Pitch Girl

What Recruiters REALLY want from Candidates

2010-03-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

**Special Guest Post from Professional Recruiter Carmel Napolitano

Top 5 Job Candidate Traits I look for:

1) Quiet confidence - there is a difference between brashness
and a good sense of self. While clients in other industries may
want an overbearing personality I've never had a client ask for
that;

2)Self -Disclosure - I realize that people today are terrified
that any slip of any weakness or complicated situation can
derail their search, but if you have been a stay at home Mom, or
took a year off to care for a sick relative, or even took a year
off to travel the world you need to tell me or I may think you
are in the Federal Witness Protection program or worse that you
are hiding something;

3) Consistent Experience - For me to even follow up with someone
they need to have not been a job hopper - if you have had ten
years of two year stints that is not a good thing - unless, see
#2 - you may have been a trailing spouse, etc - you need to
explain;

4) Don't worry about anyone but yourself - It is not a good
thing for candidates to constantly ask about the competition -
how many are in the search? What is may rank in the final
group? You have to be in the search because you want the job
and not to beat out the other candidates. It is really none of
your business how many people are in the search.

5)Don't hedge your bets or try to game the process - Don't play
with the idea that you may want a new job. If you find that you
are at the point where you are going to meet with the client be
in it to get the job. I've had clients go all through the
process receive an offer and then decide to through out an
important deal breaker. If you absolutely must work from home
one day a week you need to tell the recruiter in the beginning
of the search.

Carmel Napolitano, CGN Advisory. Professional Recruiter

Carmel does retained recruiting for the nonprofit and philantropic sectors.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/carmelnapolitano

Trisha Torrey Speaking at Women Ties

2010-03-31T14:00:00.001-07:00

Trisha Torrey and Laura Allen at Women Ties, originally uploaded by laura15secondpitch.

Went to a GREAT presentation today by author Trisha Torrey. She's created an AMAZING niche for herself. She is an patient's advocate. Her presentation today was, "You Really Are The Expert! Creating Profit from Your Experience." She was funny, engaging and had some excellent tips for the standing room only group of women entrepreneurs. Women Ties is one of my favorite local (central new york) networking groups.

If You Don't Ask, You Don't Sell

2009-10-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

If you don’t ASK, you don’t SELL.

(And why you should DEFINTELY go to the Women Ties Retreat, if you are anywhere near upstate, New York this Thurs. October 15th)

Let’s be honest here for a moment. I decided to go speak for Women Ties in Fayetteville, NY (which is near Syracuse, NY) for two main reasons. 1.) I wanted my Mom to be able to come see me speak in all of my glory since she lives in the area and

2.) I thought Tracy Higginbotham was a firecracker when I met her one year ago at a Women Ties lunch and I decided right then and there that if she ever asked me to speak, I’d say yes. So, I did.

Then I had a few colleagues in New York ask WHY I was going. Wasn’t upstate, NY really far away? Wouldn’t it take me away from my clients? And what they were REALLY thinking, “C’mon, you’re not going to get any business up there and with times being what they are, shouldn’t you be focused right here in the Good Ol’ Big Apple, where there are PLENTY of prospects? Let me answer those in order: No, Upstate, NY is not that far away, it’s 45 minutes on JetBlue, (sure it takes longer to get TO the airport from my apartment, but still a 45 minute flight IS compelling!) Yes, it would take me away from my clients, but I had planned the trip several months in advance so all of my face-to-face clients knew I was going and I arranged to do all of my client sessions with them before I left. I could work with my phone clients over the phone, like I always did. And, No, I probably would not be getting any new clients from this event.

But I remembered what I always tell *MY* clients when I am coaching them to sell more effectively. I tell them, “If you don’t ASK, you don’t SELL.” So I stayed up late the night before my Women Ties presentation watching my Mom painstakingly print out 60 full color flyers that advertised my most popular sales coaching program. (She said she’d be happy to do this so that I could spend my time worrying about what was really important—whether I was wearing the pant suit or skirt suit the next day. I choose the pant suit, because it was kind of chilly!)

The next day I was delighted as Tracy Higginbotham announced it was a SOLD OUT event! Now, the heat was on for me to DELIVER a lot of value to this most excellent group of women. I crammed as much of my 90 minute “Create the Perfect 15SecondPitch” presentation into that 30 minutes as I possibly could!! I was truly amazed at how willing the women were to jump right up and try out their newly crafted pitches. It was an amazing day and I’m so glad that my Mom was there to see me in action. (She also got to pitch her venture, which I’m going to devote a future blog post to talking about, because it’s a BRILLIANT idea and people love it.)

At the end of the Women Ties lunch, Tracy invited me up to give a quick pitch about my services. I let everyone know about my “Professional Pitch Package” and that there was a special offer just for them and all of the information was on the flyers. Imagine my surprise and delight as not one, not two, but THREE women came up to me after my presentation and said they wanted to work with me!! AND that they would FLY OUT TO NEW YORK CITY to work with me face to face.

