#31DBBB Day 1: Write an Elevator Pitch

Today is the first day of the 31 day blogging challenge I joined through SITS girls on Blog Frog. Our mission is to write an elevator pitch, which is basically a 15- to 30-second commercial on what you do.

 As a parent and entrepreneur,I have many different roles: wife, mom, coach, boss, speaker, author, writer, coach, volunteer, mentor, homework checker, chauffeur, cheerleader, short-order cook…the list goes on. If you, too, are a parent you understand. Really, what don’t you do, right?

However, not so long ago, someone asked me, “What do you do?” And, usually I can roll of a short, sweet pitch, but, oh-no, I bumbled and rambled until this person’s eyes glazed over. It was awful. It really made me realize the power of a good elevator speech.

Really, what would you do if you were riding on an elevator and Oprah walked in?You have her undivided attention for 30-seconds or less. What would you say? Now, hold that thought for a few minutes before answering.

Let’s take a step back…What do you say when anyone asks you, “What do you do?” Are you are completely tongue tied and stumped? Or worse, you rattle off a five-minute explanation including your services or products from A-Z, your credentials, your education, your clients, etc? By the time you’ve finished, that other person’s eyes are glassy and they are mentally writing their grocery list in their head. Why? Because, they don’t understand what you have said, don’t need what you have, or are just not interested. So, what do you do? Figure out a way to effectively distingush yourself in a busy, overcrowded, and at times, indistinguishable marketplace. You have to learn to set yourself apart, and I hope that it exactly what I am doing now in responding to the #31DBBB challenge for today.

The Long and Short of It

Short elevator pitch: I help build strong communities of character that inspire young people

Long elevator pitch: I help to inspire a culture of character and leadership in young people.  I work and connect with children, parents, educators and businesses to cultivate strong communities of character that build greater confidence, connection and community in classrooms, family rooms, boardrooms, locker rooms and beyond.

Final Thoughts

Sharing my elevator pitch has once again cemented my commitment to children and the communities that support them. It also provided me with a pat on the back that I have been consistent with my message in all that I do.

What about you? What's your elevator pitch? Does it tap into the five habits of character and align with the leader in you? 

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