An Executive’s Guide to Selling Yourself and Getting Noticed

BlueSteps

THE PERFECT PITCH

Y ou’ve probably noticed, we’ve been focused on your personal branding recently and hope you’re finding this guidance valuable. Personal branding is increasingly under the microscope in the age of social media, virtual interviewing and

the most challenging and unique of job markets. To get on a recruiter’s radar or land the job of your dreams, a powerful personal brand is vital – and how you pitch yourself is the crown jewel of your personal branding.

The classic elevator pitch is here to stay, even without an elevator. When you master this pitch, you will consistently turn career and business connections into valuable opportunities and using that compelling pitch in a concise and engaging email will deliver the same effect.

Your personal brand pitch defines your reputation and value and should resonate even when we are quickly sized up online. When YOU define and communicate your brand, you eliminate the risk that others will interpret it for you. You are in control.

In this guide, The Perfect Pitch: An Executive’s Guide to Selling Yourself and Getting Noticed, we unlock ways you can position and transition your personal brand pitch from the elevator to LinkedIn, explore mistakes to avoid when connecting with recruiters and networking contacts, and more.

I’m proud to have you in our BlueSteps community of executive talent. If you’re not already a BlueSteps member, take a look at the benefits of a BlueSteps Membership, along with a special joining incentive at the end of this guide and join our full community today.  

All my best,

Glenda K. Brown Managing Director, BlueSteps   

 

A s the business landscape shifts, so do the tried and true methods of self-promotion and networking, whether you’re looking to capture the attention of

recruiters or networkers. The “30 Second Elevator Pitch” and a pocket full of business cards were once the golden standard of successful networking. Now? If the modern-day solution to business cards is reaching for your phone and connecting via social media and email, how can we take our elevator pitch to the next level?

As you well know by this time in your career the term elevator pitch comes from the amount of time you usually have to present yourself in the event that you have a chance encounter with someone in an elevator. You want to hook their attention in the shortest possible amount of time, which coincides with the traditional 30-60 second rule.

Based on research by Microsoft, humans officially have an attention span shorter than goldfish: eight seconds. That is exactly how long your elevator pitch should be in 2020. In a world that is overflowing with information, it pays to make yourself memorable. Your personal pitch and your personal brand statement help to do just that. This essential self-marketing tool is basically a summary statement of your key skills and the value you can bring to any organization you are hoping to work for.

With networking events becoming a less reliable source to share your pitch, crafting an attention-grabbing email can take your career prospects to the next level. Getting on the radar of executive recruiters and prospective employers via a short, engaging, and well-written email is the 2020 version of the elevator pitch.

While you’re likely more familiar or comfortable pitching a product or service, the key to self-promotion is treating yourself and all that you bring to the table as your “product” and your journey to the perfect pitch should be treated like a product launch.

PERSONAL BRANDING STATEMENT VS. ELEVATOR PITCHA good elevator pitch is important because it’s an effective way to demonstrate your professional aptitude, strengths

and skills. It is a shorter, punchier message derived from your more encompassing personal brand statement. While the elevator pitch is geared to connecting outwardly (to your target audience or prospects), your personal branding statement serves you.

For more on personal branding, access the complimentaryBLUESTEPS GLOBAL GUIDE TO PERSONAL BRANDING FOR EXECUTIVES

LUCRECIA AIRALDI, Managing Partner, EMA Partners“You’re not defined by who you work for, what your job title is, or what your description is. You

are you. I often tell candidates, and I recommend a very old article by Tom Peters, The Brand Called

You. What I love about Tom Peters is that he clearly states that we’re all the CEOs of our own companies, Me Incorporated, and our most important job is to be our own marketing manager.”

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THE EVOLUTION OF THE PITCH

KATHY SIMMONS, Executive Director, BlueSteps Career Services“From my perspective, when you look at your job hunt as a product launch, position yourself as

a solution and maximize your success in multiple channels, you brand yourself as an attractive

potential hire. You might even persuade a target company to find a way to hire you, or you could start as a consultant, independent contractor or on a temporary basis.”

THE PITCH

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

The Brand Called You by Tom Peters

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BE HONESTA recruiter’s job is to make sure that the materials and information presented in your interviews is factual and any challengers will likely

come out through the process. Being honest and upfront is very important.

START WITH YOUR WHY"What makes you want to wake up and go do your job? What is your passion? This is where you will be your best. And if you combine this strategy with your passion, and your unique approach, you got it."FANNY GIMENEZ, Managing Partner, Boyden

CRAFTING THE PERFECT PITCHWhether you are networking or crafting an email, all of the same basic rules apply:

Webinar recordingBECOMING VISIBLE: GETTING ON RECRUITER RADARS

Exclusively for BlueSteps Members

HAVE A CLEAR OBJECTIVEBe as concise and succinct as can be. Painting a clear picture of what you’re hoping to get out of a

conversation or exchange is the first step that will help you stand out. Be wary of using too many buzz words or specific business jargon.

MAKE YOUR PITCH VERSATILEMake sure you’re up to speed on the latest in your industry and that you know key players. Whether you’re

at a networking event or reaching out via LinkedIn, it’s helpful to show an interest in whoever you’re looking to engage with and tailor your conversation to make it a bit more specific to their interests.

SHOWCASE YOUR TOOLS"Where are you today? What is your area of specialty, or expertise? Define your audience. What kind of company do you want to be seen by? Find your unique angle. What makes you unique? What is your unique perspective on the market? What makes the company notice you over 10 other people?"FANNY GIMENEZ, Managing Partner, Boyden

HIGHLIGHT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTSFocus on your accomplishments and any achieved goals. Since roles and their descriptions can vary from workplace to workplace, it’s important to stress what you did during your time there. What are you most proud of?

BE AUTHENTIC"Be authentic and be yourself. Make sure that everything you say you can back up and that you feel comfortable. This will put you in the best light forward."SHAWN HARTMAN, Vice President and COO, Academic Search

FINAL THOUGHTS

W hat was once a hurried chance encounter on an elevator is now a world of possibility. Whether in-person at a networking event

or through social media, this is your opportunity to make a captivating and memorable first impression. Remember, that when reaching out focus on quality over quantity, your most targeted outreach will be where you see the most success. When job searching, a custom message to a smaller selection of recruiters will be more effective than a generic message to many. Above all else, truly think about your passions and what makes you most excited about your career and what you’re most proud of – this excitement and commitment will shine through and your pitch will be genuine and powerful. n

YOU'VE GOT THE PERFECT PITCH – NOW WHAT?We invite you to join BlueSteps, the leading career platform for executive talent. Discover the executive recruiters you should be targeting, learn where current job opportunities lie and glean expert intel that will set you apart from your competition.

Join today and save an exclusive 25% on your membership.Simply enter code PITCH25 at checkout.

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MEMBER-ONLY WORKSHOPSWith top career advisors who’ll guide you in personal branding, networking and more.

GLOBAL SEARCH FIRM DIRECTORYIdentify executive search firms you need to know and the recruiters who should know you by industry, function and region.

A CURATED SELECTION OF OPEN SEARCHESExecutive-level jobs and board opportunities, all in one place.

COMPENSATION TOOLBenchmark your pay with other BlueSteps executives.

A DISCREET PROFILEEnhance your visibility to AESC Member executive recruiters (the leaders in the profession) who search BlueSteps member profiles in their candidate sourcing.

RECRUITER INTRODUCTION BUILDERThis communication wizard will guide you in crafting compelling outreach that will get you noticed.

A COMPLIMENTARY CAREER CONSULTATIONConnect with one of our executive career advisors when you’re looking for extra support.

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