What’s Your Pitch?

I delivered a keynote speech to about 200 people recently at a large retail company. The group worked in the logistics department. I joked if they introduce themselves and say “I work in logistics for ABC Co.” most people’s eyes will glaze over. What about, “I’m the triple R person. I help ABC Co. get the right product to the right place at the right time.”

Can you clearly convey what you do? What’s your pitch? The components of a pitch are pretty straight forward:

• Your name: say it clearly and distinctly so people can pick it up
• What you do: in plain language or be creative, use a metaphor or analogy
• What you need: this is the ‘ask’. For example, in a career fair, you may deliver your pitch and ask if you can be on the company’s interview schedule.

There are many opportunities where we can use our pitch, with or without the ‘ask’:

Your current network- the people closest to you may not know what you do or need. Practice your pitch on who you know right now.

Informal networking – this can happen while travelling, on a sports field, anywhere. 

Formal networking events – the ‘ask’ in a formal network event should be linked to your objective for being there; for example to look for business leads, to find a mentor, etc.

Job interviews – having a pitch will help you answer questions like “Tell me about yourself.” or “Tell me about your current role.” 

Cold calls – you might be cold calling as part of your work or cold calling people you would like to meet. Think about the voice mail message you would leave.

Work opportunities to speak to new people – this may happen in a meeting or if you are working with a different team.

Career or Job Fair- you want to be ready to make a positive impression.
Information interviews- you are interviewing someone to learn about her or his industry or company; you too will answer questions. 

Spend a few minutes crafting your pitch and be prepared for the opportunities ahead.