The Perfect Pitch How to Give Your Elevator Pitch Anywhere

The Perfect Pitch: How to Give Your Elevator Pitch Anywhere 26 March 2003 The Atlanta Company of Friends Agenda • The Sign Up • The Pitch (Elevator or Otherwise) Intent, Eloquence & Impact • The Throw Preparation, Execution & Follow-through • The Win Sign Up: Are y’all ready to play? The Elements of Pitching 1. Intent 2. Eloquence 3. Impact Intent Caveat Emptor: This workshop will not get you a new job. Intent : So, what’s the Point? • What is this pitch for?     New job leads Informational Interview Personal Branding/ Positioning New Idea/ New Project • Who am I throwing to?  Have a different pitch for each player Eloquence: The Beauty of the Game Eloquence (noun.) powerful and effective language The Key to Eloquence: KISSing • Throw a KISS –Keep It Simple Sexy • Not CRAP –Complicated, Repetitive, Alienating, or Psychotic/Pathetic Impact : Hit or Miss? • Was it a pitch they will talk about in the locker room and the stands? …For the right reasons. The Throw: Stages of the Pitch 1. Preparation 2. Execution 3. Follow Through Preparation 1. 2. 3. 4. Research, Relevant Research State of Mind Listening Practice & Feedback Practice Throw # 1 Turn to the person next to you and ask… “Will you marry me?” Practice Throw # 2 Imagine that you are absolutely sure that they will say NO. Now, ask… “Will you marry me?” Practice Throw # 3 Imagine that you are absolutely sure that they will say YES. Now, ask… “Will you marry me?” Execution 1. Connect 2. Communicate & Confirm 3. Call to Action Connect 1. Good start (Good Evening) 2. Ask something 3. Your own spin Communicate & Confirm • • • • Say what needs to be said Ask for feedback (Confirm) Listen for questions Experience a conversation Call To Action ABC - Always Be Closing    Exchange business cards Establish the next step towards them Say “Thank You.” The Basic Throw # 1 1. “Hello, (their name). My name is … 2. “I heard/read in … that (news / issue).” 3. “Perhaps,(company name) should consider (your brilliant idea).” 4. “As (formal/informal position), I (achievement/activity). And (result).” 5. “So what do you think?” 6. “Thank you. I would like to continue this conversation, here’s my card.” The Special Throw 1. 2. 3. 4. Your own Connection Fill in the Blanks (65 words or so) Your own Confirmation Your own Call to Action The Follow Through 1. Act on the Call 2. Listen 3. Play on. The Win: Post-Game Analysis Questions & Suggestions The Win: Go out and PLAY BALL! Thank you. Joseph A.Y. de Leon de Leon Strategy www.deleonstrategy.com 404.394.1425 JoedeLeon@deLeonStrategy.com http://www.fastcompany.com/cof/group.jsp?id=43 Connect. Communicate. Collaborate. Solve problems, develop skills, improve your career.