Ah….the elevator pitch
(This post has been updated with a new invitation to the Holland Happy Hour, which now has the correct date, time and location)
When the Photonics Cluster Holland announced their presence at this week’s Photonics show, we knew that the participants were eager to present themselves during our Dutch Business Breakfast.
Instructing them to keep it limited to 60 seconds sharp, we practiced with them in our new gorgeous Consulate General in San Francisco.
Instructions flew through the room: “tell the audience exactly what you want”, “don’t be shy, that’s not the American way”, “what is it you really sell?”, “don’t be afraid to mention your clientele”, etc.
With a well meant “do it again in your hotel room in front of a mirror”, we split at 10.00 a.m.
The “Idol” jury is pondering the quality of a presentation. Left to right: Peter Laanen (NBSO), Jaap Veerman (Deputy Consul General) and Marc Nellen (NOST).
“Why are they asking this?”. Left to right: John Reid (Philips Miplaza), Malcolm Begemann (Luminostix), Dick Sterenborg (Luminostix) and Thomas van Els (Technobis).
Jeroen Wehmeijer (Lambert Instruments) came with a robust 60 second elevator speech.
Ronald Halfwerk (Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy) sharing some potential happy news for American vendors of high technology.
A great group of well prepared managers got that little extra to make it a happening where American and Dutch businessmen alike would turn it into a win/win situation.
It is always a pleasure to explain where that expression “elevator pitch” comes from, and indeed, sometimes you have the chance of a life time to impress the person you badly need, for a short while, in a…..yes….elevator.
Like in our building; from the ground floor till the 31st floor where we reside.
The link www.photonicscluster-nl.org/pw2010 will give you more information about the cluster, and if you are in for more in depth discussions with a good glass of something, we gladly invite you for Holland Happy Hour.
