Chris Westfall
Dallas, TX
- 329 comments
- 188 likes given
- 126 likes received
Chris Westfall is a speaker, author and entrepreneur, best known as the "National Elevator Pitch Champion". He is an award-winning MBA instructor and a professional development coach. His first book will be published by Greenleaf in 2012.
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Well written and very intriguing - while experience is concrete, and serves to support some credibility/competence, it is far from the only factor in determining capability. "Are you experienced" is a good question (really good, if you listen to Jimi Hendrix, but I digress) but a better question is:
"Can you help us?" Candidates need to consider how they answer that one - and how they can make their experience (no matter how much of it) relevant.
Competence and experience are two very very different things. I love the idea of considering someone with 15 years of experience...who's floated by. Making time is not making a difference!
And this quote: "If you have spent the past 20 years in marketing, how much is the same from the marketing that you are doing today?" Resting on your past achievements isn't a message that fits for the current economy. Well said!
My latest conversation: Can a Bad Online Reputation Impact Your Job Search?
Love these quotes! What an excellent addition to 12most.com. My favorite is #4 - I believe that communication really gets interesting when you make the second person first (and of course, that's YOU). Nicely done!
My latest conversation: When Innovation Fails
@chattyprof I think there's a definite difference between shared learning via a MOOC and the kind of academic rigor that's really necessary. But I think MOOCs are raising the question of what kind of rigor is really necessary! It's an interesting phenomenon to observe, and I'm curious to see what will develop. I'm curious to know if you think there will be a long-term impact on the way that colleges connect with students? And, has that change already begun, beyond the hallowed halls of MIT and Stanford?
My latest conversation: Conversation Inspiration
@ITendToAmaze So true - the one way to make sure you won't get the answer you're looking for: never ask the question. When it comes to the issue of raises and rates, trust plays a huge part. Step one: trust yourself enough to know that you're worth it. Thanks for your comment!
@JeffRollins Well said, my friend! What you said about mindfulness is the key in so many things - and shutting down the noise to hear what's really going on has been a big part of my personal journey over the last few years. I've been reading "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, and finding the message very powerful. I'm not always able to shut out the white noise, but when I can "get rid of everything else" I find that I'm happier, more effective, and more able to recognize the people that matter to me. I really appreciate your perspective - thanks again for your comment!
My latest conversation: A Three Word Transformation
@Kristine Canavan It seems we have more ways than ever to connect electronically, but that personal connection has always been the most important. "Honest to a fault" brings to mind the idea that the "truth hurts". (We must use our super-powers of perception for good, not for evil :) I believe that taking time to honestly see the people that matter most can help you to get closer to a real connection - and I know you do too. Thanks for your comment, Kristine!
My latest conversation: A Three Word Transformation
exceptionally well written summary of the impact of Mason's resignation. Your five components of leadership are the building blocks of a great message, that continues to evolve. Like a lot of people who read this blog, I'm curious what you will come up with next ! Thanks for the insights - well said!
My latest conversation: Got Influence?
@davisfnp Thanks for the feedback! My question is: what if you don't have a pleasing personality? Can you still persuade, if you are a jerk ...or if you can't make others feel good?
My latest conversation: What Alec Baldwin Would Never Tell You
@profkrg There are things we are good at, and things we enjoy. The most satisfying choices seem to arrive at the intersection of both skills and enjoyment, playing to our strengths in a way that's rewarding, both emotionally and financially. There's one key question that I use with my coaching clients, and I think it may help. The question is, "What is it that you would love to create?" It's important to consider the question seriously, and creatively, to arrive at a point of internal knowing, and I help my clients to see where that "aha!" moment lives. Then, a follow up: "What is is that you would like to create - with, through and for others - that people would pay you to do?" I tackle each one of those prepositions in detail, to arrive at a focus that isn't just navel-gazing, but allows for a new picture (a new thought) about how others can be engaged in your vision. After all, there's not much in the world worth doing unless it involves other people - and the only way to create a great vision is to share it, and then act on it. Does that make sense? This visioning exercise is one that has always had major revelations for me, as well as my clients - it's not so much about a technique or strategy as it is just looking in the right place, and letting your intuition help you along the way.
Love it: "STOP!" What great advice. So many times, a salesperson is married to the presentation - and has to get to slide 43, or design #8, or else! Relevance is so important, because it puts your attention on your client. Great info!
My latest conversation: Getting Naked in Your Presentation
@Michelle_Mazur Clever idea - passion and excitement are great, but wild pacing is just hard to follow. Love the book idea!
My latest conversation: Blueprint for a Great Elevator Speech
@profkrg The key is: make the second person first. Also, always meet with really interesting people. :-)
My latest conversation: Avoid These Presentation Mistakes
@CarolLynnRivera Thanks Caroline - there are so many experts who try to push a particular viewpoint, theory or strategy. My agenda is to try and take an even-handed approach to where people are, right now. Appreciate your feedback -
My latest conversation: Make Your First Impression Last
@creativeoncall I wonder if that "forgetfulness" is an attempt at control, or just oversight, or what exactly. As an entrepreneur, I am never too far away from the customer and their needs. Not saying I've got it all figured out, but in my business I can't afford to overlook the most important person in the room - it's always the customer. And, by the way, if you're in the audience or in a coaching session, that makes you the customer, too!
My latest conversation: The Psychology of the CEO
Elevator pitch tips? I've got a few...but yours are great! LOL Love this article, and it's so important to keep it brief. The HBS model is a little limiting, I think - but a lot of folks are familiar with that site. I believe it's key to create a little more modern conversation, not necessarily a sales pitch - but that's me. Attention spans are short, and that's why it's key to approach the conversation in a way that is concise - and persuasive! I've got a lot of examples of how to deliver a world-class elevator pitch right here: http://www.youtube.com/westfallonline
@SteveWoodruff "If" i did, it was an honest mistake! :-) Great catch LOL
My latest conversation: The Psychology of the CEO
What a great idea. It's been my experience that the elevator pitch changes, whether you're in the boardroom, or the lobby, online or in person. A tool like this is a great way to deliver your message, but there's still work to be done to determine what that message is, and how to shape it so that it's compelling to an investor.
My latest conversation: A Certain Message in Uncertain Times
@CarolLynnRivera right there with ya - well said! Thanks for your comment
My latest conversation: A Certain Message in Uncertain Times