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”.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the government shutdown you are not alone. An estimated 800,000 federal workers are also affected by the shutdown, but we are here to help! Not sure what the government shutdown is? You can read more about it here and here.

If you are not impacted directly by the government shutdown, please feel free to leave some words of advice or encouragement for those who are.

Comment on this post to support your fellow Jobcasers!

For those facing difficult times, check out some helpful resources to help you move in a positive direction.

Loan payments
If you are struggling to make a payment on your loan you might be eligible for a payment deferral. The loan deferment program allows customers to postpone making a payment on their loan for one month, and there will be no interest charged to the customer during the deferral. You could also consider exploring short-term, low-interest direct deposit loans. Some institutions are offering “furlough” loans for clients who have their paychecks deposited directly into a checking or savings account. Be sure to contact your bank or credit union directly to inquire how they can help! Check out which institutions (such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo) are offering further financial assistance here.

Unemployment benefits eligibility
If you are an essential worker and still showing up to a job you are not considered eligible for unemployment benefits, however, furloughed workers likely will qualify. Furloughs are when work has temporarily ceased, but the employee keeps their job without pay and anticipates that they will return to work soon. Make sure to apply or seek out more info on your state’s unemployment benefits website as it varies from state to state.

Re-visit that budget
As you hang in there it’s important to examine how much you have in your savings and pay close attention to how much you typically spend every month. Divide your spending into necessary expenses like housing, student loans, mortgage, and car payments, insurance, groceries and unnecessary ones such as going out for dinner, clothing, travel. Cut back on the unnecessary and spend only when you have to! Read more ways on how to manage your finances in this article by the US Coastguard If you are struggling to make a rent or mortgage payment make sure to speak to your landlord or lender ASAP. Don’t wait until you’re behind on payments! They will likely be empathetic and understand what is going on.

Start working again
While you wait to return to work consider taking a gig job. A gig (aka “side-hustle”) is something that provides the money you need to survive NOW. In most cases, you are able to make your own hours and be your own boss! Here are some GREAT gigs to consider.

• Instacart (shop and deliver groceries)
Great for people who like structure, organization, and those little details. You can also make tips!

• Rover (get paid to play with dogs)
Perfect for those who love animals! Not a dog person? No worries, you can also pick and choose which types of pets you would like to work with. Learn how to make the most money with your Rover experience here in this article.

• Doordash (food delivery) Bring home the bacon for yourself and for others in this role where you can make over $10 an hour delivering food from local restaurants.

• Lyft (driver)
Love to drive? You can get paid for it! New drivers have options to earn some really great cash bonuses. Set your own hours and drive when YOU want to! No car? No problem you can also rent one from Lyft's rental program. Find out more info here

• Amazon Flex (package delivery)
Set your own hours and use your own vehicle to deliver packages for Amazon. You can make upwards of $18-25 per hour!

We are thinking of you and hoping this ends very soon.

Are you impacted by the shutdown or have tips to share for those who are?

Please comment!