Do You Have An “Elevator Introduction” Ready?

We all know blog and social media conferences can be hectic. So much to do, so many people to meet, so little time! So how do you make sure to get the most information into a conversation in what limited time you may have with someone?

When I took to Twitter to ask you all what you want to find out about someone in the short conversations you will have at conferences, here’s what you said:

@centsiblelife: Name, and their twitter ID-then I want to learn something new about them.

@GoBig_GoHome: Would want to know what they blog about, where they’re from, and where they bought those cute shoes!

@GeekBabe: Tell me your area of interest, specialty, where you are from, let’s trade cards.

@LucretiaPruitt: their twitter ID Because that’s how I’m going to end up connecting with them first!

@hangingwithmrsc: ask what sessions they are attending and their twitter name

Many people talk about an elevator pitch when you want to pitch an idea to someone, but I also think you need to have an elevator introduction ready. So what exactly is an elevator introduction anyhow? Simple. It’s a brief description of you and your blog. Think quick ride to the 10th floor in the hotel. A brief encounter in the line for the restroom in between sessions. You get the picture.

The true fact of the matter is that you probably won’t have tons of time to engage people in long conversations, going into detail about why you started your blog, what your favorite post is, and what you plan to do with it in the future. I am not saying people don’t want to hear that, but time constraints may prevent that conversation from happening at the conference itself.

So what should your elevator introduction include? Think about these things to help you create a brief description that you feel encapsulates what important information you want to pass along:

• Name: Your name, blog name, Twitter name, or anything else that will help people recognize you later on (thank goodness for business cards, huh?)
• Where You’re From: A total ice-breaker and can help make an instant connection with someone!
• Blog Description: Keep it to a few sentences while still hitting key points. Remember, it’s a 2-way conversation, so there needs to be time for them to give you the same information. Stick with your niche if you have one, what you write about, and one thing that might set you apart from other bloggers.
• Sessions: If you want to continue the conversation, ask them what sessions or parties they’re going to later. Try to meet up again later!
• Card Exchange: Once you’ve started a conversation, even if it’s only a few minutes long, whip out your card and do the whole “I’ll give you mine if I can get yours” deal.

And…We’re walking. We’re talking.

Unfortunately, that might realistically be all you’ll get out of many conversations. If you get time to talk in more depth with people, embrace it, even if it means you miss some sessions or parties. Make this conference what YOU want while still being realistic and enjoying every conversation you are having! If you’re shy, remember: a simple smile can be a great ice breaker and lead to conversation! As @JustHeather said at last night’s Twitter party, “Just because someone doesn’t smile or looks busy doesn’t mean they aren’t friendly!” Don’t let intimidation dictate your experience.

One lasting comment from Twitter that I think we should all take to heart when headed to blog conferences:

If you’re a rock star blogger, take a minute to reach out to at least one new woman. Remember everyone…be real, this is supposed to be FUN, not always “on” selling ourselves!