As we pull into the volleyball sports complex, I mention to my daughter that this is the first time I’ve driven her to this camp this summer.
“Really? How did you not make any wrong turns?” she asks.
Her question surprises me. With the GPS running on our minivan’s console, missing a turn didn’t even seem possible. But I appreciated her perspective – that something usually goes wrong when you’re trying a new skill.
And it gets me thinking about your Elevator Pitch.
Because we often expect conversations to flow effortlessly, like following a GPS with turn-by-turn directions. There’s a belief that if we just follow the “route,” there should be no awkward pauses, no long-winded stories, and no moments of polite smiles while we mentally scramble for the next thing to say.
But here’s the reality: Relationships are messy. Conversations don’t always go according to plan, and the only real mistake is not starting them in the first place.
Unlike with a GPS, you will make wrong turns in conversations. You’ll have a 1:1 where someone tries to sell you the whole time, or you won’t connect, or something you say doesn’t quite land.
And that’s okay. In fact, those little missteps are crucial to the process of getting to know people. The key is to pay attention to how people respond. Some of the most engaging parts of my Elevator Pitch came from saying something on the fly, noticing a positive reaction, and deciding to try it again.
So for every time something you say doesn’t land, there will be moments when a phrase surprises you with the enthusiasm of the other person’s response.
The work on your Elevator Pitch is gathering those phrases that get a good response, testing them to make sure they work consistently, and then weaving the winning phrases into a coherent message.
So the next time you’re gearing up for a networking event, remember that it’s okay if your Elevator Pitch isn’t perfect. Embrace the awkward moments and unexpected detours – that’s where the conversational gold is hiding. That’s how you build genuine connections and turn small talk into lasting relationships.
As my daughter already seems to understand: In conversations, as in life, sometimes it’s the wrong turns that lead us exactly where we need to be.
What’s the most engaging phrase in your Elevator Pitch?