What’s Your GFWC Pitch?

September 28, 2016

By Laura Bergman
GFWC Communications and Public Relations Committee Member

You may already know that elevator or sales pitches are important tools that help facilitate a quick conversation about a subject. Pitches are generally 20-30 seconds long and are designed to capture the immediate interest of your audience.
Practicing your pitch will ensure you are prepared to respond to the next person who asks you “What is GFWC?”

Let’s be honest—many of us may freeze up or fumble as we search for the words to explain all the awesome work we do as an organization. Here are some key points to help you establish a winning statement to engage potential members or supporters.

1. MAKE IT PERSONAL!
GFWC motivates us all in different ways, so think about what makes you excited to be a member. There are several aspects to choose from, including service projects, fundraising, community involvement, or social interaction. If you believe strongly in what you are conveying and are sincere, it will make your pitch more effective.

2. KEEP IT SHORT AND TO THE POINT.
We don’t always have a lot of time to talk about GFWC. Often, we are asked while in an elevator, working on a service project, or standing in the hotel lobby at Convention. When you only have a brief moment to raise awareness, your message needs to be concise and quick!

3. END WITH AN ACTION OR YOUR “HOOK.”
This will give you an opening to either continue the conversation or get the potential member’s contact information. A great example is to ask, “If you could improve one thing in your community, what would it be?” Making the question personal will hopefully encourage a meaningful conversation.

4. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
This is perhaps the most important factor of all, because when someone asks you “What is GFWC?” and you fumble and freeze, the opportunity to recruit a new member or supporter may be lost. Use your family or a mirror, or give your speech to your casserole in the oven—whatever works for you. Practicing will ensure that the next time you get to talk about GFWC, you’ll be prepared to rise to the occasion!

There are countless articles on the internet with many more tips and tricks on building a great pitch, so please use any resources you have available. Keep in mind that you won’t always have time to give a 20-30 second pitch, so be sure to
always have a GFWC business card ready to hand out.