Rosemary Fusca ~ It’s about Relationships
Loose the 30 second canned elevator pitch!
How many times have you been to a networking event where someone gives you their business card before even telling you their name? 
Not too long ago I was having an engaging conversation with someone I had met when we were suddenly interrupted by a gentleman who gave us each his card and then proceeded to give us his 30 second elevator pitch all without blinking an eye or taking a breath. As he quickly moved on to “network” the rest of the room, I couldn’t help but smile and wonder – are these old school networking techniques still working?
I wouldn’t call myself a networking expert – not even close. I’m much more interested and passionate about Relationships. I certainly appreciate some of the “old school” rules on networking and am also very intrigued by some of the “new school” ideas.
Here’s one I’d love to share. Lose the 30 second canned Elevator Pitch!
There are a multitude of workshops, webinars, blogs and articles on how to “Master the 30 Second Elevator Pitch.” I was never all that comfortable with that whole idea of getting someone to “like” me or be interested in who I am or what I do in 30 seconds or less. Replace it with a genuine interest and desire in developing a relationship and adding value. Next time someone asks you what you do, or you’re at one of those events where you’re asked to “say a little something about yourself” – Replace the old school pitch with something that is unexpected and unique. Stand out from the rest of the crowd and give them something to remember you by.
Instead of saying “I’m a financial planner and I do…blah blah blah” – Stand out by saying something like “I help people retire early.” Which one of those is going to intrigue you enough to want to ask more questions? I know a make-up artist who changed her standard elevator pitch from “I’m a makeup artist and offer high end beauty products…blah blah…” to “I make women look and feel beautiful and younger without having to use photo shop!” Most people remember different and unique, especially if you back it up with your
own passion. I have fun changing up my “elevator pitch” depending upon the situation or circumstances. If I’m training or doing a workshop, sometimes I’m a “farmer” planting seeds, watering them, and doing some weeding. If I’m doing one-on-one coaching I often wear different hats of being a Tour Guide, Bus Driver or Pilot. Sometimes I simply say something like “I help people get what they want.” And I’ve never had anyone not ask a follow up question like “Well, what does that mean exactly?” And now there’s a conversation going.
I don’t know if this is a “best networking tip” or not, what I do know, is for me anyway, it’s about relationships.
Rosemary Fusca
www.etcsolutions.ca 416.707.4633 info@etcsolutions.ca
Excellent points Rosemary. I was just at an event last night, a great opportunity for me to meet influential people that will be helpful in my future business ventures. Never liked sales much because of this ‘pitch’ thing so just smiled & greeted those who were standing around me. Before I knew it, they were talking, I listened & responded and when asked what I did, said I was here to learn as much as I can. I gave out only 2 business cards throughout the evening & then only to maintain contact for completely different reasons based on our interesting conversation.
Two people from a previous event recognized me & came to greet me. Frankly, for me it’s about building a relationship with even one new person. I’ve found other opportunities come to you through them. I got a huge smile & hug from someone I met at the last event just as I was being introduced to the Head of the whole organization. He raised his eyebrows, leaned towards me, said, ‘A hugger I see’, to which I responded, ‘Yes, one of the best’ & proved it. He agreed & we happily engaged in conversation about the eternal search for lost glasses at our age, particularly when traveling. He shared not only his destination but also his excitement over what he hoped to achieve. Next time I see him I can ask him specific questions about this important trip. Other than knowing I was a guest of someone he respected, he will remember me, both for great hugs & for actually listening to & engaging in what he said in the little time we did chat.
What many may forget is that, beneath the need to network to promote our businesses, we are ALL people, starving for real contact with another human being. When I attend an event of any kind the people I remember are those who ‘see me’, ask questions & actually listen to what I have to say without their eyes darting to their cell phones & around the room in case they miss something. It just plain feels good. So reversing that, if I do the same, I meet the most interesting people you can imagine!
In fact, one of the conversations I had was with a very wise older gentleman was about exactly this topic – having a real connection with another human being during a conversation, something he felt the younger generation knows little about as most of their interactions take place in a virtual world via our communication devices. There’s something about looking into another person’s eyes while talking with them that forges a deep connection between two people, if only for a short period of time. I miss these one-on-one interactions & try to have as many as possible with both friends & business associates.
Thank you for sharing your experiences Elfie. I also believe that most people are interested in engaging and thoughtful conversations.
When I worked in the “corporate world” I attended events on a regular basis. I can remember hearing my boss asking me how many business cards I handed out, as if it were a contest or something. I appreciate that business cards can be valuable, however I’d rather take them than give them as it allows me the opportunity to follow up and re-connect. I agree that the genuine one-on-one interactions are the way to go in creating a deep connection, rapport and genuine relationship.
Hi! Just wanted to tell you this is a great piece! I agree wholeheartedly with this message. However, just a heads up, the use of the word ‘loose’ might be wrong. Loose change, loose screws. But you LOSE 40 Pounds, you lose your wallet, lose that lame boyfriend…etc.
Hi! Thank You very much for your comments and for the heads up. I realized the error just after posting the article – Good news is, I’ll never make that same error again! Have yourself a wonderful day and week…and thanks again for posting! My Very Best, rosemary