elevator networking
TRANSCRIPT
NETWORKING
Traditional Elevator Pitch IS
STILL RELEVANTbut
ELEVATOR NETWORKING GROWS YOUR
NETWRK
DON’T MISS A CHANCE TO NETWORK
WITH STRANGERS,
PEERS, NEIGHBOURS
YOU COME ACROSS EVEN FOR A FEW MOMENTS
The average elevator ride is 118 sec. Using those few seconds can provide a tremendous opportunity for connection that can ultimately impact the success of your company and career.
ELEVATOR RIDE
In the elevator, there is an opportunity to be memorable, to build relationship and generate business referrals ---all in the span of 118 seconds.
The Right Way to Network
TOP STRATEGIES
FOR SUCCESSFUL ELEVATOR
NETWORKING
When a businessperson steps onto an elevator, there’s really no time to lose. First to speak will guide the short conversation, so being the first to comment will place you in a position of networking power.Be armed and ready with interesting conversation starters that will be useful to fellow elevator riders (as opposed to annoying).
SPEAK UP
FAVOURITE CONVERSATION
STARTERS
This works for both men and women and is a great way to open up a friendly conversation.Complimenting someone’s tie, dress or watch is a great way to start
BEGIN WITH A COMPLIMENT
Prepare yourself with short, interesting facts. You can capture people’s attention and begin a conversation easily. “Did you know that if you accidently press one of the floors on most elevators, you can press that same button twice to remove it?”
SHARING A QUICK FACT
A smart elevator rider can take notice of the floor his fellow elevator companion presses and begin a conversation based on that. By asking “What company is on the seventh floor?” you can find out where your elevator companion works and what he or she does. This conversation leads to future interaction that is centered around business -- an excellent boon to elevator networking.
Take Notice Of What Others Are Doing
A ask quick question like : “Where is the best coffee around here?” will start a conversation with elevator riders and could also lead to a future coffee networking appointment.
Ask For Advice
Remember the people you’ve met and remember as many details about them as possible. Use your voice recorder which is on most smartphones or jot down some key conversation items once you get back to your office or car. When you ride with the same person multiple times, you’ll need to draw upon past conversations to forge a deeper connection that can ultimately lead to business success.
If you begin by asking about the floor someone works on, during your next ride with that person, you might ask a question about what their company is doing that day. By remembering the people you’ve already met, you’ll be able to continue the conversation over time and soon the stranger will evolve into a connection.
REMEMBER.
Any good business person will have a business card ready at all times. The elevator is no exception. Naturally I’m not suggesting that you pepper every elevator companion with a card the moment they enter the space but should the opportunity arise, you’ll be happy you were prepared.
HAVE YOUR BUSINESS CARD
HANDY.
Apply this technique to include parking lot networking, lobby networking, stadium, gym, etc.
After making an elevator connection, often you’ll find that people are happy to parking garages to continue interesting conversations. It is in these conversations that business referrals or insights are likely to be shared.
Business is about people. And the more people connect, the better your business can be.
TAKE IT OUTSIDE.