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Why do I need an elevator speech?
Posted September 27, 2012 by Terri Sjodin in Archive, Small Message Big Impact, The Elevator Speech
Question:
I have this little voice in my head that is screaming, “I have been in this business a very long time. I can just walk into a situation and wing it. Why do I need an elevator speech?”
Answer:
I have great respect for those who have worked in their profession for years. There is a significance and credibility that comes with having extensive background and experiences in any industry. That said, I just cannot imagine anyone undervaluing the importance of continued growth and preparation for different situations at all levels of experience.
When I heard this question, it made me think of people who have reached the top of their field through sheer discipline and practice. People like guitarist Eric Clapton, women’s soccer pioneer Michelle Akers, cyclist Lance Armstrong, Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, NFL receiver Jerry Rice, and world-class tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams. I also thought of Tiger Woods (let’s set his personal challenges to the side), who is on track to be the winningest golfer in history. He has been in the business of professional golf (and quite successfully) for a long time, and yet he still walks the course before every tournament and is said to put in more practice and prep time than almost any other golfer on the circuit today. Clearly, with all of his tenure, experience, and winning track record, Tiger could wing it. At this point in their careers, all of these professionals could wing it. But they don’t. I trust that it is their commitment to continued practice, evolution of their skills, and preparation that keeps them consistent champions.
*Excerpted from Small Message, Big Impact
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