{"id":8667,"date":"2014-08-21T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-08-21T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/creator\/?p=8667"},"modified":"2020-03-30T19:00:15","modified_gmt":"2020-03-30T23:00:15","slug":"3-simple-ways-improve-elevator-pitch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/professional-development\/3-simple-ways-improve-elevator-pitch","title":{"rendered":"Three simple ways to improve your elevator pitch"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve all been there: that awkward team meeting or large group presentation when you want to make not only a good impression, but the right one.<\/p>\n

How do you\u00a0typically introduce yourself<\/a>\u00a0in those situations?<\/p>\n

If your current 30-second commercial educates your listeners about what you do now, but not what you are capable of doing next, you\u2019re missing an important opportunity to re-shape how others perceive you. Done right, an elevator pitch can be the verbal equivalent of \u201cdressing for the job you want.\u201d That is, it can show you in a good light today, as well as reveal what you\u2019re capable of in the future.<\/p>\n

For example, let\u2019s say you\u2019re the current go-to person for a few key tasks that you do well, but wish you could move beyond\u2014duties you were excited to perform a few years ago, but that now leave you feeling bored and underutilized.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let your elevator pitch reinforce that idea of you. Instead, use it as an opportunity to\u00a0signal your readiness to rise above your present role<\/a>. A great elevator pitch should educate others about your future potential in a specific and focused way\u2014so that if your ideal role became available, they\u2019d see you as a natural fit.<\/p>\n

Now\u2019s the time to change how you\u2019re perceived and become the go-to person for something bigger, better, and more integral to your organization\u2019s success\u2014by changing your elevator pitch with these three simple tips.<\/p>\n

1. Own Responsibilities Beyond Your Job Description<\/h3>\n

Start with your name and job title, then follow with a brief overview of what you\u2019re currently responsible for.<\/p>\n

But then, go further. To upgrade your elevator pitch, make sure at least one of these bullet points is something you\u2019re currently doing that goes beyond your job description and describes a responsibility fitting your next job.<\/p>\n

For example, a product manager who\u00a0aspires to manage a team of other product managers<\/a>\u00a0might say, \u201cI also mentor my teammates on product management best practices\u201d or \u201cFor the last six months, I\u2019ve led product management team reviews.\u201d This shows you’ve proactively taken on a leadership role within your group\u2014and hope to continue on that path.<\/p>\n

2. Become the Go-To Person for the Bigger Picture<\/h3>\n

After sharing your name, job title, and responsibilities, finish your elevator pitch with a statement that sets you up as the go-to person for higher-level duties.<\/p>\n

For instance, a sales rep might say, \u201cI consult with executive level decision makers and help them improve their business models\u2014feel free to come directly to me whenever you need ideas to drive revenue growth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Don’t articulate the\u00a0busy work or low-level tasks on your current roster<\/a>\u2014like, in the sales rep\u2019s case, scheduling customer meetings or simply selling software\u2014or you\u2019ll only attract more of those. Instead, choose areas that showcase your leadership skills and the value you add to the organization.<\/p>\n

3. Use Leadership Verbs<\/h3>\n

Laurie Oare, the central region president at US Foods, recognizes the value of carefully examining the way we communicate with others. \u201cIn a subtle way, we convey our confidence and professionalism in every interaction that we have with co-workers, customers, superiors, and subordinates.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, spruce up the delivery of your elevator pitch by\u00a0using language that focuses on strong leadership verbs<\/a>\u00a0to send a powerful, forward-focused message.<\/p>\n

For instance, in order to shift perception of yourself from doer to leader, catch yourself before you say you \u201cwork on\u201d something or that you\u2019re \u201cresponsible for\u201d it.<\/p>\n

Be actionable instead. Say you lead it, oversee it, or orchestrate it. You\u2019ll convey that you do more than simply fulfill your job description\u2014but that you take pride in your career and aspire to continue along a path of success.<\/p>\n

These might seem like small changes, but with time they can make a big impact on how others perceive you and the caliber of opportunities and responsibilities you attract.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve all been there: that awkward team meeting or large group presentation when you want to make not only a good impression, but the right one. How do you\u00a0typically introduce yourself\u00a0in those situations? If your current 30-second commercial educates your listeners about what you do now, but not what you are capable of doing next, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1259,"featured_media":13406,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[43902],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-professional-development"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThree simple ways to improve your elevator pitch<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Change your elevator pitch with these three simple tips.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/professional-development\/3-simple-ways-improve-elevator-pitch\" 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