Diane Riemer ⋅ Andover, MA Brandeis International School of Business ⋅ 25 years experience

Good morning
The 30 second pitch is a must. I like the structure that goes like this - here's who/what I am today, this is what I have done the past and this is what I am interested in going forward. No more than 60 seconds! It should be succinct, but detail rich to provide the person you talking with the kind of detail that will inspire a follow up question for you, Question of interest though, not a question for clarification of something that was confusing. Your goal is to make it easy for someone to talk to you by "seeing" the conversation. Its an art. Practice, practice, practice until it doesn't sound rehearsed and you can adjust your pitch on the fly, depending on who you are talking to.

Networking always seems like an unpleasant and awkward task. I like thinking of it as a way to need new people, getting to know someone with whom you have common interests. If one goes about networking from a goal perspective, rather than a process perspective such as I have suggested, it is much harder to develop the rapport that will later on become reciprocal professional relationships.

Lastly if you are at a networking event, be prepared with an ice breaker opener to get a conversation going. "Have you attended this before" "How did you hear about this?" etc. If there is a group already talking that you would like to join, just wait for a break in the conversation, ask if you can join and introduce yourself with your name only, not your 30 second pitch and offer your hand. Leaving a group can be awkward too, but remember if it is a networking event, everyone is there to meet people. Wait for an appropriate pause and excuse yourself. "If you will excuse me, I am going to see if I can meet some other people interested in xxxx - whatever the networking event is structured around,

Do jump in, the longer one waits, the harder it gets. Jumping in gets you started building those professional relationships. Don't forget they are reciprocal. You may not be able to help someone today, but you certainly will be able to in the future, once you are established in your next career. Everyone gets that!

Hope this helps!
Diane

robert castillo ⋅ Huntsville, AL Northrop Grumman ⋅ 6 years experience

The best answer is be yourself and realize that the person your talking to is most likely seeking the same thing. In order for me really help you we need to meet, so I can hear what you have to say. Contact me at robert.castillo@ngc.com

Rajesh Sahni ⋅ Bridgewater, NJ IBM ⋅ 25 years experience

Ali, Networking events and career fairs at times work for people who are quick to carry conversation. The advise from Diane does cover many good points. The key is what you do after the event. Follow up with your new contacts is critical. Keep in touch. Connect with them on Linkedin. Networking is a two way street. How you can help and support your new friend. Find a way to a win-win model and you will be a step closer to your goals.

Regards

Tom Hill ⋅ Midlothian, TX Southern Star Aviation ⋅ 20 years experience

This scenario is a great example of "you never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression". It is always good to focus on 'transferable skills'. For example, if you excel in planning and organization, mention that as you 'sell yourself'. Most employers are asking 'How can this person help our organization?' Your task is to answer that question. When responding, if you show energy, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn, you will immediately 'stick out' in the employer's mind in a positive and memorable way.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

* Conduct research using various tools you have available. (Internet, College career planning department, etc.) Who will be at the event? Specific people, firms, industries, etc? Learn salient facts about these people, firms, industries, etc. (Utilize Bing, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Yahoo, etc.).

* I personally believe you can think of your introductory value proposition or elevator speech as containing an 8-second "introduction" followed by a 30-second "body". If you do not capture your listener's attention during the first 8 seconds, they may begin to drift away and not listen to your next 30 seconds.

* You can try and develop a speech using the AIDA method. Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.
see:
http://www.bing.com/search?q=aida+sales
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDA_(marketing)

* The first 8-seconds must capture the listener's Attention. The next 30-seconds creates Interest, Desire and a call or request for Action.

* See also:
http://www.bing.com/search?q=aida+elevator+speech
http://www.bing.com/search?q=elevator%20speech

* Once you have developed your speech, type it out, and practice. A typed version can also serve as the summary of your LinkedIn profile.

* Toastmasters.org and the Veteran Mentor Network group on LinkedIn are other resources where you can request help with your elevator speech. (Recent discussions on VMN regarding elevator speeches received 32 constructive comments in just 4 days.)

* Your personal elevator speech is a fantastic project to work on with a mentor. Request a mentor from ACP's "one-on-one" assigned mentoring program, and also seek a mentor from one of several other mentoring programs for Veterans. (e.g. Veteran Mentor Network on LinkedIn, MC4 on LinkedIn, eMentorProgram.org, etc.)

* The "Professional Skills" track at VCTP Syracuse (100% free) includes training on elevator speeches, in addition to help with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters, interviewing, software, etc. see: http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/#!