The ultimate way to network with lots of people in a small amount of time.
Speed networking is an ideal opportunity, in a safe environment, to practice your elevator pitch for your business.
What is an elevator pitch?
Your elevator speech should be brief. Restrict the speech to 30-60 seconds — that’s the time it takes to ride an elevator, hence the name. You don’t need to include your entire work history and career objectives. Your pitch should be a short recap of who you are and what you do.
You need to be persuasive. Even though it’s a short pitch, your elevator speech should be compelling enough to spark the listener’s interest in your idea, organization, or background.
For more info on elevator pitches read The Balanced Careers blog post. or this fun video on elevator pitches.
Speed Networking Structure
- Standing up
- Person “1” starts the conversation (we’ll tell you which number you are)
- 6 minutes per network rotation (may vary that depending on how many people we have)
- 2-way conversion (give your elevator pitch 30-60 seconds each then ask questions)
- We will let you know your half-way time (let the other person talk if you’ve been the only person talking so far)
- 30 seconds-left call-out to end the conversation
- Swap business cards and move on to next person