I have to admit, I did dance a little jig right there in front of everyone as I spoke to these three incredible women. I thought that if I had the flyers ready and the offer was compelling enough that MAYBE one or two women would say yes to working with me over the phone. Never in my wildest dreams did I think they’d want to fly out to the city to work with me in person!! AMAZING!! So, it just goes to show you, if I would not have printed those flyers out and let the women know about my special offer, I doubt I would have made any sales that day. So, if you are on the fence about going to the Women Ties retreat on Thurs. October 15^th, please allow me to gently push you off the fence and into the game. I can’t tell you for sure that you’re going to get new business at the retreat. However, I can tell you absolutely that you’ll meet amazing, inspiring, NICE professional women that you’ll want to work with. And I can tell you for certain, that you’ll never know, if you don’t go.

P.S. I’d be going to the retreat myself, however, I have client presentation that day. I’ll definitely be going to Women Ties lunches in the future when I’m visiting my Mom though!!

3 experts talk sales strategies for ANY economy!

2009-09-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

Sales Success Strategies for EVERY Economy: Top Tips From Three Professionals

Free Teleseminar: Wednesday, Oct 7th, 12N - 1PM (EST)

Email Adrian for dial-in information amiller@adrianmiller.com

Join Laura Allen, Sydney Barrows and Adrian Miller in a fast paced, high energy program in which they delve into the good, the bad and the ugly of sales and customer experience.

Laura, Sydney and Adrian are experienced speakers, authors and trainers with a range of hands-on experience and practical information that will help you to transform your business development, client retention AND your bottom line.

This one-hour program will include time for your questions and thoughts.

Be prepared to come away with:

--Actionable tactics to help you sell more successfully

--Learn the 4 key steps to creating a clear, concise and compelling 15SecondPitch

Having a great 15SecondPitch can help you prospect more effectively. Whether you are making new connections face to face, online or over the phone, it’s important to be able to explain, who you are and what you do. If you don’t grab their attention in the first 15 seconds, you’ll lose them for good.

--Best of class practices to build your business in a way that enables you to stand apart from the competition. Consumers are weary of generic buying experiences and more and more are seeking to have a meaningful, memorable, fun, interesting and/or exciting Experience during the selection and buying process. Prospects and customers are hoping to have an EXPERIENCE that makes them feel pleased about making the purchase AND makes them feel good about making the purchase from YOU!

--Cost-effective and time efficient touch point management so that you can always stay on the grid. Let's face it, you spend a lot of time networking and developing leads and prospects. If you don't stay on the grid through what might be a lengthy sales cycle, you cannot recognize any ROI from your selling efforts.

Use your 15SecondPitch to get a job!!

2009-05-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed by reporter Asa Aarons earlier in the week about how to use your 15SecondPitch to land a great job! You can see the interview here on the NY1 website:

http://tinyurl.com/NY1Asa

Penelope Trunk

2009-03-25T11:18:00.001-07:00

Penelope Trunk, originally uploaded by laura15secondpitch.

Was great to see Penelope Trunk speak at the 2009 Sales & Marketing Symposium. I have to admit, her talk did give me a little bit of heartburn though. Seems that Gen Y workers don't want to do crap jobs, will simply move home with their (loving) parents if they don't like what they are doing and are constantly in need of being part of a TEAM.

As a Gen X-er who couldn't wait to move out on my own, would do the crappiest jobs that I needed to do to pay the rent and used to have the motto, "I'm not here to make friends, I'm here to get the job done." This was a bit hard for me to understand. But I'm meditating right now and pondering the MASSIVE generation gap that exists between me and Gen Y.

Why I LOVE what I do! People send me cookies!!

2009-03-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today I got the most LOVELY gift from one of my clients. Cookies from ONE GIRL COOKIES! They were packaged so beautifully, I didn't want to open it!! HOWEVER, there were COOKIES inside, so I had to open it! And yes, they are just as delicious as they look! Thanks, Judi!!

You can't discount your way to prosperity

2009-03-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

This was the sign I saw in a handbag store today on trendy 57th st. in NYC. It makes me wonder what this shop will do NEXT WEEK as a way to encourage women to come in and buy. (They'd have to GIVE THEM AWAY as you can't discount any more than 90% and still make a profit. And if you can, your purses are marked up far to high to begin with!) As you can see, the shop owner was watching me take this photo--in her EMPTY store. This is while large clusters of tourists walked up and down the street and shopped all the other stores. The 90% off is clearly not bringing customers in.

Do Something keynote

2009-01-30T17:29:00.001-08:00

Do Something keynote, originally uploaded by laura15secondpitch.

I got to do the Keynote for an incredible non-profit called www.DoSomething.org on November 15, 2008. This was a GREAT opportunity to meet over 100 teens and young adults who are building their own non-profit organizations. I have news for you, these young people are driven, determined, passionate, and they can pitch better than most people twice their age! I wish we would have gotten some photos of the group too!! Maybe I can find someone there who got a few of those. What a great day and inspiring group of people!

Pins in my Moi Meme jacket

2009-01-30T17:00:00.001-08:00

Pins in my Moi Meme jacket, originally uploaded by laura15secondpitch.

