Do your networking results need help?
Yes? Then it is time to ditch boring and dull! It is time to create and share your WOW personal branded introduction (or Elevator Speech). It is your branded commercial, serving as your introduction to so many — and, frankly, a necessity.
Use it when you meet and greet (both online and off), understanding it answers the question, “Tell me about yourself.”
An Elevator Speech or your WOW personal branded introduction is a marketing pitch, customized to the people and situations in which you want to secure a conversation. A conversation is step one, and begins to build or further a relationship. If you do not WOW people when you first meet, chances are there will be no next conversation, no opportunity to foster a relationship.
In today’s digital, fast-paced world getting lost or forgotten in a sea of information is easy. Having a WOW personal branded introduction is critical in helping you stand out and be remembered (favorably).
What is the WOW in your branded introduction?
WOW stands for your Worth (what you do and the impact of it), the Opportunities you are seeking, and What you can do for the person (or someone they know) experiencing your message.
Your WOW makes you memorable, helps others connect with you and understand why they should care about what you have to say. If the WOW is missing, odds are you will be forgotten or the conversation will fizzle quickly. Without a strong WOW your brand awareness is diminished and it takes longer to have influence in any situation.
Remember, you only have seconds to connect, set the stage and share your WOW. Your first impression is vital — make it count or you will be forgotten!
Ditch your boring introduction. Be relevant. Gain favorable attention. Ensure that when you meet someone they understand what you do and the impact you have.
Ready to ditch boring and add WOW?
There are thousands of formulas for an elevator speech — pick any formula you like, and then draft your initial speech.
Then slice it, dice it, edit it, and make it yours. Deb Dib co-author of “Ditch Dare Do!” recommends being ruthless when editing — every word counts!
Hone your personal branded introduction. Practice it. Use it. Change it as you grow. You need to be comfortable delivering it, yet if it sounds canned it will impact the impression you make.
This formula will get you started: “I <what you do> <the problem you solve> and the <results you produce>.
As you grow you will want your WOW introduction to evolve. As it evolves, update your online social profiles to reflect your updates.
If your WOW personal branded introduction or social media profiles need attention, get help. If I can help, feel free to contact me.
In 15+ words you can share a great deal about your brand and what you do. You can go from boring to having conversations that build relationships and land opportunities faster than you think. With focus and some editing you can create an amazing WOW statement.
You get the idea — ditch boring (and the extra words), create WOW, and be remembered.
Does your Elevator Speech have WOW? Is it on brand, clear and to the point? Does it tell your brand story?
Have a comment or thought? Post it below.
What a great succinct way of remembering how to connect quickly and purposefully with people you meet ! Love it!!
No more boring Elevator pitches. YEA! If people don’t hear you that can’t help you!
Kelly, glad you love it!
Jane – agree if people don’t hear you they can’t help!
WOW, Wow, wow! Easy to implement way to create an intro. I personally do not like the term elevator speech because it sounds like a trite way to tell others what you do.
Lilia, we all need an introduction and I agree with you the term ‘elevator speech’ is not my favorite term. Creating a branded WOW intro is easy – draft, edit, edit, share! Have an amazing weekend.
This also sounds like a great rubric for a networking event! Can you imagine sitting at a table over lunch and going through this exercise for all? Thanks for the great framing exercise!
You’re welcome Cena …
Hi Cindy! This is definitely something I could work on. Talking about fertility often makes people feel uncomfortable. I wonder if there is a better word that I can use that will open up conversation? It’s something to ponder! Thank you.