The Best Elevator Pitch Alternative for Modern Networking: Be Known for What You Do Best
Episode 31
Feel awkward introducing yourself at networking events—or tired of sounding rehearsed and salesy?
Many professionals rely on traditional elevator pitches, only to walk away feeling uncomfortable or forgettable. The problem isn’t your experience—it’s that the old approach no longer works in modern, relationship-driven networking.
In Episode 31 of The People Success Circle, I break down why elevator pitch alternatives matter more than ever—and what to do instead if you want to be known, not pitched.
Tune in or keep reading for practical insights, real examples, and actionable takeaways you can use right away.
In this episode of The People Success Circle, I walk HR leaders and business owners through a fresh, more human approach to networking—and why the traditional elevator pitch no longer works. Here’s what we cover:
Why the classic elevator pitch feels outdated and salesy—and why it often hurts connection more than it helps
Elevator pitch alternatives that focus on clarity, confidence, and being remembered
How to create a simple known for statement that helps others easily understand and repeat what you do
Practical guidance on how to introduce yourself professionally without performing or pitching
Why relationship-based networking is more effective than transactional conversations
Real examples of modern networking strategies that support authentic connection and long-term visibility
🎧 Tune in or keep reading to walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately—for yourself or the people you lead.
🔗 Helpful Links
🌐 Mindy’s website for business consulting: https://www.limerockcareerco.com
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Episode 31: Watch or Listen
Key Takeaways From Episode 31
The Elevator Pitch Is No Longer Effective—and Here’s Why
I’ve spent years teaching elevator pitches, and I’ve realized they often work against us. Today’s networking environment values connection over performance, and traditional pitches tend to feel scripted and salesy. Instead of building trust, they can create distance. If your goal is to be remembered and referred, it’s time to rethink how you introduce yourself and explore elevator pitch alternatives that feel natural and human.
Replace the Pitch With a “Known For” Statement
One of the most practical shifts I share in this episode is moving from an elevator pitch to a known for statement. This simple framework focuses on three things: who you are, what you do, and the outcome you help create. It’s concise, adaptable, and easy for others to repeat—making it far more effective in real conversations. This approach supports how to introduce yourself professionally without overexplaining or overselling.
Modern Networking Is Relationship-Based, Not Transactional
Modern networking strategies are rooted in relationships, not transactions. People don’t want to be pitched—they want to connect. When you focus on clarity and shared value, networking without sounding salesy becomes much easier. A strong known for statement allows others to champion you in rooms you’re not in, which is the true power of relationship-based networking.
Clarity and Memorability Matter More Than Sounding Impressive
The goal of networking isn’t to impress—it’s to be remembered. Long, complicated explanations are forgettable, while clear and outcome-focused introductions stick. I encourage leaders and professionals to test their message: if someone can’t repeat it back to you, it’s too complex. Simplicity builds confidence and helps your network advocate for you naturally.
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Read the full transcript
Mindy East:
I have a confession to make. I’ve spent years teaching people how to create an elevator pitch—and I think we’ve been doing it all wrong.
I’ve taught people how to introduce themselves by explaining what they do in a way that, honestly, can come across as salesy. But while I was creating Networking School last summer and into the fall, I had an epiphany. In one part of the training, I was telling people they needed an elevator pitch. In another part, I was saying, “Don’t sound salesy. Don’t think of it as a pitch. It’s about building relationships.”
I realized I was talking out of both sides of my mouth, and it made me pause and ask myself: What am I really trying to teach people to do?
That’s where the tagline for Networking School came from: Be known for what you do best. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or leads. It’s not about connecting with people on LinkedIn in a way that feels like a pitch. Because let’s be honest—when was the last time someone pitched to you and it actually made you want to get to know them?
It doesn’t happen anymore.
Modern-day networking has changed. Whether you’re networking in person or online, you need to show up in a way that makes people want to build a relationship with you. Networking isn’t about performing—it’s about connecting.
In this episode, I’m going to explain why I believe the elevator pitch is dead and exactly what you should do instead.
Recently, I was teaching a live session inside Networking School. One of the modules focuses on what I consider the opposite of an elevator pitch, which I call a known for statement. I asked members to watch the module, draft their statement, and come to the call ready to practice.
As expected, people were hesitant at first. Sharing in a group can feel uncomfortable. But something really powerful happened. As the call went on, the energy shifted. People relaxed. Everyone participated. They practiced their known for statements and helped others refine theirs. Real connections started forming, and it reinforced exactly why I created this program.
By the end of the call, people felt confident. They felt like they could walk into a networking space or open LinkedIn and introduce themselves in a way that felt natural—not forced like the old-school elevator pitch.
So why do I believe the elevator pitch is dead?
First, people don’t want to be pitched to. They want to connect. Elevator pitches are one-way conversations, and networking works best when it’s a two-way relationship.
Second, elevator pitches sound scripted. They’re often long, and when you’re focused on remembering what to say, you lose presence and warmth. The listener can feel like you’re performing instead of actually engaging.
Third, traditional elevator pitches focus on what you want from the other person. That makes it harder for people to champion you in other rooms. We don’t want others pitching on our behalf—we want them simply introducing us.
And finally, elevator pitches are forgettable. Everyone sounds the same. “Hi, I help…” statements don’t create an emotional hook or a memorable anchor.
So what should we do instead?
We should shift to a known for statement.
I use this framework because the real goal of networking isn’t pitching—it’s helping people remember you. Inside Networking School, I teach a framework called the Remember Me Roadmap, and the first step is deciding how you want to be remembered.
A known for statement is simple and flexible. The formula looks like this:
Your role or job title
What you do
The result or outcome you create
For example:
“I’m an operations strategist who helps small business owners simplify operations so they can focus on growth.”
Or:
“I’m a career consultant who guides college students to discover their strengths and land their first job with confidence.”
These statements are clear, conversational, and easy to repeat—which is exactly what networking requires.
Your known for statement should focus on who you help and why it matters. It can change depending on the room you’re in. It’s not scripted, and it’s not meant to be memorized word for word.
Here’s the test: if your best friend, spouse, or coworker can’t repeat your statement back to you, it’s too complicated.
Practice it. Say it out loud. See how it feels. If it feels more natural than pitching, you’re on the right track.
The one thing an elevator pitch and a known for statement have in common is that they’re brief. You really can say them between floors of an elevator. But instead of trying to sound impressive, your goal is to be remembered.
Modern networking isn’t about selling. It’s about connection. It’s about feeling confident introducing yourself—even if you’re an introvert, even if you’re not rehearsed, even if you’re not trying to sell anything.
The known for statement gives others a clear way to remember you and champion you.
If this episode helped you rethink how you show up in networking, consider joining Networking School. The doors are open, and you can find more information in the show notes.
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a five-star review, and subscribe. That helps this message reach more people so we can create networking that feels right.
Until next time, practice your known for statement—and I’ll see you in the next episode of The People Success Circle.
