Creating the Perfect Pitch

The message is usually driven by someone askingThe Generic 2 Minute Pitch
you the question Tell me about yourself orA longer version of the previous pitch that contains
something of a similar nature.more value statements and talks more about your
There are different approaches to developing andhistory and the organizations you have worked for.
delivering your pitch depending on where you are andThink about your resume and the words you have
who your audience is. At a minimum there are threeused to describe yourself, insure that how you
versions, the first is a basic 30 second pitch that isdescribe yourself accurately reflects what your goal
generic and focuses on your unique selling position,is. You would not for example talk about being in the
the second is a longer one and a half to two minuteEnergy business when in fact you are a Controller,
pitch that contains a more detailed history andrather you are a Controller who happens to have
positioning, the final pitch is one delivered at anextensive experience in the field of Power
interview where you know their requirements andGeneration. Use stories to demonstrate how you
you can focus your value proposition.Remember thathave delivered value to previous or your current
the message is all about what you can bring to theemployer.
table not about what you have done.The Focused 2 Minute Pitch
30 Second (Elevator)At this stage we have a job description and we have
There is any number of environments where thisbeen offered either a telephone or face to face
pitch comes into its own. In general you have a veryinterview. Our goal now is to analyze the
short space of time to get across your value. Andrequirements and pitch our skills and capabilities
you need to be focused on making a greatdirectly against it. If they are looking for a Controller
impression. Your immediate words need to give yourwith a minimum of 3 years experience in a publicly
audience a clear picture of your value and shouldtraded company and you can say it, your opening
leave them thinking either that was interesting orstatement may be I am a Controller with more than
how can I learn more.Think about describing your skill5 years experience in publicly traded companies. You
rather than your job title, Are you a Landscapewill use specific examples of how you meet the bill
Gardener or Do you turn the world green. Are youand how you bring value to the table. Remember
an IRS Agent or A government fund raiser. Thesethat just like crafting your resume to leave people
are two common examples that have grown intobegging for more so your 2 minute pitch should leave
common usage. Think about the best way ofthem saying wow.
describing your vales in 30 seconds or less.