Why you need an elevator pitch

Feel free to insert "story" in the place of "elevator pitch."

From the book "Platform" by Michael Hyatt, here are his reasons:

1. It forces you to achieve clarity yourself
2. It helps you understand your customer's perspective
3. It provides a tool for enrolling strategic partners

Here's my take. Whether you are a product or a person, you need an elevator pitch. 

His first point suggests that if clarity of mission is lacking, why should others be interested? Please refer to "Start with Why" for ideas on communicating a clear mission. 

His second point should be slightly modified for career managers by changing "customer's" to "hiring manager's." Does your story resonate with the person you are trying to engage? The best way to find out? Ask them. 

His last point speaks to the importance of having advocates for your cause. Promoting a product or person requires others to speak positively about your offerings. Lack of mission or lack of advocates will leave you stranded in neutral. 

The term elevator pitch is a bit outdated due to the platforms Michael Hyatt discusses in his book. Social media provides the ultimate platform for carrying out your mission of demonstrating uniqueness in a noisy world. 

Advocacy: Who's looking out for you?

Here's the process for most career managers:

Update resume: Check

Monitor online job boards: Check

Build a network: Check

Tell a compelling story about your future: Work in progress.

Advocacy: Huh?

Who will be an advocate for you when you look to elevate your career?

Success in life is often tied to the help you receive from others. You need advocates who will sing your praises and keep an eye out for your interests. Sounds simple, but most of us have fewer advocates than we should.

Advocacy is fascinating because it is related to marketing. If you proclaim: "I am determined to establish a non-profit that will send children's shoes to third world nations" you have begun the process of attracting advocates. You will attract people who believe what you believe. These people will help you accomplish your desired goals.

Here's the catch. Your intentions must be clear in order to attract advocates. Otherwise people walk away confused about your direction.

Take the time to craft a compelling story. Start with why you do what you do. When you build your list of advocates there is no limit to what you can accomplish.

Today We Are Rich

The title sold me. The book by Tim Sanders has been ordered and I can't wait to get started.

Here's an outline of the book from an ad in a trade magazine:

1. Feed your mind good stuff.
2. Move the conversation forward.
3. Exercise your gratitude muscle.
4. Give to be rich. 
5. Prepare yourself. 
6. Balance your confidence. 
7. Promise made, promise kept. 

Words are powerful. So are stories. The outline references his beliefs, something we all have and often defines who we are as we find ways to stand out. 

I'll let you know what I learn. 

Why Ritz Carlton isn't just another hotel

Take a few minutes to watch this video. It will make your day.

Have you experienced a customer service experience like this one? Can you imagine the culture that exists within Ritz Carlton that allows for this type of reaction to a customer inquiry?

There are reasons why people pay a premium to stay at the Ritz. Compelling stories like this one are at the top of the list. It's further proof that if you hire the right people, create an environment that encourages creative thinking and problem solving, you will have an abundance of customers who will be raving fans.