Identification & Recruitment Elevator Pitch Presented by: Louisiana MEP ID&R Team

The Elevator Pitch An elevator pitch is designed to relay just enough information to cause the person you're talking with, to say “Tell me more…” *An elevator pitch is a brief persuasive speech that is used to spark interest in what your organization does… *a good elevator pitch should sound natural in conversation and last no longer than a short elevator ride.. Hence the name.

The Elevator Pitch – Do’s Know your audience: A good elevator pitch will shift depending on the audience you're trying to reach. Be brief: Restrict your pitch to 30 to 90 seconds. Some listeners won’t have time for more. Hook them early: Even though your pitch is short, it should be persuasive enough to spark the listener’s interest in your idea or organization. Create a relationship: Your pitch should serve as a “verbal” business card that provides a brief, compelling introduction to your program and intrigues new acquaintances to seek more information. Practice, Practice, Practice: Make sure it sounds natural in conversation. Be confident: Know your program and all that it offers. Be Passionate: Your pitch should excite others!

The Elevator Pitch – Don'ts Avoid speaking fast: Yes you only have a short amount of time, but try to avoid cramming 15 minutes of information into one. Use your keywords to spark their interest. Don’t use technical terms/acronyms: Try to avoid words that would confuse the average person. The last thing you want is for whoever is listening to feel dumb. Avoid Rambling: This is why it is so important to practice your pitch. You need to keep your pitch clear and focused. Avoid being monotone: Modulate your voice to keep listeners interested and keep your facial expression friendly. Don’t forget the benefits!: Tell the listener how they can benefit from your program. This new partnership should be beneficial to both parties.

The Elevator Pitch – Key Words Module 7 Level 3 The Elevator Pitch – Key Words What are some KEY WORDS you can use to develop your pitch? Eligibility Qualify Confidential Seasonal Temporary Agriculture Family Education Children Requirements Interview Fishing General Info Moving New to the area English Lessons Resources Help FREE National ID&R Curriculum, Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, V 2.0 5

The Elevator Pitch “Hi! How are you, my name is….”

Module 7 Level 3 National ID&R Curriculum, Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, V 2.0 7

Parent You arrive at a new family’s home after hearing through one of your sources that they are new to the area. Mother opens the door but is reluctant to speak with you. By explaining the MEP’s basic purpose, the recruiter may be able to persuade the family to allow the recruiter to interview them

Guiding Questions Did the pitch introduce the MEP clearly? Was the pitch geared for this specific audience? What worked well in the recruiter’s pitch? What would you do differently? Was the pitch brief, but able to spark the listener’s interest? Did the pitch introduce the program clearly? Were you interested in learning more about the program? Did the pitch sound natural?

Take Away Be knowledgeable of your program and resources. Network with respected community members. Do some research. If possible, gather some information on the student. Name drop – Use a teacher’s name. Connect yourself to the school. Leave detailed brochures in general areas in town. Provide “Success Binders.” Provide a list of resources from the local community.

Employer After receiving a lead, you decide to follow up by visiting the address. You arrive at the farm and see workers in the field. As you approach them, the farmer comes out and stops you before you get a chance to speak to them.

Guiding Questions Did the pitch introduce the MEP clearly? Was the pitch geared for this specific audience? What worked well in the recruiter’s pitch? What would you do differently? Was the pitch brief, but able to spark the listener’s interest? Did the pitch introduce the program clearly? Were you interested in learning more about the program? Did the pitch sound natural?

Take Away Speak to employer/crew leader. Try to get their buy-in (or permission) first. Name drop (if possible). Do research on the local agricultural crops/fishing trends prior to visiting employers. Ask genuine questions about their crops and their yield. Provide brochures/literature about the program. Provide “Success Binders.” Avoid getting into political/sensitive conversations.

School Administrator You have made an appointment with the school principal. This is a new school that has not had migrant students in the past, but your research of the local area suggests otherwise. You want to reach out to the school to hopefully identify new migrant students that are in the district.

Guiding Questions Did the pitch introduce the MEP clearly? Was the pitch geared for this specific audience? What worked well in the recruiter’s pitch? What would you do differently? Was the pitch brief, but able to spark the listener’s interest? Did the pitch introduce the program clearly? Were you interested in learning more about the program? Did the pitch sound natural?

Take Away Discuss how the program can help the school. Children are more prepared after attending your program. School grades go up Attendance goes up Serve as a liaison between school and migrant community Provide example and discuss logistics. Explain the difference between Migrant and Immigrant. Discuss how the MEP can help struggling students. The MEP is a supplemental educational program. Share success stories. Respect their time, it is crucial that you keep your pitch clear and focused.

Community Member As a recruiter you research possible places migrant families may shop, do laundry, buy groceries, attend church, etc. You have a list of places in the community where possible migrant families may frequently visit. You see a check cashing place that is on your list and you enter the front door.

Guiding Questions Did the pitch introduce the MEP clearly? Was the pitch geared for this specific audience? What worked well in the recruiter’s pitch? What would you do differently? Was the pitch brief, but able to spark the listener’s interest? Did the pitch introduce the program clearly? Were you interested in learning more about the program? Did the pitch sound natural?

Take Away Buy something small (if you can). Inquire about the possible influx of agricultural workers. Ask if any of the staff are new to the area. Ask for business cards and let the person know that you will be happy to give them to families that are already in the program. Ask for permission to post a flyer or leave brochures. Ask if there are any other locations that workers and their families may frequent.

Elevator Pitch Recap Know your audience. Hook them early. Be brief. Make sure your pitch sounds natural. Be Passionate!

LMEP ID&R Team Please reach out to the LMEP ID&R Team at idr.team@louisiana- mep.org. The ID&R Team is available to assist with ID&R questions, recruitment efforts or anything else that may come up. Matt Flaherty (207) 632-9186 matt.flaherty@louisiana-mep.org Susan “Nae” McDaniel 318-447-9989 nae.mcdaniel@louisiana-mep.org Ray Melecio (813) 748-1614 Ray.Melecio@louisiana-mep.org Tomi Soto (956) 740-8077 Tomi.Soto@louisiana-mep.org