Okay, I took the plunge and bought my first custom suit. Yes, in a Recession. Probably not the smartest thing. But as I looked in my closet, I notice so many pairs of pants that just didn't fit. Usually I'm all about getting a bargain, however, there are moments when you want that extra advantage of having a really beautiful suit. So here, I am with my Kid Rock hair, and my custom rock star suit from http://www.Moi-Meme.com

15SecondPitch Workshop Jan. 19th, 6:30-8:00pm NYC

2008-12-15T14:32:00.000-08:00

Get More Sales NOW using your 15SecondPitch!

Workshop with Laura Allen, co-founder of 15SecondPitch.com

**Co-Ed Workshop** Men welcome!!

6:30-8:00pm

In Good Company Workplaces

16 W. 23rd Street (4th Floor)
New York, NY

Do you need to get more sales now? Are you worried about how the current economy is going to impact your business? Join Laura Allen, co-founder of 15SecondPitch.com for a fun, interactive, highly informative 90 minute workshop where she will teach you how to get more sales now using her unique 15SecondPitch System.

Even if you absolutely hate to sell, this workshop can still help you make more sales!

What you’ll learn:

*What the 15SecondPitch is

*Why the 15SecondPitch works so well

*How to create your 15SecondPitch

*How to use your 15SecondPitch to get more sales now.

Laura’s last workshop at IGC was a huge success and here is what a few of the attendees had to say about it:

“I feel like I've done a pretty good job of building my business and my brand over the past 10 years, however, Laura gave me some new ideas to make my business even bigger and better. I'd highly recommend this workshop to any woman who wants to increase sales and grow her business.”

-Erica Ecker, owner, http://www.TheSpacialist.com

New York Magazine’s choice for best space organizer in 2008

“The first thing that struck me about Laura Allen was her sense of humor and strait-forward attitude. As someone whose business it is to facilitate stress reduction, and who finds the most stressful thing selling my services, I was drawn to Laura and her work because she put me at ease immediately. Working with Laura continues to be a vital piece in developing my business and me as the spokes-person. I encourage anyone who is serious and passionate about what they do to attend a workshop with Laura!”
-Jennifer Edwards MFA, RYT http://www.relaxationonthego.net

This workshop is: $40. To attend, you must RSVP to Laura@15SecondPitch.com with the following information: full name, email address, and name of your company, if any. Limited to 15. (payment in advance required to hold your spot, I’ll email you paypal information.)

Please bring a notebook and be prepared to take lots of notes and bring plenty of business cards too!

Check out the 15SecondPitch Pitch Widget

2008-12-12T17:13:00.001-08:00

We are very excited to announce the NEW 15SecondPitch Pitch Widget!! You can check it out by scrolling down slightly and looking to the right of this page.

Would love to hear your comments!

:)

laura

p.s. Please let me know if you put the Pitch Widget on your blog or website!

ARE YOU READY FOR SUCCESS? Join me on December 5th

2008-11-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

If you had just one wish for the New Year, what would it be?

Would you get a new job? Would you take your business to the next level? Would you focus on creating substantial wealth so that you can have the freedom to do what you want? I keep hearing about how tough the economy is, and I know that it’s dire for a lot of people right now, and to be honest, it’s been a challenge for some of my clients too. However, it’s important to remember that people get new jobs, start businesses and make millions in EVERY economy—even this one.

I notice when I go to networking and social events, I’m drawn to the outgoing, positive, big thinkers. That’s just how I am. Maybe because I grew up as an extremely shy only child. (Yes, hard to imagine for anyone who knows me!!)

FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY TO ENSURE SUCCESS IN 2009

1.Support the People (And Organizations) You Believe In.

This holiday season, if you are going to buy a few gifts for the important people in your life, think about buying a necklace from a local jewelry designer. That $80. purchase will make a huge difference to her this year and the person receiving will get a unique gift that they won’t get from anyone else.

2.Ask For The Sale

Yes, I know that this is a radical suggestion. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret. My clients are making sales right now, today, in this economy. Why? Because they have excellent products and services and they are asking for the sale. There are a lot of people who are going to “wait it out” until January to start pitching for their business. That means there is an opportunity for those who are pitching today.

3.Get Out of The House

The networking events I’ve been going to recently are PACKED!! Just getting up out of the house is a step in the right direction. You never know who you might meet. Make a point of talking about the possibilities that you see in the future and don’t waste time focusing on the economic crisis. We all know what’s going on. No need to rehash it.

4.Create a Budget:

Yes, I know. Most people would rather get a root canal than to think about creating a budget. And I’m at the top of that list. Here’s the empowering part though. I went through and looked at what I was spending and was able to eliminate $250. A MONTH in non-essential expenses. I’m actually embarrassed to admit that, however, I’m doing it because it might inspire you to take a look at your finances and see where you can reallocate some of your hard earned cash. I feel so much better knowing that money is now being invested in building my business!

5.Hire An Expert to Help you Achieve Your Goals.

There are a lot of super talented resume writers, business coaches, and web designers who are offering excellent deals right now. With part of the $250. I saved per month, I hired people to help me do the things that I’m not great at or never seem to get around to doing. It sounds counter intuitive, however, the small amount that I pay to a virtual assistant, (I use a company called http://www.LongerDays.com) pays huge returns because I can use that time to focus on working with my clients and growing my business.

