This week is the EMS Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. During the expo thousands of EMS professionals will be walking the tradeshow floor to learn about latest innovations in EMS products from hundreds of exhibitors. I am often surprised at how few vendors can quickly determine if A) I need their product and B) Describe the product to me in a few seconds to help me realize my need for their product.
The length of time (or characters) we are given to communicate any message is rapidly decreasing. Twitter is teaching its users to introduce a thought, idea, or product and make a call to action in 140 characters or less. Tradeshow vendors should anticipate an audience that will tolerate short pitches while being distracted.
If you are ever in a position (you already are or will be) to pitch yourself, your product, or your agency you should take a few minutes and read this ebook from Jim Kukral, Quick Tips to Improving your Pitch at a Tradeshow.
If you are thinking, “I never have to pitch anything,” let me suggest a few times when you will be “pitching.”
1. Applying for a new job or promotion.
2. Asking your department to purchase a new piece of patient care or assessment equipment.
3. Describing a blog project to your supervisor.
4. Explaining the importance of child passenger safety seat use to parents.
5. Reporting budget needs to a board of directors.
You have an individual and organizational brand, even as public safety agency, that you are pitching much more often than you realize.
