Elevator Pitch I gave one in an elevator, and it workedsort of

Elevator Pitch I gave one in an elevator, and it workedsort ofElevator Pitch I gave one in an elevator, and it worked- sort ofI like to tell people that I once gavean elevator pitch in an elevator, and I got the job.Except, of course, it welchesnt that simple at all.I was intern at the U.S. State Department when I happened to get onto an elevator with one of the editors of the State Departments website. We started talking, and I told her about myself - journalism student, double major in international studies, interested in writing.Stop the story when the elevator doors opened, and it looks like a classic example of the old-fashioned idea of carrying around a 60-second story of self-promotion. But, in reality, that elevator ride was just the start of an ongoing conversation that ultimately led to me writing for the website.Lately, Ive been thinking a lot about that experience and how to make a good first impression. Whats the best way to start a conversation? How do I describe to so meone what I do? Can I sell myself without seeming to brag or causing someones eyes to glaze over?Should I prepare an elevator pitch?The elevator speech is dead, Sam corno, the founder and CEO of the Intrigue Agency and author of Got Your Attention? How to Create Intrigue and Connect, told me. Do you know anyone who likes listening to a speech? Its one-way communication.In a world filled with what Horn calls infobesity, or information that goes in one ear and out the other, the outdated tactic of presenting a laundry list of positions and accomplishments wont help job seekers and networkers cut through the noise, Horn said.We dont want to get lost in the crowd, she said. Our goal is to pleasantly surprise decision makers with relevant examples that speak directly to their needs and priorities.What should we do instead?When people ask what you do, dont tell them, Horn said. It may sound counterintuitive, but stating your job title or listingyour responsibilities only serves to end th e conversation- and risks having people tune you out. This is especially true for those who are currently unemployed or looking for a change.Instead, offer specific examples that showhow you have provided value or made a difference in your past experiences, Horn said. Answer the question What are the results of what you do that we can see or smell or taste or touch?And then ask questions to help listeners relate to your role. Two great ways to engage in conversations are to ask questions that start with have you ever and did you know, Horn said.Now, when I think back to that elevator ride at the start of my career, I have to acknowledge that the only thing that made my summary an elevator pitch was its locale.The real magiccame from what happened next a meaningful conversation in which I gave examples of the writing Id done and asked thoughtful questions.How does this help me today?I may not be able to tell that story in quite the same way again, but at least now I know what not to do the next time I go to a networking event - or get in an elevator.