For More Ways to Succeed in 2009

If you are in NYC, come to a fre* event that I’m co-hosting with two of my colleagues on the morning of December 5^th. RSVP instructions are on this fabulous flyer below. (And yes, we chipped in and paid an incredible graphic designer to create it!)

Meet at the NY Times event on Monday!

2008-11-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

Last year I had a blast at the NY Times Small Business Summit, so I'm going again this year! Let me know if you will be there and we can meet-up!

http://nytsmallbusinessummit.com/

I'm proud to be a coach on Coachology

2008-08-08T05:57:00.001-07:00

I'm very excited to be one of the featured coaches on Penelope Trunk's Coacholgy. Click here to see my profile and I'll also put up links to my posts soon!

http://www.brazencareerist.com/coachology/laura-allen/

Visionwiz: 15SecondPitch.com

2008-05-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Visionwiz: 15SecondPitch.com

ASJA panel gives LOTS of great advice!!

2008-04-15T16:58:00.001-07:00

I had the honor of speaking at the ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors) over the weekend and had an absolute blast! The panel was moderated by best-selling author Victoria Moran (http://www.VictoriaMoran.com) (that's her first, l. to r.).

Martin Rowe, publisher of Lantern Books (http://www.lanternbooks.com/), Daylle Deanna Schwartz (http://www.Daylle.com), Tom B. Martin (http://www.tommartinmedia.com), and Karen Kelly http://www.karenkellywriter.com/
were also on the panel!

We got rave reviews from many conference attendees and I'll post some of those as soon as I get the okay to do so!

"I am David Paterson and I am the Governor of New York State"

2008-03-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

That was what an anchor on NY1 news coined the "money soundbite" of the speech.

It sent chills down my spine. Of course there were a lot of other great elements to his speech, not the least of which is that he had no notes and no teleprompter, and less than one week to prepare.

"I am David Paterson and I am the Governor of New York State." His words were clear, concise and compelling.

Now that we know David, WHO are YOU?

He's 20-something and his company has already been ACQUIRED, read HOW

2008-01-26T15:03:00.001-08:00

Find out what it's like to drive cross country interviewing a bunch of interesting people and then get acquired by a company that's literally in your own back yard. Here's my interview with Brett Farmiloe founder of http://pursuethepassion.com/

Laura Allen: How did you come up with the idea for Pursue the Passion?

Brett Farmiloe: It was a combination of things. One was a discovery that I really liked to interview people, which I found out by interviewing for jobs during my senior year at the University of Arizona. I then was staring at my last summer before diving into the corporate world, and I wanted to make the most of my last few months of freedom. Plus, I was feeling lots of self-induced skepticism for going into a career as an auditor. So I wrote down the things I wanted to do in my last summer. I wanted to travel. I wanted to learn. I wanted to improve. I combined all of those "wants" with what I liked to do, and eventually came to the conclusion that I should hit the road with a couple buddies and interview people that had found a passion in their work.

LA: Did people ever tell you that you were crazy and should get a REAL job?

BRETT: Hell yeah. Who wouldn't think that traveling around the country in a RV to interview people at no pay isn't crazy. I think I'm crazy. But you know what? You have to be a little bit crazy to take risks. And its those risks that put you on a whole different level than those that remain complacent.

LA: What was the biggest challenge in getting PTP off the ground?

BRETT: Getting others to believe in your idea the way you do. I could see so clearly as to why Pursue the Passion would be beneficial to a company, how it would impact students, and where it could potentially lead if I had just one believer with some capital. But not too many saw it the way I did, and to tell you the truth, I don't think our title sponsor Jobing.com did either. I like to think they invested in my "passion" for the idea, and trusted that I could make this thing work.

LA: What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during your cross country trips with PTP?

BRETT:That I was previously living in a very constrained, small world. I guess that's what travel does to you. It opens your eyes to the other things life has to offer. It exposes you to the lifestyles people lead. And then it causes you to look at your life and say, "Hey, wait a minute. Why am I not living as freely as I can be?"

LA:How did you learn about Jobing?

BRETT: Jobing.com is everywhere in Phoenix. They have naming rights to a stadium. They have a fleet of wrapped cars that employees drive around with their logo on it. They have billboards, adopt-a-highway signs, huge career expos. Plus, they were headquartered a block away from my house. So here my buddy and I were frantically submitting proposals to corporations and companies across the United States, when really, all we had to do was look in our backyard to find an opportunity.

LA: What's it like to have your first company get acquired?

BRETT:I suppose its like the mothers nest syndrome. You know its best for your child to go on and grow in the world, but part of you wants to hold on. Its tough to let go of the baby that you put the life into and created, but exciting at the same time because of all the things that will transpire.

Hopeful entrepreneurs often dream of making big money and retiring. Does this acquisition allow you to retire or give you the freedom to not have to work for someone else?

Nope... I'm still a hopeful. But what this move does do is it allows me to operate with lots of autonomy and with lots of resources available. And that's sexy.

