Quick! What’s your elevator pitch? You never know when a chance encounter can open a door to a new business opportunity or publicity for you and your business.

Business guru and Entrepreneur magazine contributor Asheesh Advani recently published some savvy ideas for making the most of these serendipitous moments. A few highlights:

Choose your words carefully – Use a “grabber” sentence or two that will get attention.

Practice your pitch – Aim not to sound too slick and overly commercial. Get feedback from friends and family, first.

Focus on the follow-up – Suggest a follow-up call or meeting. And make sure to always have some business cards on hand to exchange. You never know who you might meet!

A strong and memorable elevator pitch is crucial for networking success. For more suggestions, see the full article in Entrepreneur (September 2009).

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