An elevator pitch is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a person, process, product or service. In theory, it must be able to be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride. It is critical that each and every person have a short elevator pitch mastered, which effectively communicates their unique gift or talent. Everyone has a gift or talent; but so often, people fail to make the progress that they desire because they are unable to deliver an effective elevator pitch to the influencers in their field. More often than not, meetings with influencers occur unexpectedly: the high school basketball star who bumps into a recruiter while waiting in line at the airport, the aspiring corporate professional who enters an elevator with the CEO of the company, and the list goes on. There are few worse feelings than the one you get when you totally blow a golden opportunity due to a lack of preparation. Do yourself a favor, learn the fundamental ingredients of a great elevator pitch now so that you are ready to answer when opportunity knocks.