LA:Did you handle all aspects of the deal with Jobing or did you have lawyers and advisors to help?

BRETT:It was pretty straightforward stuff because there had been such a trusting relationship that we had established over six months. So it was just me.

LA: Did you ever think PTP would get acquired?

BRETT:Nope.

LA:Have you read The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss? What do you think of this book? He seems like a guy who would like what PTP stands for.

I have heard so much about the 4 hour work week book. I haven't read it. I'm working on Atlas Shrugged right now, written by Ayn Rand. It's an undertaking considering I've never read a book over 1,000 pages, but I'm enjoying it.

LA: When is your book scheduled to come out?

BRETT:It hasn't been announced yet, but I am hoping June 23rd of this summer. I'm also hoping that the book will bring us back out on the road to do some promo speaking around the country. We'll have to see.

LA:What's next for you and PTP?

BRETT:I have to have the first draft of the book done in sixty days. Yikes. Zach Hubbell, who came along on the trip and is working with PTP right now, will be the documentarian responsible for compiling an award worthy film to go along with the book. We will also be speaking to tons of high schools, colleges, and companies about what we found on the road. Then we'll see where the journey takes us next.

2008-01-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

I'll be speaking on a webinar panel this Thursday at 2:30 pm. You can join it by going here:

http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/12907

You will need to download the Talkshoe application in order to join in. Talkshoe is an interesting platform that allows you to create an internet radio show, record it, turn it into a podcast and also intereact with others via phone, Skype, etc.

Learn from a panel of experts how to use technology and content to get visitors to your website to become actual paying customers. We cover strategies from start to finish, for beginners to experienced site owners,

Moderator: Anita Campbell is the CEO of her own business, Small Business Trends LLC, a media and information company.

Panelists include: Douglas Shuman Senior Vice President, Customer Marketing, Register.com, Shawn Holt, VP of Biz Dev for SitePal , and me!

Small Biz Tech Summit on Feb. 11th

2008-01-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

hello all!

I wanted to recommend an event I've been going to for the past few years. It's the Small Business Tech. Summit and it is a fun, informative, all day event on Feb. 11th.

I'll be speaking on one of the panels.

And, laurel touby of MediaBistro fame, will be on another panel.

http://www.smallbiztechsummit.com/

It's really a bargain, just $99. if you sign up by Feb. 1st, so definitely hurry!!

Click here to register.
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/77143739

It's one of the only all day events I plan to attend this year.

:)

laura

Laura Allen at Banco Popular

2007-11-19T22:37:00.001-08:00

Laura Allen at Banco Popular, originally uploaded by laura15secondpitch.

I'm sharing my "Secrets of the 15SecondPitch" at a recent networking event hosted by Banco Popular. I also believe that you need to focus on ONE key idea for each pitch that you create. For example, say that you are a high end fashion photographer by day and you bake incredible biscotti at night. You'd have TWO pitches. One that focuses on biscotti and the other focuses on photography. People are great at understanding one thing at a time. If you throw too many ideas at them, they get confused and don't know what it most important to focus on. It's like trying to find cereal in the grocery store. Too many choices, so you decide to go get a bagel instead.

Flickr

2007-11-19T22:27:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Web 2.0 event at Slate tomorrow night

2007-11-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite networking events out there is the one that my friend Brett Petersel http://entrepreneur.meetup.com/894/members/2921484/ is running over at slate from 6:30-9:00pm. I will be there! Hope you will be too. See who else is going and to sign up here:
http://entrepreneur.meetup.com/894/

15SecondPitch Networking Event tues Nov. 13 6-8pm

2007-11-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Laura Allen's 15SecondPitch Networking and Fun Group November Meetup at BANCO POPULAR

When:
Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 6:00--8:00 PM 2007
Where:

BANCO POPULAR
441 Second Ave at 25th St New York , NY 10016

Description:
Laura Allen, co-founder of 15SecondPitch.com cordially invites you to a special workshop that is being hosted by BANCO POPULAR! They will be providing yummy snacks and from what I hear maybe even some nice wine!

Generate More Business NOW With your 15SecondPitch!

Ideal for Small Business Owners, Accountants, Lawyers, Consultants and anyone who needs to network more effectively to generate more leads and close sales.
You?re at a networking event and someone asks you, ?So, what do YOU do?? Do you have a great response that gets people excited to learn more or do you have trouble answering this eternal networking question?
Banco Popular is proud to welcome 15SecondPitch.com co-founder Laura Allen. She will deliver her signature 20 minute speed training workshop where she'll show you how to:

Choose One Thing to focus on for your pitch

The 4 key steps to create the perfect 15SecondPitch

How to network more effectively by using your 15SecondPitch

You'll have a great pitch you can start using immediately!

Laura has helped over 5,000 people introduce themselves more effectively since co-founding 15SecondPitch.com in 2002. You'll then have a chance to test drive your new pitch at the networking portion of this event.

Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Time: 6:00pm--8:00pm

Place: Banco Popular 441 Second Avenue @ 25th Street New York, NY 10010

Hosted by: Fausto Vazquez-Sosa, Branch Manager

I'll be at these MUST ATTEND OCTOBER events in NYC

2007-10-07T13:26:00.001-07:00

New York Times Small Business Summit

http://www.nytimesbusinesssummit.com/

High Profile SpeakersPanel Discussions and Q&ABreakout SessionsSmall Business Resource Cafe and Help CenterLuncheon with Keynote SpeakerAfternoon Second Keynote SpeakerNetworking OpportunitiesVendor FairCocktail Reception
The NY Times Small Business Summit. Gather. Network. Grow.
Wednesday October 10, 2007 8:00AM - 6:30PMSheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York
Register Now
General Admission is $99
Wednesday October 10, 2007 8:00AM - 6:30PMSheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York
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Victoria Moran: Fat, Broke and Lonely No More
http://www.92y.org/shop/event_detail.asp?productid=T%2DLP3ES02

Bestselling author and spiritual-life coach Victoria Moran has been fat, broke & lonely and knows that making peace with food, money, and relationships comes from filling the emptiness we feel on the inside. This presentation, rich in content, humor and heart, is based on her latest book Fat, Broke & Lonely No More: Your Personal Solution to Overeating, Overspending, and Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.

Date & Time: Thu, Oct 11, 2007, 7:00pm
Location: Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street Directions
Code: T-LP3ES02-01
Price: $25.00
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VALERIE and LAURA’s MEET-UP networking social--MONDAY OCTOBER 15th--

When:
Monday, October 15, 2007, 6:30 PM
Where:
Overlook Lounge225 E. 44th b/w 2nd and 3rdNew York , NY 10016212-682-7266
Info/Map
Description:
Valerie Gurka and I are combining our meet-up groups for one big, fun mixer on MONDAY OCTOBER 15th, 6:30pm
Our networking social is an opportunity to meet other business owners, network, share ideas and enjoy some healthy conversation. It is a casual setting in a private room, conducive to introductions and pitching yourself. Your hosts Valerie Gurka and Laura Allen will help to introduce you to everyone.
There will be $5 Apple Martinis and $5 Cosmos available if you'd like.
The event is free but there is a suggested donation of $5 to help pay for some nibbles.
Great event for entrepreneurs, career changers, salespeople, freelancers, consultants, upwardly-mobile professionals and anyone who sees value in networking.
See you at the event!
**Go to http://www.meetup.com/ for more details and to RSVP** Join Laura’s 15SecondPitch Networking and Fun Group and Valerie’s Fearless Networkers group to hear about more events like this one**
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Lunch 2.0 @ TheLadders.com
« back to calendar view
When:
Tuesday, October 16, 2007, 12:30 PM 2007
Where:
The Ladders137 Varick Street , NY 10013
Info/Map
Description:
TheLadders.com will host the first official Lunch 2.0 in New York City on Tuesday, October 16th. The lunch, which will be at their office on 137 Varick Street, runs from 12:30-2:00pm.
In the true tradition of Lunch 2.0, there will be lots of complimentary goodies! They?re serving Chinese food with TheLadders.com?s own branded chopsticks (yes, you read that right!) and customized fortune cookies, as well as offering a variety of prizes and long-sleeved t-shirts for everyone. In the market for a new job? A recruitment table will be available for those bringing resumes. Please RSVP through the Web 2.0 Meetup or by emailing info@lunchnyc.com with your contact information.
TheLadders.com is a privately-held, New York-based company offering online recruiting resources to recruiters and job seekers in the $100k+
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"Demystifying Media & Entertainment Investment Opportunities"

Sponsored by GE Commercial Finance
Media, Communications & EntertainmentWhat are the investment opportunities in the media/entertainmentsector over the next five or ten years? When you strip away all thehype, how is this business similar to and different from others? Howdo you look at a movie hedge fund similar to different investments?What is a SPAC (a/k/a "a blank check company")?
Our panel of experts will consider such other topics as: What doinvestors look for in a potential media and entertainment investment? How do they balance their usual "due diligence" mentality with the creative perspectives typically associated with an M&E project? What are some longer-term projections of how the M&E world will change in 2008 and beyond.Our Panel will include:(Moderator) Michael Kelley: Partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopersEntertainment and Media practiceAndrew Cleland: Executive Director Alliances and Technology atTimeWarner InvestmentsPeter Foley: Senior Managing Director & Global Sales Leader at GE Commercial Finance – Media, Communications & Entertainment

Lydia Loizides: Vice President, Interactive Media Division, NYC atParadigm
Bruce Maggin: Managing Partner at The HAM Media Group LLC and EVP at MEHI, Media & Entertainment Holdings Inc.

