Last week I attended the first two sessions of an amazing and intense business development program. As one of our very first activities we had to do a 30-second pitch to introduce ourselves and our companies to the rest of the members in our cohort. After the first few participants took their turn, we quickly learned that if we didn’t get our message across within those 30 seconds, we would be abruptly cut off and the facilitator would move on to the next person.
As I waited for my turn, I began to think about how I could introduce myself and my business in a way that met their communication criteria which encouraged us to be efficient, effective, and compelling. This meant that I had to figure out a way to get my audience to understand and be interested in what I did with as few words as possible.
This pitch process made me think about how we can take the same structure and apply it on a larger scale to how we can live a life of purpose. Here are some strategies to support you as you design your purpose pitch for your personal and professional life.
Eliminate the Excess. What do you do, or have, simply because that’s the way it’s always been done? When you are doing a 30-second pitch, using too many words, or over-explaining things leads to running out of time without having clearly communicated what you hoped to get across. Similarly, having too many possessions, relationships, or practices in your life that don’t really serve a unique purpose takes up valuable time, space, and energy that could be better spent on the things that really matter to you the most.
For instance, when I bought my previous home, I learned that while many people spend a lot of money and time furnishing and decorating, that was not something that was as important to me. I preferred to live minimally in that area so that my funds could go toward global travel which was more in alignment with the way I wanted to spend my time and resources. Since I spent far more time traveling than I did at home, elaborate furnishings and décor were not my priority.
What might you eliminate to live your purpose or passion more efficiently?
Create Clarity. Life’s responsibilities make it easy to fall into the trap of just going through the motions. Without a clear vision of who we really want to be, as well as what we want to do, and have, our days can easily begin to feel like a broken record on repeat. Wake up, go to work, come home, take care of people, go to bed, and do it all over again the next day and the next day for years on end. When we do a 30-second pitch to introduce ourselves and our work, we must be able to clearly communicate what we do in a way that our audience can understand and that piques their interest. When you are clear on who you are and what you stand for, your people can find you.
What makes you uniquely and authentically you? How might you increase the embodiment of your authenticity so that your people can find you?
Exude Energy. As we attempted to deliver compelling messages to our audience during our 30-second pitches, I found that they were most engaged and attuned when the speaker infused some aspect of energy, inspiration, or entertainment into their message. This approach also makes for a satisfying life. Intentionally incorporating energizing and inspiring activities and relationships spark joy and lead to fascinating experiences.
What compelling activities or connections might you make intentional space for in your schedule?
This week I challenge you to apply these important communication principles to the way that you design your life. Determine what will support you in creating your purpose pitch that will serve as a guide for an efficient, effective, and compelling way for you to engage in what matters to you the most.
Manifestation Affirmations
I am eliminating unnecessary elements that aren’t adding value to my life.
I am creating clarity about what really matters to me.
I am exuding the energy I want to attract.