Marketing yourself is a critical element of brand building, irrespective of your tenure in a company or career path. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, refining your personal brand is crucial for success, even for those in the tech executive sphere. Developing a strong personal brand can be the key differentiator when striving to achieve career milestones.
As you navigate your office environment, always be prepared for unexpected encounters with senior leaders. What should you do if you happen to meet them in the elevator? Embrace the opportunity! Craft a concise self-introduction, often referred to as an “elevator pitch,” that succinctly showcases your background, role, and unique identity. Ensure its brief enough to deliver during a short elevator ride—perhaps just five floors. The goal is to let your words exude both confidence and eloquence, leaving a lasting impression that resonates.
I firmly believe the elevator pitch is the cornerstone of marketing yourself and your brand identity. It acts as an essential first step in establishing a memorable professional presence. Being comfortable with self-expression is crucial, so practice it frequently. Sharing personal anecdotes with unfamiliar individuals can indeed be daunting, but wise leaders value your efforts to forge connections and are typically supportive of such initiatives (at least, most respected leaders within an organization tend to be).
Here’s an example of an elevator pitch:
“Hello, Mr. Jones! It’s wonderful to see you today. I’m Jean Smith from the Technology Department. May I take a moment to introduce myself? I specialize in supporting finance department applications and have exceptional communication skills that I continually refine. My long-term goal is to become a valued member of the leadership team at ABC Company, where I can contribute to strategic initiatives. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to connect with you today.”
Feel free to add and enhance your pitch, tailoring it to reflect your personal journey and aspirations, but always keep it concise and straightforward. Be warm and approachable, as if you’re meeting a friend on the street, to create a genuine connection.
Remember, you have limited time to make a lasting impression on the leader. For now, focus on ensuring they remember you positively.
Click here for a post on starting your own business vs. full time employment.