Speaker Biographies coming soon.EVENT INFO:DATE:Wednesday, October 17, 20077:30am - 10amLOCATION:SobelMedia World Headquarters4 West 43rd Street/Main Ballroom (just West of 5th Avenue)FOR REGISTRATION INFO http://www.nymieg.org/
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Ladies Who Launch LIVE-New York, NY
Already registered? Click here for your Welcome Package

New York, NYOCTOBER 18, 20078:45am to 5:00pm$165.00 to pre-register (must be reserved by October 18, 2007)$200.00 at the door
Contact: kmudrick@ladieswholaunch.comReceive a Launch Pad Posting in the Ladies Who Launch Classified Listings with your Registration
Event Information

ABOUT THE DAY
Every busy woman loves to multi-task; you know, catch up with a friend while jogging, a pedicure with a business partner. Accomplishing two things at once is natural for a woman. But the Ladies Who Launch LIVE event is not only one big multi-task, it's so much fun you'll forget it's good for business and your life! Come to this day and get totally, unabashedly inspired and motivated by listening to women who have launched a cable network, a lifestyle brand, the bible of restaurant guides and a balanced, joy infused life. Don't be surprised if you leave with referrals, new friends, a new hand bag, a great marketing tip, a connection, a surprise run in with a long lost friend and incredible opportunities to learn, enjoy and move forward in your life or business. This day is unlike anything you've ever attended; so check your expectations at the door.
Take a day for YOURSELF (and tell your best friend to do the same.) Ladies Who Launch LIVE is worth dedicating an entire day for.
The day will include:
Inspiring speakers will share their stories of launching, living and dreaming. Speakers include
Geraldine Laybourne: Founder of Oxygen Media
Nina S. Zagat: Co-Founder, Co-Chair Zagat Survey
Mariel Hemingway: Actress, Author "Mariel Hemingway's Healthy Living From The Inside Out"
Christy Turlington Burns: Entrepreneur, Cover Model, and Author of "Living Yoga: Creating a Life Practice"
Deb Neuman: Senior Vice President of External Relations for CARE
Danyel Smith: Editor in Chief Vibe Magazine
Amy Swift: Editor in Chief Ladies Who Launch
Victoria Colligan and Beth Schoenfeldt: Founders of Ladies Who Launch
Educational workshops and information gathering
Invaluable exchanges, introductions, business contacts and referrals
Exclusive discounts, free consultations and access to original products and services
Lunch and spa services
An opportunity to become a "Featured Lady" on Ladies Who Launch
Valuable GIFT BAG guaranteed with pre-registration
Enjoy shopping from amazing vendors and women in the Ladies Who Launch Incubator...all in one place. Consultations with one of dozens of experts in PR, marketing, communications, packaging, design, finance, pitching, script doctoring, beauty, start-up 101, trade show navigation, brand strategy and so much more!A percentage of the vendors sales will be donated to No Doubt Inc. and all proceeds from the silent auction will go to CARE USA. Christy Turlington Burns is an ambassador for CARE USA.http://www.care.org/ http://www.nodoubtinc.org/ABOUT THE PRODUCERS Ladies Who Launch is an innovative platform for women interested in broadening their vision in any capacity. Our Incubators and events combine information, community, style, fun and passion and channel those into action. Through these Incubators, weekly emails, online startup survival kit, virtual network and events in different cities, Ladies Who Launch provides both a virtual and in-person event forum for women to share products and services, resources, ideas, creativity and networking.
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Laura Allen 15SecondPitch Workshop--highlights

2007-09-01T08:59:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

Laura Allen teaches women to pitch at her 15SecondPitch workshop.

Formats available: Quicktime (.mov), Flash Video (.flv)

New York Networking Expo is Sat. April 28th

2007-04-25T13:14:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

The New York Networking Expo will be a fun, friendly place to meet 1,000 single professionals. Whether you are looking for a new job or a new date, this is the place to be!! Event will be held Sat. April 28th, 7-10pm at Columbus 72, which is at, you guessed it! Columbus Ave and 72nd St. 15SecondPitch will be one of the sponsors of the event.

PodcampNyc Pitch Party at Slate

2007-04-16T08:13:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

Laura Allen from 15SecondPitch.com gives a quick presentation on How to Create a perfect pitch at the podcampnyc kick-off party at SLATE. With Featured Pitches from podcampnyc participants Brother Love, Naive London Girl and Anything But Monday. Lovely intro from podcampnyc Lead Organizer John C. Havens.

podcampnyc roundup so far

2007-04-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Howard Greenstein from Social Media Club http://www.socialmediaclub.org alerted me to this:

http://www.davideckoff.com/2007/04/podcamp_nyc_roundup.html has posted a great roundup of all our “coverage” so far

podcampnyc

2007-04-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

podcampnyc was amazing and I am proud to be a co-organizer of such a great event!
I have much more to say, but wanted to share this fun interview:

http://secretsofthejobhunt.blogspot.com/2007/04/interview-with-laura-allen-of.html

:)

laura

If were a BRAND, Would YOU BUY YOU?

2007-03-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

The most important brand you can invest in is YOU. Yet many people are content just updating their resume every few years and going with the flow. Those who jump in and make a splash are the most successful in an A.D.D. society that's is all about being remarkable.In my new 4 week intensive program, I work with you to create your Remarkable Online Identity or R.O.I for short. Because as you know, it's all about the ROI, whether you are buying a product or someone is buying your services.

Week One: Getting To Know You.
We spend 90 minutes talking about what you've accomplished already in your professional life and the even bigger goals that you will tackle in your future. We'll use your 'wins' to propel you forward online and in the real world.

