Do you have an "elevator" speech? Do you know what it is? An elevator speech is a 15 to 30-second pitch or mini speech introducing yourself, describing your experience, accomplishments and skills, and demonstrating what you can do for the person or company. It's a great networking tool.

Think of yourself as a product to be sold and use the elevator speech to market yourself. Include things that spark interest, elicit questions, and make you stand out.

Elevator speeches can be given over the phone or in person - at professional conferences or sports events, when you meet strangers, or make cold phone calls.

Here are some suggestions for developing your speech.

Prepare your script ahead of time. Write what you want to say in conversational English. Keep it succinct, easy to deliver, and an accurate reflection of your personality, skills and product or service. Include:

1. Introduction - Your name, who you are, and what you do.

2. Objective - What you want; for example, a project management position in software development, or contract work in health services.

3. Hook - Length of experience, training/education, related skills and accomplishments.

Describe how your skills, product or service can benefit others. Employers are interested in things that make or save time and money, help people feel good, or expand markets. Illustrate why your product or service is unique.

The speech should reflect your personality. If you're fun and upbeat, show this; if you're serious, illustrate this. Let your warmth, enthusiasm, creativity, knowledge, commitment to excellence, and personal style come through.

Consider ending your speech with a question to induce dialog. Open-ended questions provide information; An example is: "What's your biggest short-term challenge?" "Yes-no" questions supply agreement to gauge fit. For example, a nutritionist might ask: "Do you want to indulge without gaining the bulge?"

4. Goal - Get your resume to a decision-maker or schedule a meeting.

Practice your delivery. Ask for feedback from trusted friends. Refine it.

Deliver your speech conversationally. Be friendly and genuine, with the intention of establishing a relationship or opening doors. Observe listeners' reactions, such as confusion or interest. Modify or elaborate as necessary.

Dress professionally. Radiate energy, optimism, enthusiasm, confidence and competence. Smile when appropriate and maintain eye contact. Pause between sentences.

It's OK to deliver these brief speeches differently each time; they will sound more natural. But always include your main points.

Here's how you could use this technique on a cold phone call.

"Hello. My name is Al Miller. Do you have two minutes?" ("Yes.") "Thanks. I have a proven track record in sales, marketing and business development, having consistently produced over-quota sales results. I'm interested in a business development position with your organization. I like your company's creative marketing strategies and customer service policies, and believe my strong advertising and marketing experience, coupled with excellent communication and networking skills, will enable me to help your company meet its goals. Would it be permissible to send my resume for your review?"

Before making the call, Al researched the company to identify the marketing manager and learn about company policies, procedures and needs. This enabled him to speak with the marketing decision-maker. Demonstrating courtesy, Al asked if the listener had time before speaking. Most will have time. If they're busy, ask when it would be convenient to call back.

Al gave himself a pep talk before phoning, and smiled when he dialed. His voice tone was upbeat, his demeanor professional. He spoke briskly, but pronounced words clearly. He ended the call positively. Two weeks later, he phoned to ascertain if the manager had read the resume, and requested an interview.

You could also use your "speech" as an introduction at business meetings.

"Hello, I'm Connie Carter from Vancouver. I'm pleased to meet you. I coach executives on etiquette, demonstrating how politeness produces profit and manners make money. .."

Notice how Connie used alliteration (e.g., words that start with the same letter) and emphasized the benefits of her service to pique listener attention.

Expand your network. Talk to people everywhere - religious meetings, trade shows, hallways, coffee shops, airplanes. Create ways to meet decision-makers. Ask for introductions. Make cold calls. Drop in without an appointment. Exchange business cards.

By utilizing your elevator speech at the proper time and place, you'll advance your career to new heights. You'll floor competition and surprise yourself with how many more leads and job offers you'll receive.