Your elevator pitch is like a living document. It’s a method of communication that should change and evolve as you and your business do. Each time you give your elevator pitch, your goal should be to elicit the response:

“Tell me more” or “How do you do that?”

The best way to NOT get business is to say the same thing every time especially if you attend a regular networking event. By repeating your ‘mantra’, you lose energy in your delivery. It just becomes a recitation. Be creative. Choose a couple of points to highlight based on time of year, group demographics or current events. Change it up.

Here are four suggestions that will help you maintain a ‘perfect pitch’.

Practice. Practice until it feels natural to say out loud. Practice in front of a mirror or while you’re driving in your car. Record it and listen to how you sound. You want it to be conversational and tell a story. If you don’t feel good saying it, how will your audience feel hearing it?

Be Confident. Focus on your audience. By being confident and having an “Intriguing Introduction” or compelling pitch, you are more likely to attract the people you desire to meet, either personally or through referrals. What you have to say has value. Believe it.

Ask for Feedback. Most people will not volunteer this kind of information – you have to ask. Ask what they remember hearing. Was there an ‘AHA’ moment?
What did they find compelling? Interesting? Did they “tune-out” and if so, when?

Be Yourself. Don’t be afraid to let your uniqueness and personality shine through. Avoid big words and industry jargon. Just speak plainly about the problems they’re facing and how you can help them.

Remember, you’re not trying to tell your life story or to close a deal, but rather you’re trying to invite someone to engage with you in a more in-depth conversation. If you’re successful, you will find yourself attracting people who want to get to know you better.

Whatever it takes. Get Connected!

Cathy Kuzel is one connected woman! With 20+ years of experience as a successful Entrepreneur, she is recognized across Canada for her in-house and public seminars on sales and customer service. Cathy is the Founder of The Connected Woman in Vancouver, BC, Author of “Are You a Collector or a Connector?” and is a networking maven.