THE LAST LAUGH

Elevator Pitch Series Part #7

Let me leave you with something to laugh about:

An Irish man walks out of a bar.

That’s it. That’s the joke. Thank you, Lee.

But that’s not the kind of laugh I’m talking about. It is however an illustration of my last point about elevator pitches. Stop talking and start laughing! Walk away from the elevator and the conveyor belt of negative thoughts that may rush through your head on a moment to moment basis and give yourself a reason to smile.

Truth: There is no such thing as a perfect elevator pitch.

That’s right, repeat after me, “There is no such thing as a perfect elevator pitch.” There will always be something you can think of that you might have done differently. Spending even one minute beating yourself up gets you nowhere. I’m all for reflection, but we should reflect with ourselves as we would a close friend. Be kind.

If I’ve made no other impressions in this series, I hope I’ve conveyed the importance of having an intention, (it should be personal- no blanket answers here, sorry) and one’s intention or attitude has a way of being communicated whether we realize it or not. If you feel desperate, or angry or insecure or broke and you start talking with that being your motivation, believe me, your message will be loud and clear. Stop talking. Listen. Listen not just to your audience, but to yourself. What messages do you send to yourself?

Take a moment, breathe, relax your shoulders, take a good look in the mirror and laugh. You will be laughing with yourself, not AT yourself. Let go of perfection. Let go of the feeling that this one opportunity is your last chance and there will never be another, blah, blah, blah. I say this because not only is that not true, but it will silently invade the real message you want to send/hope to send: “--- -- -“

That’s right. You have to fill in the blank. After all, it’s YOUR message.

-Greta Muller

Presentation Coach and Media Trainer, C3

greta@c3nyc.com

CALLING ALL CARDS

Elevator Pitch Part 6

At a business networking function, a gentleman gave another gentleman his card. It happened to be his last one. Moments later he returned, confessing he had just met someone really important and needed that card back! Really? Yes, this really happened.

This man was certainly no boy scout: he was neither prepared, nor courteous. If he saw nothing wrong in asking for his card back, I could imagine him admitting to the “really important” person, “Excuse me a moment, I gave my last card to that guy and I’d rather you have it!” Compliment? I don’t think so.

Yes, business cards are a valuable tool, but they should not be thrust upon unwilling victims, nor used as your elevator pitch opening. I’ve seen it all too many times, that person who works the room like a shark, never still, constantly moving through the crowd with the smile, the card and snap! It’s on to the next victim.

In Japan, there is an entire ceremony tied to presenting one’s card or meishi. Meishi are kept in fine leather cases so that they do not become worn or tattered- a sign of disrespect. (Doesn’t make the best impression here, either!) Meishi are presented, holding the card with both hands, by the outer corners, always face up, turned, so that it may be easily read by the receiver. The giving and acceptance of one’s card is not done lightly, but is a symbol of the respect afforded the other party.

While we do not subscribe to the same level of ceremony, asking before offering one’s card is a simple sign of respect. “May I give you my card? I would love for us to speak further.” If the situation seems right, ask for his or her card. “I would love to hear more about your project. May I have your card?”

If you find yourself in the same situation as our gentleman in the opening paragraph, simply admit to the truth (unless the truth is that you have a full box of cards under your desk and you never think to carry them with you!) and ask if you may have one of theirs.

It may be one of the few times it is better to receive than to give!