An effective elevator pitch contains clear language that your listener understands and is personalized for the intended audience.

I have composed an outline below designed to help you craft your pitch and have included mine as an example. Once you customize your pitch, practice it until it rolls off your tongue smooth as ice...

Elevator Pitch Structure: 15-20 second verbal business card.

1. Summary label (professional definition).
2. Where you've been professionally (background).
3. Where you are currently (current position/title).
4. Where you are going (aspirations).

Build a Connection:

1. Inform - Cite an interesting fact that will resonate with your catcher.
2. Help - Look for opportunities to help him or her & add some value.
3. Relate - Find something you both have in common, like your favorite team.

Primary Points of Contention:

•Your goal is to plant as many seeds as possible.
•Don't include your education (makes you sound inexperienced)
•Be confident, not arrogant (don't brag).
•It must be short! (15 - 20 sec).
•More generic than specific (think big picture).
•Know your audience (what kind of industry jargon to use or not use).
•Follow your elevator pitch with questions about their works.
•In general, don't ask for anything, like a business card (extend yours first).
•Be unique!

Here's mine...

“I’m a business developer specializing in B2B sales within the finance and technology industries. I have worked with hundreds of community banks & credit unions in the KY, IN & OH markets. I’m currently doing freelance IT work with online reputation management. I help businesses and individuals shine on the web. But looking at the big picture, I‘d like to reconnect with my financial institution network. More specifically, providing IT and/or financial solutions, anywhere from network management/cloud security to wholesale and correspondent mortgage lending”.

I have not worked about 9 months. I tried t return to work 3 times and had a relapse. My left knee couldn’t hold me up standing so long at the supermarket. I do want to change my career. I wanted to stay on because I want to retire, if I start over again, I would have to wait to retire. A fellow cashier worked unlit she didn’t. She was close to 80 years or already was. She could have retired but pushed further further because she mortgage to pay. I feel bad for her. I don’t want to the same thing to happen to me. I have over 30 years of work experience but in 3 different countries. I am 51 years and there my still be time. I tried many places and nobody calls me yet. I am wondering if it’s my age that is prevented me. My ideal job would be a receptionist or concierge or even data entry clerk.

I lost my job Feb 20th because my client passed away. I have never been without a job. I live paycheck to paycheck. Every minute I have has been spent job seeking. I turned down one that would have required me to move. I turned down another one because the compute to and from took an hour and a half each way. It wasn't the miles but the highway traffic. I can't see out of my left eye and don't want another accident. So for now I took a gas station job up the street to at least bring some money in. My dad is 91 and my mom is 89. They both live at home still. I use to go over there 4x's a week and help. Lately I'm just taking trash out and grocery shopping. I am so torn. Dad needs a shave, feet soaked and much more. But I have to get a job to pay my bills. My grandson has Autism and my experience is in Special Education. I haven't even been working with him. Not to mention my boyfriend who I haven't been going out with because of job searching. I am 58yrs old and never dreamed I would be like this. Shame on me for ignoring the ones I love. On the other hand, who is going to pay my bills. Now my one child is in trouble with the law and I managed to hire an attorney. My car is in the shop. Needs new engine. Hey it's all good because I look around and see people who would love to be in my position because their position is much worse. I have my health, roof over my head for now, bed to sleep in, and food from the food pantry. The saying goes it gets worse before it gets better....mine is going to get better. I can't believe I just wrote all this. Thanks everyone and God Bless.

I was tired of getting verbally abused by my boss and feel it was fair that I has to walk away! But been with the company for 15 yrs and confused. I told her that I was going home! Cause my anxiety was building and feel that I was going to pass out! She told me if I walked out that I would declared quitting. So I had to before I passed out. She made my panic attack worse I ended up with hives! I don't know what to do. Can I Sue the company for abused?

For years I've worked temp service. In doing so, I've gained lots of experience, but no long term or permanent position. I had to do temps because I had a daughter who was born with heart disease, and many employers weren't receptive to my having take off to care for her. So, I made up in my mind that it would convenient to work temp than permanent. That way I wouldn't have to worry about being fired. Well, I lost my lost to her struggle with heart disease. I'm ready to start a career, but I'm having such a hard time explaining the gaps in my employment. Or trying to word my resume on the skills that I've obtain. I need some help with my resume. I don't have the funds for that either. I know that it's costing opportunities for interviews.

my employer let me go after I caught pneumonia helping them. they lost their contract with the company I work for. it's amazing how I'm not no good any more after I get sick. I have all paperwork and they won't even talk to me. I damn near died trying to do a job that is for two or three ppl. it was cold asf. But guess what God is Great. BELIEVE THAT... Got a call from GEORGIA TECH I EILL BE ON WITH THEM. THANK U JESUS. AND GOD. TO ANYONE KEEP UR HEAD HELD HIGH. GOD WILL MAKE A WAY. STAY BLESSED

I had a serious accident 5 weeks ago yesterday. I am ok, nothing broken, but still sore over a month later. I am still working, driving, and go through the same area every week.

I rolled a 20 foot refrigerated box truck twice on black ice covered roads in Newark Ohio.
If I wasn't wearing my seatbelt, I wouldn't be writing this.

I am asking for advice because I am still having nightmares, and there are times I will have visions while driving of the truck rolling. What can I do to keep these dreams from happening?