Karen Milde, Reframe Marketing, Vancouver, BC, CYBF Mentor

Do target. You need to know your listeners so you can customize your elevator pitches to make them impressive. Deliver important information that matters to the person you’re pitching to.

Do market yourself instead of the company. Rather than offering a bunch of ideas, or talking about how awesome your products or services are, you should highlight yourself, your skills, and your professionalism.

Do listen. Make sure your audience understands what you are pitching and improve your next pitch by listening carefully to what they say. It is also essential when it comes to building connections and networks.

Do rehearse. Practice makes perfect. Seeking feedback from mentors or coworkers can help you improve your pitching skills.

Do continue to improve. Only one version of your pitch is never enough. Continually modifying and improving your elevator pitch with new ideas or up-to-date information will help you maintain the interest of your audience.

Don’t be shy. Show your confidence by speaking out on what you are good at.

Don’t pitch longer than 30-60 seconds. Make your points come out quickly but clearly. Remember it is not a presentation.

Don’t use unnecessary terminology. If your audience does not understand what you are saying because you are using too many fancy or professional words, you are losing the opportunity to connect with them and wasting both of your time.

Don’t overwhelm with numbers. Showing a few great figures can be useful, but it should not include a lot of statistical data. Your pitch might get ignored if your audience feels bored.

About: With over 8 years of experience in Marketing and Communications, including a stint as Marketing Director, Karen Milde is all about the bottom line and marketing ROI. She is a go-getter, and prides herself on being technology savvy.

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