Sigsoog

Life is unpredictable. Things can happen at any moment - and life-changing (or career-changing!) opportunities may be lurking just around the corner. Perhaps you overhear information about a job opening or promotion. Or maybe you bump into someone who can help you get started with your career. Since unexpected things can happen anywhere and at any time, it is important to be prepared...just in case!

How can you plan ahead to boost your career? Always have your 15-second elevator pitch ready. You may be sitting there, wondering, "What is an elevator pitch and why would I ever need one?" Don't scoff! This may just be a life-changing concept. Let's start by answering the first part of that question - what is a 15-second elevator pitch?

Imagine for a moment that you are in an elevator. Maybe someone gets on at a different floor or the person standing next to you begins to strike up a conversation. It turns out, they're working in the field you're trying to get into. Or maybe they know someone you've been trying to reach, and so on. There are many different situations where you may unexpectedly bump into someone who may be useful to your career or may offer advice or even want to schedule a job interview. You never know!

So, what is a 15-second elevator pitch? It is essentially a way to sell yourself to someone in 15-seconds or less. When you find yourself speaking to someone important or relevant to your career, it's all about making a good impression. You'll need to effectively highlight your assets and strengths...without coming off like a bad salesperson! This brief pitch allows you to explain who you are, what you do, and what you hope to accomplish. It is a great way to network, make contacts or turn a casual conversation into a meeting or job interview. The possibilities are endless! It's all about making the most of situations when or if they arise.

Now to answer the second part of that question: why would you ever need a 15-second elevator pitch? Here's the thing...you never know when it might come in handy. Anyone can walk into your life and totally turn things upside-down. They key to handling unexpected situations is to be as prepared as possible. By focusing on creating your own 15-second elevator pitch, you'll feel more confident - and you'll be able to really showcase who you are and what you're capable of achieving.

To come up with your own 15-second elevator pitch, start by creating a brainstorming list. Think about how you see yourself and your career. What are your positive character traits? What things do you do well? Think about the jobs you have had in the past and what your career goals are. How do you hope to make those goals a reality? Creating an effective pitch is more than just rambling about how great you are. You'll really need to think about your strengths and what you hope to achieve. Narrow down your brainstorming list until you have a couple of really key points - and start crafting your pitch.

When opportunity knocks, be prepared for it. Always have your 15-second elevator pitch ready. By putting in a little extra work now, you'll be able to handle whatever twists and turns life throws at you.

Find out more about the 15-second elevator pitch, along with our business and life coaching by calling: 647-680-6941. Our experienced Sigsoog coaches will be able to help you find success in every aspect of your life.