Networking & Elevator Pitch
If there is something specific you would like to discuss or do during this session - let us know!
Networking
Wikipedia says: Networking is the sharing of information or services between people, businesses, or groups. It is also a way for individuals to grow their relationships for their job or business. As a result, connections or a network can be built and useful for individuals in their professional or personal lives. Networking helps build meaningful relationships that are beneficial to all involved parties to exchange information and services.
Knowing how to connect with people and where to use those connection takes time and practice. You cannot really fail at networking - the worst that can happen is not making that connection. Your personal network becomes more and more important as you start mindfully navigating your career. Being an active part of your community may require some extra effort from you, but the benefits are usually worth it.
Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what you or your organization does. You can use it to create interest in a project, idea, research or in yourself. A good elevator pitch should last between 20-60 seconds (a short elevator ride) and it should be interesting, succinct and adapted to your audience.
Having a good elevator pitch will help you with networking - first impressions are important.
Some of the things to follow when creating and delivering your pitch are:
- identify your objective - what do you want to communicate and why?
- know your audience - make sure to use the language that your listener will understand (e.g. avoid using domain specific terminology when talking to someone from outside of your filed).
- explain what you do and why it matters - it might be obvious to you but not to your listener, so neatly sum up the key points.
- engage with a question and be flexible - ideally, you want your pitch to turn into a conversation, so feel free to ask an open ended question(s). Then take the conversation in a direction that interests both parties.
- time your speech - you really don't want to talk for too long... people, in general, are not good listeners.
- practice, practice and practice some more - you don't want to sound scripted or robotic, and you should try to show your enthusiasm. How you communicate is equally important as what you say. Practice so that it sounds like a smooth conversation rather than aggressive or boring sales pitch.
- have a business card ready - if you have one or something that is easy to share e.g. your linkedin profile. You want to connect with people beyond that initial chat.
- don't force it - if the conversation is not going anywhere be respectful of everyone's time and move on gracefully.
Session Format:
- discussion on what should be included in your elevator pitch for IHPCSS
- write your elevator speech
- pair up and deliver your elevator speech
- give each other feedback on what went well and what could be improved
- then we can try swapping partners and delivering your pitches again or have a discussion on how to make your networking more effective.