Your Elevator Speech & The 2-Minute You

A successful entrepreneur once asked me, if you met the creator of Google on an elevator and only had one minute to tell him about yourself before the doors opened and he was gone, what would you say?

Stranger things have happened—that is why all of us need to create our own "elevator speeches" in case we meet people on the fly that we would like to network with. This speech is also called the "2-Minute You" because it should only take about two minutes to say. The reason that I like to call it an "elevator speech" is because it should take as long as one elevator ride would take and it should elevate you in the business world.

So what is the best way to develop a 2-Minute You? It's simple. Start off with your name and what company you work for or with, and then answer the following questions:
1. What is my educational background?
2. What have I accomplished professionally?
3. What interests or passions do I currently have?
4. What do I hope to do in the future or what can I bring to the table?

It's smart to prepare your speech by writing it down and reading it aloud to yourself. Although you do not have to recite it word-for-word, it is important to prepare yourself for what you want to say. This way, you can organize your thoughts into a good pattern for those who are looking to talk and network with you. The elevator speech or the 2-Minute You can also help you break down what it is that you want to do exactly—this will help you determine whether or not you are heading in the right direction in your career. In a way, it's a type of self-realization!

In a nutshell, the elevator speech allows you to communicate who you are, what you do, and what you hope to do in the future. This technique is appropriate for anyone who participates in the business world—whether you're a college graduate looking for your first job, a seasoned entrepreneur ready to launch a new product, or a retired businessman who is looking to work in a part-time office. Because let's be honest; you never know who you're going to meet on an elevator!