Tag Archives: elevator speeches

I Love Escalator Speeches

We all know that Elevator Speeches should be the short and simple answer to the often-asked question at networking events –  ‘What do you do?’. Sometimes, they’re even clever, but most of the time they’re lame, too long and forgettable. Even so, they’re still a fact of business life.

So, that’s why I love Escalator Speeches. Assume you’re on the down escalator as someone passes by you going up on the other side. You only have a few seconds to communicate, so you must be focused, concise and engaging.

Mine is ‘I empower business leaders to take away the pain from workplace communication.’ Short, simple and likely to generate some questions when the other person turns around and follows me back down the other side.

The best one I’ve ever heard is from a financial planner colleague. He says “I help take people from fear and frustration to financial freedom’. (Thanks Lamar). Also short, simple, catchy and memorable. No mention of titles or words with lots of baggage. Both are benefit statements citing the value people receive when they work with us.

Crafting something that concise is a lot of work, I admit. But, it’s well worth the time and effort if you want to make a memorable impression on the escalator.

Elevate Your Elevator Speech

Elevator Speeches … 30 Second Commercials … Shameless Self-Promotions. They’re our typical response to the often asked ‘What do you do?’ We all use them at networking meetings and other professional group events. But, most of us don’t do them with enough focus, flexibility and finesse. As these events increase with warmer weather, it’s time for your annual Elevator Speech Upgrade. So, enjoy these simple and easy strategies to Elevate Your Elevator Speech (ES). Read More »

Why I Love ‘Escalator’ Speeches

While I never get tired of ranting about lame Elevator Speeches, I also never tire of sharing effective ‘Escalator’ Speeches.

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Why I Hate Elevator Speeches … and So Should You!

Have you ever been at business networking event and heard an amateur networker deliver an ‘Elevator Speech From Hell’? I know I have. Lots of times. You wanted to hit the emergency stop button and escape fast. Read More »

What To Do AFTER Your Elevator Speech (9/18)

As wannabe Power Networkers, many of you polish your finely crafted Elevator Speeches and deliver them with passion and purpose every chance you get. Great.

So, let’s assume you’ve just done that at a professional group meeting or networking event  (once we have the to attend again) … now what do you do? Read More »

I Hate Elevator Speeches & So Should You!

Have you ever been at a COSE or some other business networking event and heard an amateur networker deliver an ‘Elevator Speech from Hell’? I know I have. Lots of times. You wanted to hit the emergency stop button and escape that elevator fast. Read More »

What To Do AFTER Your Elevator Speech

As wannabe Power Networkers, many of you polish your finely-crafted Elevator Speeches and deliver them with passion and purpose every chance you get. Great. Read More »

Elevate Your Elevator Speech

A business blogger recently asked for my input on Elevator Speech (ES) Best Practices. A few of my thoughts … Read More »

I Don’t Get it – Elevator Pitches

Some of my business friends hate the Elevator Pitch concept and refuse to do them. While I do like the concept, I don’t get the name. Read More »

Networking Worst Practices

I’ve seen a lot of Networking Worst Practices in my 25 plus years of writing and speaking about the topic, but the worst of the worst is making an absolutely terrible first impression on a stranger in less than one minute by delivering an Elevator Speech from Hell!  Read More »