Pitch Like a Pro Tips to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

Pitch Like a Pro Tips to Perfect Your Elevator PitchPitch Like a Pro Tips to Perfect Your Elevator PitchTake a cue from the pitching professionals to launch your elevator pitch to the next level.In the midst of Major League Baseballs spring training, new players try out for roster and position spots, while existing players get in some practice time before the true competition begins.While I admittedly dont know a lot about baseball, I am blessed with a family full of men who take this American tradition rather seriously and keep me in the loop. When I think about spring training and baseball season, I immediately recognize its similarities with the job search. Theres a lot of competition, and many talented professionals vying for the saatkorn role. It takes a lot of determination, planning and hard work to be a success.Take these three cues from the pitching pros to launch your elevator pitch to the next level.Pitch to your strengthsAccording to the University of Nebraskas pitching c oach Eric Newman, its important for a pitcher to know what makes him good and pitch to his strengths. Too many pitchers want to be good at everything and end up struggling to find success, Newman says. The same can be said about the job search. When youre identifying your job goals and preparing your pitch, consider how you can play up your experience and strengths to show your potential value to an employer. Make your strengths the focus of your pitch.Develop your mound presencePitching pros often talk about possessing mound presence. Steven Ellis, former Chicago Cubs pitcher, describes it as someone who knows how to handle himself on the mound and is confident in his abilities. When youre practicing your elevator pitch, consider the whole package not just the words. This includes your posture, eye contact, mannerisms and tone of your voice. Remember, as a job seeker youre in the business of selling one product you. You have to deliver your pitch with confidence to get an employe r to buy what youre trying to sell.Consider whos at batPitchers study their opponents before a big game to help them deliver the right pitch to each batter when it matters most. For example, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is likely to deliver a different pitch for Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox than he would for David Ortiz, based on the players style and the circumstance. Before you deliver your elevator pitch, consider your audience. Adapt your pitch based on where the conversation is taking place and who it is with. For instance, you might take out some of the industry terminology and deliver a more casual pitch when discussing your work with a neighbor you bumped into at the local sports bar.Whether youre an aspiring professional athlete or a business professional looking for the next opportunity, great preparation is non-negotiable. Use these tips above to improve your pitch this season and take your career to the next level.