Monday, July 13, 2009

15-Second Elevator Pitch Wizard

Do you need help developing your 15-second elevator pitch? I'm referring to a short spiel you give about yourself when you meet someone at a networking event or in response to anyone anywhere who asks the question, "What do you do?".

My colleague, Maureen Nelson, introduced me to Pitch Wizard, a free, easy-to-use tool for writing your 15-second pitch. Pitch Wizard leads you through four steps, which concludes with a 500-character paragraph about who you are, what you want, and why you should have it.

Here's my pitch, edited slightly after it came out of the Pitch Wizard:
My name is Susan Ireland. I am the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume, and creator of job search tools such as Ready-Made Resumes software and Ready-Made Job Search Workshops. I license my products to military, college, and government-funded career centers to help job seekers of all occupations and levels of employment. If your organization needs some great job search tools, please contact me, Susan Ireland, joblounge@aol.com.

I think every job seeker should create his or her 15-second pitch. In addition to using it for in-person networking, it can also be helpful as a springboard for writing:
The summary section of your resume
Cover letters
Social media profiles
Email introductions

After I had my 500-character pitch in hand, I edited it further to accommodate Twitter. Tweets are limited to 140 characters, however it's better if a tweet is around 120 if you want it to be retweeted. Here's my Twitter pitch:
@SusanIreland: Author, Complete Idiot's Guide to Perfect Resume + Ready-Made Resumes software. Need great job search tools? Contact me!

Let's compile a host of 15-second pitches right here in the Job Lounge. Use the Pitch Wizard, then copy and paste your pitch into the comment section of this post. Be sure to include your email address if you want someone to contact you about a job opportunity.

25 comments:

Stevie said...

My name is Stevie Puckett and I am a web developer and career coach specializing in internet technology, social media, and career development content creation. I stay on the cutting edge of internet technology and love sharing what I learn with others. I have excellent technical, creative, and teaching skills. Call me if you or someone you know is looking for technical, training, or content creation help for career development projects.

Ken Duret said...

My name is Ken Duret and I am a Website Developer specializing in content management and e commerce solutions. I use open source software to create custom websites to suit your needs. I have specialized in Wordpress and Magento Commerce software for content management and developing online stores because of their solid code base, rapid development possibilities and ease of use for my clients. Start creating your unique online presence by contacting me through my website.

Tracy said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Tracy said...

My name is Tracy DeBellevue and I am a professional photographer specializing in timless wedding photography. Dedicated to you on your special day, Firewheel Photography employs photojournalism & traditional portraiture styles to capture the story of your wedding through timeless, breathtaking photographs. See my website at www.FirewheelWeddings.com.

Anonymous said...

My name is Andrea Delgado I have almost 10 years experience in the global development field and have backstopped and provided technical assistance to projects to over 20 countries throughout the developing world. I have a master’s degree in International Political Economy and Development and a graduate certificate in Women’s Politics and Public Policy. My education and work experience has allowed me to analyze global challenges from economic, gender specific, political, religious and social perspectives.

Chandlee said...

Stuck in a job or work that doesn't feel right? I can help. I'm Chandlee Bryan, and work to help you put your best career fit forward so that you can land a job you love. Hire me, and we'll make it easy for employers to hire you. We'll work side-by-side to align your skills and expertise with employer needs. I have over ten years of experience in this line of work, and served as Microsoft's "Resume Specialist" for a nationwide program. Contact me, and let's get started: www.bestfitforward.com

Daisy Wright said...

My name is Daisy Wright and I am a Certified Career Management Coach, Author & Speaker specializing in interview, résumé and career coaching, as well as workshop facilitation. I encourage my clients to always see the glass as ‘half-full’ and to rise above the challenges of career indecision, unemployment, under-employment and low self-esteem. My positive "can-do" attitude is contagious, so beware! I would welcome an opportunity to help you move your career forward...one step at a time!

Karianne Salisbury said...

My name is Karianne Salisbury and I am a journalist specializing in feature writing, layout and design, editing, and social media marketing. I am starting a magazine resource for high school students preparing for college. Passion and dedication drive each of my goals, and I want to help upcoming college students smoothly transition to that next step. I'd love topic or article ideas and any other suggestions. More resources are coming shortly, but for now visit me on Twitter (@skariann).

Phyllis Mufson said...

Hi, I’m Phyllis Mufson. I’m both a career consultant and a certified life coach, which means I help people with career issues, but always in the context of something larger - I am helping them live a more fulfilling life. So, if you know someone who hates getting up Monday mornings, I can help them figure out what they really want to do and become a stronger, more creative, and happier person along the way.

Liz said...

My name is Liz Handlin and I am a Resume Writer specializing in Executives and Professionals. I write resumes that position my clients to obtain the jobs of their dreams. I have exceptional writing skills, a BA & MBA from the University of Chicago, and a broad business background including many years spent as a senior recruiter. I am not the least expensive resume writer you can hire but if you want to land your dream job I am the best. www.ultimateresumes.com

Markell Steele said...

My name is Markell Steele and I am a career counselor specializing in helping frustrated job seekers find career direction, so they can get the job they want in less time wtih less stress. By working with me, my clients gain confidence that they can achieve their career goals. My clients appreciate my straightforward approach, clear communication style and knowledge of career resources. Contact me for a free 20-min. career consultation to discuss how to uncover a satisfying new career direction.

