2.B. Creating An Elevator Pitch

if someone were to ask you "what do you do?", could you answer that question concisely in one minute or less and in a way that sums up your practice? an "elevator pitch," also known as a "one minute commercial" is your way of telling others who you are and what you do with regard to therapy the name comes from the idea that you might be in an elevator with someone and they ask, "what do you do?" but elevator pitches aren't just for using in elevators; they can be helpful to have ready for networking events, conferences, marketing, talking with you barber or hair dresser, etc ! helpful tips write and rewrite your pitch, sharpening it's focus and eliminating unnecessary words and awkward constructions and update your pitch as your situation changes keep it short aim for one minute or less be prepared keep it on your phone or nearby when you are going out review it before networking events practice your pitch succinctly talking about yourself and what you have to offer takes practice you should know your pitch well enough so that you can express your key points without sounding as though it was memorized practice with friends, family or even in the mirror! have more than one version personalize it to your audience what you say to colleagues might be different than what you would say to a potential client or a neighbor that asks what you do avoid using professional jargon when you are not speaking with colleagues be positive and confident (not arrogant) in your delivery project your passion for what you do try to maintain eye contact with your listener remember, a smile is the best way to show friendliness and enthusiasm keep it interesting simply tell a cohesive story about yourself you want to engage your listener a well delivered one minute commercial will draw the listener in to you it should be memorable and sincere open a window into your personality and what it might be like working with you consider a compelling "hook" an intriguing aspect that engages the listener, prompts him or her to ask questions, and keeps the conversation going breathe! take it slow and don't rush through your pitch and keep a nice cadence and tone so that others are able to hear you correctly pause briefly between sentences here's an example my name is lillie jackson i'm a licensed clinical social worker in georgia and a registered play therapist i provide online counseling for children ages 5 to 15 who live in georgia and i'm in network with most major insurance plans i specialize in working with children and teens with anxiety to help them bravely discover their own inner strength as they move from rigid thinking to creative problem solvers and successfully face their fears my approach to therapy focuses on empowering kids to be in control of their anxious thoughts and interrupt the cycle they feel caught in through compassion, education, helpful strategies, and parent resources, so they can achieve a sense of calm and confidence in their life we will be talking more about creating your pitch in this week's session and help you start creating yours