15secondpitch.com is an interesting site I stumbled upon recently. It attempts to solve a serious problem for those in affiliate marketing and other seo type jobs for themselves

Having trouble explaining what you do?

Feeling uncomfortable explaining what you do?

Work for yourself?

When I first started attending conferences such as Search Engine Strategies, Webmasterworld and Affiliate Summit I would meet lots of interesting people involved in search and affiliate marketing and undoubtedly one of the first questions I would be asked was what do you do? are you involved in search marketing? do you work for one of the companies here?

Most of the people I was with would shake their heads and say something like I build websites or I sell a variety of products on the internet or my favorite I’m here to learn all I can. This type of response would most times kill the conversation and move it towards you need a drink or what did you think of the google booth?

Search marketing and affiliate marketing is unlike any other industry. It’s not the IT world- you need to install an exchange server ok! no problem! you find a Microsoft partner and presto you have a Certified Professional at your office within a few days taking care of everything- it doesn’t matter if your in Los Angeles or Omaha

The search professionals are spread very thin across the globe and because of the constant changing nature of the business each have different specialties. One person you meet might be a blogging expert another could be a SEO expert.

In order to effectively network and build a collection of associates and colleagues you need a crisp and clear message as a starting point. Following up with a business card with your pitch on the back with links to a personal website with more information about yourself is essential.

15 second pitch is a launching point to help you craft a crisp, short message about your self and/or company. Examples of real pitches are posted throughout the site to help get those creative juices flowing

Get the business cards of the people you meet if they don’t have any get their email address and write it down on one of your cards and send a follow up email after you leave the show. Build a network and keep in touch. I’ve noticed when I go to shows I am recognizing more and more people. Lots of opportunities to build relationships and forge partnerships for a future project or idea!!!

Sign up for linkedin and create personal profile with your pitch as a summary. Send a request to connect to everyone you get an email address for. You would be surprised how many affiliate marketers are on linkedin

15 second pitch is a quick exercise to create a pitch for yourself create a business card and read the profiles and pitches of others just like you. Give it a try!

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