January 3, 2011
In the most recent column of Effective Management Consulting, I suggested that one way of defining EAP-based management consulting was to take on the challenge of creating a 30-second “elevator speech.” Simply put, could you describe what you do for managers in the thirty seconds available to you in a shared elevator ride?
Confining yourself to a 30-second description of your work helps you distill down to the core and philosophy of your management consulting services. And memorizing a short script means that you’ll never be at a loss for promoting your services to a manager or supervisor, especially when you don’t have a brochure or flyer in hand.
How to Create Your Elevator Speech
Follow these guidelines for creating your own elevator speech.
- Visit the EAP Management Consulting Knowledgebase and peruse the sections on Defining Management Consulting in EA Settings and EAP Philosophy of Consulting. Borrow snippets that best describe your work.
- Re-connect with the EAPA Core Technology, which touches upon consulting to management in several of the technologies. Is there something there for you to use?
- Identify your key stakeholders and audience… knowing your target audience should help you tailor the message.
- Make a list of your unique services relating to working with managers and supervisors. Use what is unique about your EAP to make your speech “pop” for the audience.
- Draw from your knowledge of the host organization to add vocabulary that draws from the workplace culture.
Your 30 Seconds
How did it turn out? Consider posting your result in a Comment on this blog entry, for others to appreciate.
To view Jeff’s generic elevator speech, pick up a copy of the Journal of Employee Assistance, 1st Quarter 2011, and read the column Effective Management Consulting.
Great idea, Jeff.
Here’s my pitch:
“I’m here to make my organization a better place by helping employees be happier, healthier, and more successful. I accomplish this by providing confidential and professional counseling, consultation, education, and stress reduction services that empower employees to cope with challenging issues, work toward personal and professional goals, and achieve greater satisfaction and balance in their lives.”
Haven’t memorized it yet. Will wait to hear your feedback before I do that.