Unknown said...

My name is Elie Kochman and I am a Software Developer specializing in business process automation. I help small business acquire appropriate technology to enhance their daily processes. I spend time to understand what your business does best, and what aspects of your day-to-day tasks are onerous and can be automated. Contact me directly at ekochman@optimalupgrades.com for a free consultation to determine how I can help your business run more smoothly.

Cher Lon Malik said...

My name is Cher Lon Malik (onlinetravelhero.com) We make travel truly affordable, bringing brick and mortar to click and order....Just like Sam's and Costco, we purchase vacations in bulk and pass the savings to you. Whether you join the club or just need individual travel - let me know! 972-693-2350

Jan Melnik said...

Looking for the job of your dreams? I’m Jan Melnik, a career coach and resume writer specializing in developing effective tools that help senior-level clients successfully job search and confidently interview and negotiate. We'll craft innovative stories that communicate value. We'll provide proof to employers of the results you can deliver. Put the power of the industry's top credentials and 26 years of experience to work for you. Visit www.janmelnik.com today to see how we can get started.

Robert Goldasich said...

Susan, great post!

This is the first that I've heard of the Pitch Wizard. I gave it a go and here's what it came out with for me:

My name is Bob Goldasich and I am a Training Professional specializing in increasing bottom line profitability through learning strategies. I develop and deliver training programs. I can take the most technical of subjects, break it down into easily digestible components, and assemble it conceptually to others in a way they can easily absorb. Now is the time to bring training that impacts both your employees and your bottom line into your organization! Contact me at bobgoldasich@yahoo.com.

toni littlestone said...

My name is Toni Littlestone of WorkVision (workvision@aol.com) and I am a career counselor and coach specializing in transition, on the job challenges, and finding a path with heart.. I work with career seekers, job dynamics, inner barriers to career happiness, life balance, interviewing from the heart, holistic management, and job search strategies. I partner with my clients to find a path with heart, plus creatively working with clients to build happiness and success on the job. Come work together to create a path with heart!

Brenda Bernstein said...

My name is Brenda Bernstein and I am the founder and owner of The Essay Expert LLC. We are a writing and editing services company specializing in resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and business writing. Our mission is to assist individuals and companies express themselves powerfully through words and image. Our team members are Ivy-educated and experts in their field. Contact us at BrendaB@TheEssayExpert.com or call 608-467-0067. With our help, your writing will get results.

Anonymous said...

I'm Heather Mundell, and I help professionals make career decisions that fit who they are and what they want. I blend expertise in HR, career and life coaching, and effective decision-making strategies to help my clients move from feeling stuck and unsure to creating a plan of action they feel confident about. Visit me online at my website, dreambigcoaching.com, and my blog, life@work, at dbcs.typepad.com

Ronnie Ann said...

My name is Ronnie Ann and I'm an independent consultant specializing in business process improvement and workplace (or private) coaching. Mainly I help find ways to solve organizational problems - whenever possible before they happen. And also whenever possible, I take on private coaching for talented people going through a period of change or who just need a second set of eyes and ears. Feel free to contact me even if you're not quite sure how I can help. I can even help with that!

(Hey...this was fun Susan! Great tool. Thanks.)

Sallie Goetsch said...

My name is Sallie Goetsch, the Author-izer, and I am a linguistic alchemist specializing in turning experts into authors. I ask a lot of questions and take time to get to know my clients and their businesses so I can convey their "voice" as well as their meaning. I always ask what the project is meant to accomplish, and how to measure success. I'm ready to point out pitfalls and alternatives. Become an authority. Get Author-ized. E-mail sallie@author-izer.com today.

Louise said...

My name is Louise Goeckel. The name of my career consulting business is Let's Go Forward! I help people get un-stuck and have more fun, success and ease in their work-life.

I offer inspiration, clarity, strategies and support for first jobs, job promotion, and career/retirement changes. I know the value of work that fulfills your life purpose and meets your economic goals.

Right now, more than ever, the world needs all of us making our unique contributions.

Links:
http://www.letsgoforward.biz
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/louise-goeckel/8/b22/25b

Tom Musbach said...

My name is Tom Musbach, and I am an editor and writer specializing in job-hunting and career issues. I write, edit, blog, and tweet content to help job seekers and boost traffic to Yahoo! HotJobs. My efforts generate 15% of total traffic, helping the site become the No. 2 player in terms of Web traffic share. I'm committed to high-quality editorial content that will benefit people's professional lives, so subscribe to my feeds to stay up on getting ahead.

Unknown said...

I am Melissa Roberts with A1 Teletronics. I provide wholesale phone equipment, expert installation and personal service. In short, I make phone systems easy!
mroberts@a1teletronics.com

Vasco said...

Need a laugh? Laugh with me. I tell stories that make children laugh, grown men cry and women squeal.

Everyone who hears one of my stories asks for another. Read a few pages, listen to a few words, and let me know what you think. My name is Vasco Phillip de Sousa, and I'm a screenwriter.

Anonymous said...

I thought it is suppose to be only one or two sentences?