Lights….Camera….Action!

If I said the above words to you right now, would your face be overcome with a blank stare?  Probably so.  It would most likely be the same look you’d give me if I introduced myself to you at a dinner party (keep in mind I’m a recruiting leader) and asked you, “So, who are you and what do you do?”

Could you effectively convey who you are and what you have to offer to me in the 30 seconds I’ll give you before I move on?  Could you hold my attention long enough to get my business card and have a legitimate reason to call me Monday morning?  Be honest!

Some people can, but many cannot.  If you fall in the” cannot” group, I encourage you to spend time this weekend crafting what I call your “30 Seconds of Fame.”  Some people refer to this as your “Elevator Speech” or your “30-Second Commercial.”  Different title, same intent.

“Okay Bernie, that sounds great, but how do I develop my ’30 Seconds of Fame’ presentation?”  I’m glad you asked. 

1. Examine yourself.  Think about and write down your strengths, what you want to convey to others, the best words to describe you and your strengths, and the companies/industries/functions that you are targeting.
2. Use short bullet points to outline your “30 Seconds,” by answering the following questions:
   1. Who am I?
   2. What have I accomplished (in previous assignments – relevant to what I want)?
   3. What value do I have to offer?
   4. Where do I want to head next? 
   5. What’s my ideal assignment?
3. Finish your “30 Seconds” by expanding on your notes, making them complete sentences.  Here are some tips:
   1. Take each note you made and write a complete sentence about it.
   2. Connect each sentence together with additional words/phrases that will make them flow smoothly.
   3. Review what you have and edit jargon or rambling; make into everyday language (remember, you’ll be saying this to others; it needs to sound real!)
   4. Review again and remove any unnecessary words.  Don’t forget, you only have 30 seconds!
   5. You’ll know you’re done when you have no more than 100 words.
4. Practice, practice, practice … until it becomes a part of you.  You should be able to comfortably say this (verbatim) to anyone, at anytime, and have it convey what you want plus sound natural.

Now, you’re ready.  Go get’em!

Until next time….

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