figure out which job to apply for and write your own resume? I create the strategy, resume, LinkedIn, and train people for interviews. Last week one client of mine pivoted from a sales job and started as a Senior Marketing Manager in a tech company. I helped another train for a series of Amazon interviews. I have my own company, CareerSavants. If anyone you know needs help with a job search please send them my way. How about you ... What do you do?"
HERE ARE MORE EXAMPLES
Someone who just lost a job. "I am Noah, and I help companies talk to customers online. Suppose you want a new TV, so you go online to search. Sometimes it's easy to find all of the information and other times it just seems impossible. It is my job to understand what you need and to make the website easy-to-use. Last year I fixed a website for an electronics seller, and after that sales shot through the roof because people could find what they needed to make purchase. I'm a Front End Developer and I'm currently looking for work. If you know anyone who is looking for someone good at understanding people, teams, and technology, I'd love to meet them. What do you do?"
Someone working but wants to pivot. "I am Mia. I keep large companies out of trouble with the government. Every 3 months large companies have stacks of papers and forms that need to be filed or they get fined. This summer I was working in the middle of the night, making sure documents for my clients were accurate and on time. My team successfully handled more clients than ever before. I am a Tax Accountant. I am at a crossroads and think I would like a job that has more person-to-person contact and a more even workflow. I’d love to learn more about what you and other people do. Would you have some time to talk next week?"
Someone in school and graduating soon. "I am John, and I am studying Economics in college. I stay current on the news and talk about it with my friends. I'm kind of a numbers nerd and I do my best work on a team. This spring 4 of us presented a large project about the short-term financial toll of COVID on families. I enjoyed using my analytical and presentation skills. I don't know exactly what I want to do when I graduate from UCLA. If you’d be willing to share what you do I’d love to learn more about your work."
Someone employed and happy. "I am Jared and I help small businesses have the right amount of cash. Just like a family, a business needs to handle cash coming in and going out so bills and employees are paid on time. Recently I helped a local bakery chain set up a credit line and a payroll system. Now the owner is baking and not worrying about writing checks. I am a Private Banker for Wells Fargo, and I’m always happy to help businesses and people make the most of what they have. How about you? What do you do?"
Next Steps
It takes about 10 minutes to create something you can begin to work with.
Pull something together,
Head outdoors or in your car.
Practice it out loud.