Be
ready for any opportunity
For
years, I’ve been advocating that economic developers write and master an
elevator pitch. Considering the number of meetings and conferences they
typically attend, there are numerous opportunities to tell their community’s
story. Unfortunately, some people consider the idea of an elevator pitch to be
a bit corny. “I know my community very well,” is the usual response. “I’ve
lived there my entire life.” Recently, however, I witnessed evidence of what
happens when people are not prepared.
Part of
the scheduled program at a multi-state economic development conference, the
room was set with a table designated for each of several industries, and each
discussion was led by a site selection consultant with expertise in that
industry. As I wandered the room, trying to determine which discussion
interested me, I heard a site consultant invite each person at his table to
introduce themselves and their communities. That got my attention. It is for just such
situations that I advocate a polished pitch.
It was
a fascinating thing to watch. A few people had their pitch down pat. Their
intro was brief, well thought out, and presented masterfully. Some had the
right idea, but struggled to articulate their thoughts. Then there were those
who were caught completely off guard. They were at a loss, with no idea what to
say. It was very uncomfortable to watch.
Ride the elevator
So,
just how did the idea of an elevator pitch come about? Someone once noted that
the typical elevator ride took about thirty seconds. If two people met in an
elevator, the ideal sales pitch could be presented before the door opened. That,
then, was considered the ideal amount of time needed for an intro pitch.
Even
today, the thirty second pitch lives on at networking events, cocktail
receptions, and meetings. In some communities, networking events are held where
attendees move from table to table, giving their intro pitch and exchanging
business cards. Failure to have a polished pitch could mean the difference
between networking success and a complete waste of time and money.
Know your audience
Now,
back to the conference I mentioned. When an economic developer chose to sit at
an industry-specific table, say, Food Processing, I would assume that person
was there to learn more about how site selections were made for the food
industry and for an opportunity to network with the site consultant at that
table. Why, then, would that economic developer not be fully prepared for the
chance to make an intro pitch. With a little research into the industry, it
would be reasonably easy to know what he or she wants to hear and then develop
a sensible thirty second pitch. Sadly, many people show up at such events with
no idea what they will say when the opportunity presents itself.
Plan of action
Here’s
my recommendation. If you know your target industries and can defend your
reasons for selecting them, craft a short written statement for each and read
them over and over and over until they are committed to memory. Be prepared for
any possibility. So, the next time you’re in a situation like the conference I
described, you’ll be able ti instinctively recite your elevator pitch in an
effective and impactful way.
I’d
love to hear from you. Feel free to share your thoughts and personal
experiences below.
Have a
great week and I’ll see you soon,
Jim Walton
CEO
Brand Acceleration, Inc.
Branding // Marketing Communications // Public
Relations
Indianapolis: 317.536.6255
Charlotte: 704:230:0394
Atlanta: 404.474.7980
Fax: 317.222.1425
Cell: 317.523.7380
Brand
Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and
public relations firm with a focus on economic development branding and
marketing.
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