The document provides guidance on networking and creating effective elevator speeches. It discusses networking rules of engagement including dressing appropriately, making eye contact, asking questions, and following up on leads. An elevator speech should be 30 seconds, introducing yourself, what you do, what you offer, and a call to action. Samples of effective elevator speeches are provided focusing on introducing the speaker's background, goals, and value. Tips are given for writing an elevator speech including focusing on what's in it for the listener and tailoring different versions for different situations.

1. Networking & Elevator
Speeches

2. Networking 101
Expanding your circle of contacts for the purpose of
achieving more than you could on your own
Examples

3. Rules of Engagement
 Determine what you hope to achieve and whom





you’d like to meet
Dress appropriately for the function
Turn off your cell phone ringer & keep in pocket
Wear your name tag on your right shoulder
Make eye contact, smile, introduce yourself and give
a firm handshake
Ask questions, show interest, and be
positive, friendly, and don’t criticize

4. Rules of Engagement Continued
 Talk less, listen more
 Focus on your goals and what you can do for others
 Be brief; make your elevator speech specific and




interesting
Devoting 8 to 10 minutes per person is acceptable so
you can mingle
Carry professional-looking business cards to
exchange with others - Bump
Be genuine, sincere, and respectful
Follow up immediately on leads and new
acquaintances

5. Business Card

6. Social Networking
Rules of Engagement
 Display an appropriate
photo
 Fill your “specialties”
section under your
summary with keywords
 Show off your education
 Have your profile filled
out 100%
 When connecting…

7. Elevator Speech – What is it?
A thirty second speech
 Who you are/What you do
 What do you offer/Why you are a great candidate
 How do you do it
 Call for action

8. When?
Be prepared at any time
 Career & internship fairs
 Networking events
 In line at the grocery store, at church, at a sporting
event, etc.

9. Elevator Speech
 Case
 Creativity
 Delivery

10. Samples (courtesy of Optimal Resume)
My name is Mary Anderson, and I’m seeking a fulltime position in IT support. For the past year I have
worked part time in a technical support center, and
have encountered just about every type of person or
problem imaginable. I’ve realized that working with
people and helping to solve their problems is what I’m
best at and what I crave the most. I’m pursuing a
certificate in Microsoft Server Administration at RVC
at night to give me a broader technical skill set and to
help improve my employer’s service levels.

11. Samples
Hi, I am Jane Smith, and will be graduating in May
from Rock Valley College with a degree in nursing. My
goal since childhood has been to be a nurse. I often
find myself caring for others in one way or another and
empathizing with whatever they are going through. I’m
currently working as a part-time lab assistant at
Rockford Memorial, and I volunteer in their oncology
unit as well. My eventual career goal is to work in
pediatrics, preferably with cancer patients, but I’m
open to other assignments as well, especially just
beginning.

12. Creating Your Speech
 Who you are/What you do
 What do you offer/Why you are a great candidate
 How do you do it
 Call for action

13. Writing Tips
Step 1: Write down your ideas
Step 2: Eliminate unnecessary words, making short,
strong, powerful sentences
Step 3: Connect phrases to ensure a natural flow
Step 4: Practice
Step 5: Did you address what is in it for the listener?
Step 6: Create unique versions for different situations

14. Questions
 K.cooper@rockvalleycollege.edu
 815-921-4092