How to write your networking pitch
You know when someone asks you what you do or what your business is and you’re like “Ummm…”. Well um no more.
When you meet new people at things like networking events, it’s so helpful to have a short, sharp pitch prepared (and rehearsed) about what you do and what your biz is. Nothing formal and stiff sounding, but something that covers off all the main points.
Your networking pitch isn’t a sales pitch but a brief intro to your business that’s designed to pique their interest and give a snapshot of what you offer.
You won’t always say this pitch word for word, but it’s a chance to figure out the main points you want to include, and to practise it. Get this right and you might just get a new client or make an important new contact.
Your networking pitch should be conversational and simple to say out loud, and you want to include a call to action. It can also help to start with a question to engage your listener. So the structure might look something like this:
Have you ever [situation that your target client faces]? I/we [what you do] for [target clients] so they can [benefits]. One thing that sets me/us apart is [uniqueness]. [Call to action].
Here’s an example:
Have you ever had sleep problems or felt completely burnt out from doing too much? Well I’m a naturopath who works with busy women who are stuck in a cycle of overwork and exhaustion. I help them incorporate more rest and restoration, so they can start sleeping better and feel healthy and full of energy. What I do that’s a bit different is to focus on what they can take out, rather than add in, and we work together to create holistic solutions that actually work in their busy lives. If you go to my website you can download a free guide that’s got five simple steps for improving your sleep. I’d love to know if it helps.
Now it’s time to write yours!
PSST… WANNA USE NETWORKING TO GET MORE CLIENTS?
Just starting out and struggling to get clients? Building and using your network is one of our top 5 steps to getting real, live, paying clients (hooray). Download our free, shiny, 15-page workbook – ‘5 Steps to Getting Actual Clients’ and we’ll share the other 4 steps so you can start growing your biz – the right way.
4 steps to writing your business networking pitch
Use the suggested structure above to draft your own networking pitch. It can help to write a sentence or two for each individual element first (i.e. what you do, target clients, benefits) and then combine them. Aim for about 30 to 60 seconds.
Once you’ve written the first draft, read it out loud and time it.
Tweak it until it feels really natural to say out loud. It’s helpful to record or film yourself and listen/watch back. Would you say this out loud to an actual person? Do you think it’d sound interesting to a stranger?
Once you’ve written your pitch, read it out loud to someone, to see how it sounds and to practise talking about your biz.
Now you’ve got a compelling networking pitch ready to go!
Need a business bio?
Having a series of business bios and pitches up your sleeve is hugely helpful for things like writing your About page, sending off to a publication you’ve written for and knowing how the heck to talk about your business!
In LaunchKit, we step you through a simple process for creating a full biz bio, short bio and social media bio, as well as your networking pitch. Plus loads of bonus tips for becoming a better, more confident writer and crafting words that convert readers into adoring clients.
Learn more about this game-changing all-in-one kit and how it can help you find clarity (finally!), take action (yes!), get real live clients ($$!) and build the business you’ve been daydreaming about.