While we may not be sharing elevators too much right now, we are still attending networking events - virtual or otherwise - and that pesky "elevator pitch" is still important to your introduction.

Anyone who has ever attended a networking event knows that a concise, effective 30-second commercial (AKA elevator pitch) is critical. The hard part is putting one together that is concise, effective and doesn’t sound like a scripted speech.

Here are five tips to help you get started on yours:

1. Give people a basic understanding of what you do. Don't try to tell them everything; rather, give an overview that will get the gist across without leaving them wondering when you’re going to stop talking. (Remember 30-seconds tops is what you're shooting for.)
2. Give them a reason to want to continue the conversation with you. This is your ultimate goal – a real conversation where you can learn what their needs are. Just spewing your information out to a disinterested audience will not grow your business.
3. Features vs. Benefits – The WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?) factor. They don’t really care if you are the best/fastest/newest/trendiest/etc…. You engage people by telling them what you can do for them. If your statement doesn't answer the question, "Why is that important to me?" then all you're giving them are the features. People buy on benefits - the "why is that important to me" aspect.
4. Remember to say your name and your company name! It’s amazing to me how many people forget to mention this. Don’t be one of them.
5. Tell them who your target market is. If you don’t tell them who you help, you might as well not bother telling them anything. And, remember, “everyone” is never your target audience – but that’s a story for another day.

Just like your elevator pitch should be, I’m leaving you here – short, sweet and to the point.