In an unexpected burst of efficiency, the time management seminar ends 45 minutes ahead of schedule, which means that I can more quickly rescue my mouth from the unintended consequences of following that old adage about the breath mint.
“Never turn down a breath mint.”
So the saying goes.
Maybe she was just being polite
On Saturday
In that seminar
At the conference in St. Louis
When she offered me a Dentyne Fire.
Or maybe she was trying to tell me something.
Either way,
I’ve been conditioned
From years of doing live theater,
Presentations,
And interviews,
To just accept the breath mint when offered.
Only one problem.
I hate cinnamon.
Especially in gum form.
And Dentyne Fire,
Well,
Let’s just say,
My mouth catches fire
My eyes water
My hair reverts to its naturally curly state.
And it gets me thinking about your Elevator Pitch.
Because just like the breath mint
You want to share your Elevator Pitch
Every time there’s a chance to start a conversation.
Every time.
Yes,
Sometimes it’s awkward.
Sometimes it’s painful.
Sometimes you wish your hair would catch fire
Because that
Would be a legitimate reason
To run screaming
From a networking event.
And while your hair catching on fire would certainly grab people’s attention
It’s the wrong kind of attention
Unless you sell fire extinguishers.
But back to the Elevator Pitch.
The Elevator Pitch is only painful if you expect it to start conversations with everyone.
Let’s clear this up right now.
It won’t.
In fact, the purpose of the Elevator Pitch is to figure out who you like talking to.
So if you find yourself in an awkward conversation
Your Elevator Pitch has succeeded
In pointing out
That you won’t pursue a future conversation
With this particular person.
Smile.
Thank them.
Then go find someone who enjoys talking to you
As much as you enjoy talking to them…
That’s business networking.