You need an elevator pitch

When someone says to you, "Tell me about yourself," what do you say? Do you have a response? Or do you just wing it?

If you are winging it, I hate to break it to you, but you need an elevator pitch. Do not wing it anymore! Please. For your sake, get an elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is a formalized way to introduce you and your qualifications to a potential employer, someone in your network or a stranger. These become super useful because most people don't carry their resumes around all the time. You may not be looking for a new job or career, but one may just find you with an elevator pitch!

Think of it is pitching yourself and you know what they say? "Always be pitching." Here's how:

Make it 2 minutes or less

You don't want to talk too much. Most people don't have thirty minutes to hear your life's story. So make it short and sweet. Consider including the following in your pitch:

• Introduce yourself
• Three of the most important things about you. This could be your passions, what you currently do, programs or projects you have built, what your long term career goals are, or promote a big achievement.
• The ask/goal. Tell the listener why you are speaking to them. If you want a job, ask for it. If you want to collaborate, ask.
• Say goodbye. I know this seems like a no-brainer, but I have had students practice elevator pitches and have seen people forget to say goodbye and awkwardly walk away from, potentially, a very important conversation.

Tailor, Tailor, Tailor

You should include information that is relevant to the listener. If you know the person you are pitching to, this is easy. When you don't know them, what should you do? Be observative. If they are wearing a Yankees baseball cap or have a tattoo or are wearing a certain brand, those are all clues that could help you further connect with a person. Remember that the connection is most important here so do what you have to in order to make a deep connection.

Tell your story

Preparing your elevator pitch is essential. Earlier I said that you are pitching yourself and you are. But do not think of this as a sales pitch. Think of this process as telling your story because this is your story!

Be authentic

There is no reason to be anyone other than yourself! YOU are enough! You are great and powerful and talented and amazing! When it is time to pitch yourself, BE YOU!

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I taught in a traditional school setting for 5 years before entering my current role where I design curriculum, plan projects and motivate students to break all of the rules. I'm interested in change and finding the next set of large innovations to the classroom through the use of adaptive learning technology and AI. The world is rapidly innovating and it is my belief that schools must follow that trend. Connect with me on LinkedIn and follow me on Twitter to keep having great conversations.

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