At a networking event recently, during the public introduction round, it struck me again how few people manage to introduce themselves and their company powerfully in about 30 seconds during their elevator pitch. Almost every pitch starts childishly with 'I am...' (the word 'I' is used more than is good for it), the middle part is incoherent and the ending is hesitant. The introduction has no punch, no added value and no connection with the other networkers. Just as with giving a good speech or presentation, the secret here lies in good preparation and a powerful message in the elevator pitch of a company or person. At a networking event you can be very direct and, above all, you have to be clear. That's why it's important to make clear in your short introduction why people should keep talking to you.

Elevator pitch example action points:

• Make sure you have a strong opening line. Something that grabs attention immediately. That's probably not your name! If you start strong, there will also be more attention for your name and company name. Because you only give those halfway through or at the end.
• Which problem are you going to solve for them? You can raise a general problem so that people can recognise themselves in it ("I have that problem too…").
• Why can you solve that for them?
• What is the result? ("What's in it for me?")
• How are you going to make their life easier?

The ending must challenge and have a punch. Give people a reason to keep talking to you. Make sure your short introduction stands out and sticks. It gives a reason to continue the conversation during the networking event. But it also means you're better remembered afterwards. Be remembered!

Oh yes, my 30-second presentation? "95% of all PowerPoint presentations are not good and are considered boring and inadequate by both the audience and the speaker. That's because all too often we use the presentation as a cheat sheet for ourselves - as speaker - instead of the presentation helping the audience understand our story better."

My name is Harald Dumoulin from SmartPresentations. If you want to discover the secrets of a strong PowerPoint presentation, I'll gladly talk with you later. An elevator pitch can be adapted depending on the event and the way you use it. A public introduction is different from a personal conversation. But the basis is the same. Good luck!