Networking and the Elevator Pitch
- 1. Networking and The Elevator Pitch Nicola Douglas South Herts Coaching Circle 6th January 2013
- 2. OR “Making the most of your networking opportunities.”
- 3. Introduction
- 4. Tools for Networking • Attitude • Preparation • SHINE • Focus on outcomes • Be flexible • 60s Strategies • Dos & Try Not Tos
- 5. Tip One Always approach networking in a great frame of mind.
- 6. Why prepare? • Unknown factors • Performance • Confidence
- 7. Preparation Location Food Route Kit Parking Networking Host Venue Research Delegates
- 8. Tip Two Take time to prepare – Boost confidence & performance by removing the unknown factors.
- 9. Shine • Or rather S.H.I.N.E. - a great way to greet people
- 10. S.H.I.N.E.
- 11. Tip Three Get the basics right & you’ll feel more confident.
- 12. Focus on the Right Outcomes • It’s not about the hard sell or the quick fix • Look to add value • Ultimate goals • Great goal for today’s • networking?
- 13. Tip Four Focus on the outcomes you want by setting some goals for your networking.
- 14. Bonus Tip Aim to help people & they will remember*. *But please keep your promises
- 15. Challenge No. 1 • Set yourself one goal for today’s networking session • Set yourself one goal for your next networking session • Set yourself one goal for networking in general Goals: I will… (do what? by when?) so that…(outcome)
- 16. Be flexible
- 17. Tip Five Practice and perfect more than one version of your pitch.
- 18. Elevate your Elevator Pitch • 60 seconds (sometimes less) to get your message across
- 19. Strategies • F.F.F (Feel, Felt, Found) • What do you do? Well, you know when / how… • Statistics lead • Case study • Top tips • News related
- 20. Feel, Felt, Found You may feel that it’s really tough to grow your business in the current economic climate. You’re not alone in feeling that way! Most of my clients felt exactly the same way, but they found that by working with me they grew their businesses despite the climate; increasing sales, improving their opportunities and rocketing their confidence.
- 21. You know… You know how people (especially Mums) go into business for themselves to achieve a better lifestyle balance and often end up run ragged with the stress of managing day to day life and a growing business… Well what I do is work with my clients to give them the tools and techniques they need to manage their time more effectively so that they can have the balance of a healthy growing business, a happy stable family and a fun fulfilling personal life that they crave.
- 22. Statistics Lead A 2004 survey by a very large multi- national healthcare company found that the biggest factor influencing well-being and happiness is the ability to take control of one’s own destiny. I work with small business owners to help them to take control of their own paths, resulting in happier, healthier business owners and more profitable, busier businesses.
- 23. Tip Six In your pitch, highlight the benefits not the features of your product or service.
- 24. Bonus Tip Be interesting and interested.
- 25. Dos & Try Not Tos DO TRY NOT TO Paint a picture Say your no good at 60s pitches Make it personal to them Tell them they won’t be interested Be passionate Use jargon Include hard facts & figures to Give a hard sell back up what you are saying Use tone/body language/volume Read from a script Remind them of your business Look down, fidget, play with your name at the end clothing Smile Scowl
- 26. Challenge No. 2 • To write a short 30-60s pitch based on the examples. • Find a partner • Introduce yourselves (S.H.I.N.E.) • Try it out • Give some feedback – A commendation, a recommendation & a final commendation
- 27. Finally… • Before you go: – Choose a great attitude – Prepare – Know what you want – Have a strategy or two (or three) – Practice • When you are there: – S.H.I.N.E. – Give of yourself – Highlight the benefits – Be interested & present – Enjoy it!
Editor's Notes
- #4: Nicola DouglasLife Coach (Arcana Coaching) & Business Coach (The Entrepreneur’s Advocate)Previously worked for Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, E. Merck.Loves… dancing, shoes, football, rugby, girls days out, my friends & family, coaching, good food and wine!
- #13: It’s not about the product / service sellKnow meLike meTrust me (enough to buy from me)Ultimate goalsLeads, referrals, information, research, sales opportunities, joint venturesGreat goal for today’s networking?
- #17: What you deliver will depend on Your audienceHow long you’ve gotHow the network works (1-2-1 or 1-2-many)
- #19: Say who you are and your company nameHighlight the pain your client’s experienceSay what you do to resolve itLeave them wanting to know more (like how you do this?)Say who you are and your company name again!