I had recently switched jobs. I traded the job at a big corporation for a one at a small company. I was very well established at my old job and never felt a need to prove myself or sell myself. This all changed as one usually starts at the ground floor at any new job.
At my new job I met new people everyday. It being a small company, I would run into executives quite often. We would exchange the normal courtesies and thats it. I realized much later that I had not used the “first impression” opportunity. If I had something worthwhile to say, they might mentally file me under “guy worth my time” folder, rather than “just another guy” folder.
Once I realized that, I realized to have something similar to an elevator pitch ready at all times. Elevator pitch is typically associated with startups trying to impress potential investors as captive audience for the duration of the elevator ride. A more generic form of elevator pitch is just having something sensible to say so that there person you are interacting with thinks that you are worth his time.
The elevator pitch in its “generic form” should not be construed as a sales pitch or ad ad of yourself. It is supposed to help once cause and not hurt (sales pitch/Ads can be turnoff). For me its basically the 3rd or a 4th sentence in an conversation with someone I am trying of impress, so that the conversation can last long enough for the person to remember me among scores of other people he would meet.
I think some folks are natural charmers or inherently good conversationalist. They don’t have to prepare themselves for stuff like this. I am not blessed with this natural charm and find it challenging. Thus the need to have some “preparation” in this area.
I think one does need to have a list of relevant open ended questions or just a list of cool ideas to form the basis for conversation if an opportunity presented itself. eg. What does I say if I ran into Steve Jobs at an apple store ? ok. well that is highly unlikely to happen, but still can be very though provoking. I more realistic scenario, specially in a small to midsize company is what should I talk about If I find myself standing next to the CEO, or VP of engineering.
And if the homework is well done, I might find myself seeking them at gatherings, rather than trying to steer myself away.. just because I don’t know what to say!
also, I think having talking points might help in general social settings outside work too. specially those with some sort of social anxiety.
