THE answer to the dreaded 'Elevator Pitch'

I used to teach entrepreneurs how to craft an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a short summary of the value you offer.

I've studied the masters and have shared their tips for many years. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a clear and compelling message or story about the value you offer. The problem is that introverts invest far too much time and energy searching for the perfect words without actually testing it out in the real world. We do like to live in our heads don't we?

If I've learned anything in the past year, especially from author and marketing guru Seth Godin it is the importance of trying things out in the real world, learning from the experience and adjusting as you go.

There is no perfect formula. There are no perfect words. What I've personally witnessed is that people buy you and your passion to help them solve their problems or achieve their goals. The words you use are far less important than the excitement you transfer to others. And the best way to get excited is to get out there and share whatever it is you are passionate about with the people you love to serve.

There is a deep yearning within quiet entrepreneurs to be heard and accepted. This yearning drives them to invest a lot of time and money to find the perfect words. My message today is simple. Stop worrying about the perfect words and get focused on the people you are here to serve.

Ask lots of questions to understand what they care about, dream about, cry about and get pissed off about. Use your natural gift of listening to truly help others feel heard and important. Nothing is more attractive than that. Who needs an elevator pitch if you focus on being interested in other people rather than on your own navel?

As a card carrying member of the introverted side of life I know how much I enjoy living in my head and how much that tendency can limit my ability to help others. I'm writing this post as much for myself as I am for you.

Do you know what the people you are serving really want and how to help them get it? If so, write it down so you don't go off track and focus on being the best at whatever it is you are doing. If not, shift your focus to become more interested in others and make it your mission this week to ask more questions and learn something new about the people you want to help.