An elevator pitch for financial advisors and successful professionals are typically short and sweet -- they seem like a no-brainer. Consolidating your value proposition into a very brief presentation designed to present your business in the best possible light.
That’s the conventional wisdom on elevator pitches. We'd like to suggest a different approach, e.g. one that deep-sixes the stilted and stale “pitch” and replaces it with something more honest and authentic.All too often, elevator pitches sound phony, canned, and pretentious. Who talks like that anyway?
In an industry that has its fair share of artifice and facade already, the last thing we need is more of it. Clients want sincere, direct conversation from their financial advisors, not simulated marketing mumbo-jumbo.
This is a great Forbes article provides a thoughtful discussion between author Daniel Pink and communication strategist, Carmine Gallo: Six Simple and Irresistible Alternatives to the Elevator Pitch.
Some Alternative Approaches
Of course, you know that you absolutely need some response to folks who ask you, “What do you do?” (Stunned silence, or running away, does not look professional.)
So, what’s a better alternative?
Here’s the thing. If you’ve been agonizing because you don’t have the flawless elevator pitch, you can rest easy. Stop worrying. No one’s likely to remember it anyway. They’ve done studies on this -- 24 hours after you utter your “perfect pitch” to the dude/gal at the cocktail party or other social event, he/she is not apt to remember a single word.
What they are likely to remember is you, your presence, your passion…and the conversation that ensues AFTER they ask, “What do you do?
Now that you've created a better introduction for yourself, consider these 11 Client Engagement Marketing Ideas, and download the ClientWise Learning Tool below: