While you want to start to set yourself apart, don’t try too hard to be unique just yet. Next, zero in on something simple about your school that relates to your overall goal (see step one). If you’re a small, private Christian college in the Midwest (rural implied if you don’t name a city), just say that and move on. You don’t want to waste time explaining what the heck that’s supposed to mean. “I’m an administrator at X University, where we – like our football team – talk with our pads and play with our heart.” If you try to lead with outside-the-box innovative concepts or fancy jargon that need lots of context to fully explain, you’ll lose them.įor example, let’s say the idea pops into your head to use a sporty slogan to describe your school in an effort to be more memorable. But first, you have to put yourself into a box that people readily understand. This part is not about setting yourself apart. In a major city or rural area, establishing the type of community.A “small college” or “university system,” establishing size.“Christian,” “Jewish” or other term establishing religious affiliation, if applicable.A “state school” or “private school,” establishing public/private.This will prime them to hear more.įor example, you might say that you work in the administration of an institution that is: The first thing out of your mouth should help your audience put you into a category with little effort. Establish Who You Areĭon’t overthink this. Once you’ve established the central idea, you can start building your pitch around it. This is a timely concept that goes along with a campaign, a theme that focuses on something new and exciting, like expanded program offerings. This is an evergreen concept at the core of your school’s brand that you want to be sure to get across every time, like a mission or vision statement. No matter whom you’re speaking to, what about your institution do you most want to get across? You’ll find the following six steps, give or take, in many general resources helping business people craft an elevator pitch. Crafting Your Core Elevator Pitch Structure In time, you’ll learn to adapt it to your audience to make the greatest impact. With a little practice, you can use it in every conceivable setting. No matter who you’re addressing, your elevator pitch structure is your default messaging platform. Meeting with potential business/internship partners.Attending or speaking at a fundraising event.Writing print or digital content about the institution.With a solid elevator pitch structure in place in your mind, you can quickly and easily adapt it to whomever is in front of you – whether that’s an individual in an elevator or a larger audience.Įvery enrollment marketer, administrator or educator charged with representing their institution should have a core elevator pitch structure in mind when: There are many situations where you need to make a good impression quickly and succinctly, lest you lose your audience. This elevator scenario is a bit cliche, but it still makes a good point. What do you say? Why an Elevator Pitch Is Useful You step into an elevator with another attendee, or maybe it’s a guest at the host hotel.Īfter reading their name badge or picking up context clues after a few words of polite conversation, you figure out that this is someone you want to make a good impression on. You’re an administrator, educator or ambassador at a conference. The term “elevator pitch” keys into a familiar story. Get your core elevator pitch structure right, and you’ve got a powerful foundation for communicating the uniqueness of your school. A great elevator pitch is a versatile messaging tool.
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