Do You Have an Elevator Pitch for Your Library?

An “elevator pitch” is a quick, concise summary of what your organization does,  so named because it should last no longer than the average elevator ride.

When meeting new people we’re asked what it is we do for a living.  If you have an elevator pitch ready, you can turn an introduction into an opportunity to make a case for your library!  You never know when a simple conversation will turn into an opportunity to recruit a new board trustee, library card owner, or “joyful giver” philanthropist.

Do you already have one for your library, one you’re prepared to give any time the moment is right?

If not, read these for ideas on crafting your own:

• An Elevator Pitch for Your Library by Andrew Burkhardt
• Crafting an Effective “Elevator Pitch”: knocking a pitch out of the park may be easier if you consider these 10 tips from Business Week magazine
• Elevator pitch – 5 tips for creating a concise and strong sales message from Microsoft Small Business Center

Once you have your elevator speech honed, consider ending your conversation with an invitation like, “stop in at the library next week for our program on …” or give them your card and ask them to call you for a tour of your library.