We are still making our way through the awesome-sauce book, Personal Branding for Dummies (A Wiley Brand). Grab yourself a drink, a snack, and your copy of the book and let’s talk COMMERCIALS!
Well, kinda. When I say commercial, I mean a pitch or bullet statement of who you are. You need to be able to describe yourself and what you have to offer, quick fast and in a hurry. Your goal is to keep this sales pitch under 2 minutes. Can you do it? The goal is to spark interest and cause your perspective client to ask for more information and details. Think on it. Practice your word choices.
As a writer, we must work on what is called the elevator pitch. It’s a way of describing our book in the timeframe it takes to ride an elevator- 90 seconds. What can I say about my book to an agent in 90 seconds to get them to want it? This is the same concept of the personal commercial. This can also be one of the most difficult things to do when it comes to branding.
Now, when someone asks you to tell them about yourself be aware of the situation you are in. Are you on a speed dating round and must grab his/her attention quickly? Or are you standing in a conference room or convention hall trying to get the person in front of you interested in your business/skills? How you respond to the “Tell me about yourself” line should be customized to the situation you are in.
Here are a few things to avoid-
*Don’t get too personal. Your perspective client/talent scouts don’t need to know about the tattoo you got that one crazy night on Spring break.
*Do not info dump. They do not need your entire life’s story from birth to now. If this isn’t a date, then you are oversharing.
*Do not recite your resume. Look, if you gave them your resume and they are talking to you, you can assume they read it. This is when you give more detail.
*EWWWW- do not overshare personal…like personal information. They and honestly, no one needs to know about that odd rash you had to have looked at.
*Gossip- We talked about this in my last post. Do Not Spread Rumors. Keep gossip out of your mouth and clear of the brand you are trying to create.
Here’s the hardest part- relax. I know you are going to create a personal pitch and practice it over and over and over…but, use it sparingly. Know the right time to pitch yourself. Sometimes, it is okay to relax and enjoy the experience. Chatting is okay, just beware the obstacles I listed above. It is quite possible that people want to get to know you beyond the commercial.
Let’s talk about how to move forward in the process.
Write three or four words that describe your qualities as a professional. Add a dramatic adjective to describe you further. Example- I’m, Ticia Rani. I am a well-versed writer of fiction.
Identify your knowledge and expertise…“People know me for my…” Example: I am known for my ability to write a deep point of view.
Now, show me the good stuff. What is your star factor? What makes you absolutely special in your field? Use statements like, I’m known for…I’m recognized for…Others describe me as.
Cool, now take these statements and work them together into the perfect sales pitch for yourself. This is the time to shine. It is the moment to focus on you and be proud of all you have accomplished. Don’t be shy but be honest.
Now, straighten your shirt, check your hair, make sure your breath is minty and fresh- let’s do this…ACTION!
Polish your sparkle and just keep twirling.
Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy.
I’m always looking for new friends! 😊
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Other places you can find me:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TiciaRani
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nella-Warrent-1863744137235991/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ticia-metheney-22181476/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ticia-Rani/e/B07ND2NW44
New Ink. Used Ideas. 