The Magic of Lean-In Statements

Let’s be honest. The idea of delivering a lengthy monologue in a confined elevator ride seems rather impractical.

Yet, that is what an elevator pitch conjures up.   Selling yourself with a 2-minute narrative of what you do.

Personally, I would be climbing the walls if someone subjected me to that.

In this week’s video, I share an alternative approach to networking that can have a powerful impact:

The Magic of Lean-In Statements

As a career strategist, I’ve found that a concise and attention-grabbing Lean-In statement is more effective than a lengthy elevator pitch.

The goal is to elicit interest and engagement from your listener.

Here’s an Example

Imagine yourself at a networking event, a meetup group, or any social gathering where someone approaches you and asks, “What do you do?”

This is your chance to make a memorable impression and establish a connection.

Respond with a one or two-sentence description of what you do, accompanied by a value-added statement that captures their attention.

For example, if your name is Samantha and you used to be a chiropractor but now work as a software developer, you could say:

“Well, Bill, I used to fix broken bones, but today I fix broken code.”

Notice how this prompts a genuine response of intrigue and curiosity.

The key is to elicit a lean-in, a subtle body movement that indicates they’re interested in hearing more.

If their attention wanes or they lean away, you will know they are not interested.

Once you’ve captured their interest, seize the opportunity to share a short story that relates to your work.

Preparation is key here, so plan ahead.

For instance, if someone asks me what I do and I respond by saying, “John, I am a career coach specializing in mid to-late careers. I help people find jobs that fuel their passion rather than drain them,”

If I see interest like a subtle lean in, I could then share a story about assisting a 72-year-old expert who wrote standards for outdated technology but still found a job with a company serving developing countries.

Stories have a remarkable ability to captivate and engage others, which is precisely what you want when building relationships.

Remember, your lean-in statement is meant for networking situations, not formal interviews where a different approach is required.

I hope you found this brief insight into lean-in statements informative and valuable.