| Selling Yourself in 90 Seconds or Less Whether you are looking for a job or wanting to develop new business, the following steps and examples will help you create your own priceless 90-second sales pitch.
The first step is to define your ideal job/customer. The second is to create a resume/sales brochure and business card tuned to that ideal customer. The next step is to get out there and start meeting and talking with people.
But what to say? That’s where the 90-second presentation comes in. 90 seconds is actually longer that you will usually have to speak in a networking meeting or in a social conversation. However, by crafting a compelling 90-second statement about yourself and what you can do for your prospective employer/customer, you will have the foundation for an excellent shorter or longer conversation.
The first 60 seconds should present the big picture of your most recent career or business accomplishments, a snapshot of the type of work/service you perform and the type of organizations, industries, business, or functional area where you have performed. The last 30 seconds is your specific request for leads. Then leave them with a memorable tag line. First 60 Seconds Example: Job Search “For the past five years, I have been the Documentation Department Manager and Chief Knowledge Architect for a technical writing team of six writers and one graphic artist at XYZ Software. In addition to writing the technical documentation for our proprietary software, we also write customized procedure manuals for client applications.
My experience includes a wide variety business environments such as, international manufacturing, engineering, and deep water drilling. One of my greatest strengths is the ability to quickly grasp the overall concept of the application’s use and adapt it to the skill and knowledge level of the user.
I am particularly proud of my reputation for designing and implementing exceptionally effective user training and materials.”
The last 30 seconds explains why you are looking for a job, what kind of position you are seeking and types of companies your are targeting. Ask for leads into three or four specific companies.
Example:
“Due to a merger between ABC and XYZ Software my job is being eliminated. I am looking for an opportunity to use my strong leadership, management, documentation, operations and training skills as a Documentation Department Manager or Chief Knowledge Architect. Particular companies I am targeting today and would like leads into are P, K, and R. 90 Seconds Example: Business development Now let’s take the same basic information and apply it to being the owner or a sales person for a documentation company. First 60 seconds: “Tech Solutions is a five-year-old company specializing in writing customized, user-friendly technical procedure manuals. We have extensive experience in a wide variety of business environments, such as computer software, manufacturing, engineering, and deep water drilling.
One of our greatest strengths is the ability to quickly grasp the overall concept of the technical material and adapt it to the skill and knowledge level of the user. Our ability to design and implement highly effective on-line and in person user training and materials makes us unique from other companies.” Last 30 seconds:
“I am looking for leads into companies needing expert documentation support to meet their rapidly changing technology requirements. Specific companies I would like introductions into are P, K, and R." Create a memorable tag line In networking meetings you often only have 15 seconds or less to present your marketing case. Ending your short marketing statement with a memorable tag line makes you standout from others in your field.
Real-World Tagline Examples:
One financial advisor says, “I take care of your investments while you take care of business.”
A recruiter says, “I put people in their perfect place.”
My tag line is, “ I help executives and business owners run their businesses, instead of letting their businesses running them.”
Write your own 90 second sales pitch. Practice it, rearrange it and practice some more until it feels natural and tells your story. You will be surprised what an excellent impression you will make on your audience and how many leads you will receive. Are You or a Friend Looking for a Job? I can help you craft a resume and develop interview strategies that will make YOU stand out from the crowd!
Ruth, a financial executive and CPA with a Masters in Accounting, had been looking for a job for seven months. When she called, she said, “I just can’t seem to get past the gatekeepers.” I helped Ruth refocus and power up her resume. Together we created a networking strategy and 90-second personal commercial. Within 45 days, Ruth had five interviews and two highly-desirable job offers.
If you want to power up your resume, job search and interview skills, give me a call at 281-293-8864 or email me: joan@bolmer.com Tools You Can Use What Color Is Your Parachute a practical manual for job hunters,
By Richard Nelson Bolles
Resumes That Sell by Joan Bolmer
Resumes That Knock’ Em Dead, by Martin John Yate
26 Tips for a Successful Job Interview article by Ernest F. Oriente
Power Interviews:Job Winning Tactics From Fortune 500 Recruiters,
By Neil Yeager and Lee Hough
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