What's your FIRST Elevator Pitch?

[gblake]

I don't think I have read anything I would disagree with yet, but a couple of things do seem to have been omitted.

When I think of elevator/lift speeches, an opportunity win a convert who can contribute comes to mind. To quickly transform a casual bystander into an investor (of more time, if nothing elses) or a contributor, I think you need to express
1) A compelling need that is pertinent to the listener
2) A feasible way the listener can shift resources to satisfy the need

The need can be keeping kids off the street at night. The need can be putting STEM students into the educational pipeline so that large (and small)businesses/industries/schools don't implode 10 years from now. The need can be giving someone a satisfying hobby. The need can be improving chances at a scholarship.

The resource shift can be converting unused space into a team's build season workshop. The shift can be converting a night of TV watching into a night of teaching students about a STEM topic. The shift can be donating money. The shift can be taking the time to sponsor legislation voters will applaud.

Do your best to assess your audience. Put these two bookends around the other messages in this thread, and then go for it (but don't be too heavy-handed). For the programs to continue growing, we have to continue recruiting people and the resources they can offer. After an elevator speech, your audience should know explicitly why and how they should help.

Blake