Week Two: Start Your R.O.I. Strategy.
We spend 60 minutes working on your custom R.O.I. Strategy that is your roadmap to success today and in the future. I'll ask you questions to help you determine what your most important goals are and their priority. We'll discuss the best online tools to help you create your Remarkable Online Identity; including: podcasts, blogs, social networking, email marketing and many more!

Week Three: Complete Your R.O.I. Strategy.
We spend another 60 minutes tweaking your R.O.I. Strategy to be sure it is exactly what you want. We may add some additional goals and remove some that are not as important.

Week Four: Roll-Out Your Remarkable Online Identity.
Our final 60 minute session will be all about ACTION. We'll talk about timelines and the tools you will use to become larger than life online.For imformation on pricing and availability, please call Laura at: 646-240-7783. All sessions are delivered over the phone. Face to face sessions are available for an additional fee.

Podcampnyc promo

2007-03-03T09:11:00.001-08:00

clipped from www.youtube.com

Meet the PodcampNYC Team!

03:23

An introduction to Podcamp NYC, a special free event about podcasting to be held at The New School in New York City on April 6-7, 2007 and featured on TVMainstream.com.

Tags:

streaming media podcasting podcamp podcampnyc webcast

Added: 3 weeks ago
in Category: Howto & DIY

From: tvww

Views: 89

CHEW: A comedy about a date from hell

2007-03-03T08:43:00.001-08:00

My friend and client sara steigerwald made this short film for about $300. and a dream. If you look closely you'll see me playing one half of the "Happy Couple." My boyfriend Jim is the second half of the Happy Couple.

clipped from www.youtube.com

How Not to Pitch David Bowie in an elevator

2007-02-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

PitchGirl; In an elevator with David Bowie—How I Blew my chance with Bowie and how that led to my Dream Job of Pitching for a living!
When I used to work for a small indie book publishing company in trendy, Soho, New York, I once found myself sharing an elevator with David Bowie. Starstruck, I just stood there for a few floors, knowing that I was missing my one and only opportunity to speak to the man who brought me, "Changes," "Modern Love" "China Girl" and so many other shiny pop/punk songs of my youth. It was only a 12 story building, so I knew time was running out.
"Mr. Bowie, I am SUCH A HUGE FAN." I stammered. "Are you going to Details magazine for a photo shoot?" I asked, desperate to have any interaction with him. Details Magazine had a floor in the building and that was the only thing I could think to say. (Are you going to Details? What a ridiculous question. I immediately felt like an ass.)
"No, I’m going to Philip’s studio," he said with a gleaming white smile, as he politely exited on the 9th floor. Philip, by the way, is Philip Glass the experimental music composer, who also shared space in the building. My friend Alex was in the elevator with me and was thrilled that I was even able to bring myself to speak to Bowie. This encounter bothered me for years, because I felt I could have done so much more with that opportunity—even though it was probably less than 30 seconds from the time the elevator doors opened to the time the doors closed.
Fast forward to the year 2001 and the U.S. economy is a disaster. New York is reeling from 9/11. Every person I have ever worked with, met at a cocktail party, dated for more than 10 minutes, is now calling me looking for advice and job leads. The stories were all the same,
"Laura, I just got downsized, who do you know that’s looking to hire. I’ll do whatever I need to do, work at Starbuck’s, wait tables, you name it, I’ll do it. I just gotta make rent."
For the first time since I moved to the city in 1989, I did not know anyone looking to hire. I started to realize that if all of these newly jobless people in my rapidly expanding circle of friends were going to find a job, any job, anytime soon, they were going to need to learn a lesson from my elevator ride with Bowie. They were going to need to learn to pitch themselves and they were going to have to learn to do it very fast and very well. They could not blow that opportunity in an elevator with Bowie or anyone else.
The way that I was going to survive this economic downturn was to help everyone else get a job or get more clients. I wasn’t sure exactly how this was going to work, I only knew that I was broke and unemployed too and at least this would be a good thing to do and it would keep me busy so that I would not have time to freak out.

My boyfriend Jim and I started thinking about how we could help. He came up with the concept of the 15 second pitch. The 15SecondPitch would be the new, updated version of the 2 minute elevator pitch.
We figured that two minutes was too long for a pitch and that most buildings were not that tall anyway. The pitch had to be clear, concise, creative and most importantly, it had to be quick. Salespeople, Hollywood screenwriters and entrepreneurs looking for Venture Capital were all completely aware of the power of having a great pitch. So why couldn’t this work for job seekers, consultants and career changers? We knew that it could!
In 2007, we currently have over 2,300 members on our website 15SecondPitch.com who have created and posted their 15SecondPitch for people in over 60 countries around the world to see for free. I have trained hundreds of people to craft and deliver their pitch to get the job or clients that they want. I’ve coached people to make seemingly impossible career changes. A few of my clients have started their own small businesses on the side and are nearly ready to ditch their day jobs. Other clients have landed their dream jobs with out-of-this-world salaries attached. It’s been a fun, crazy few years of building a business based on a real need for people to find work. And while I was helping my extended circle of friends, I also found my life’s purpose. I will always know what to say to David Bowie and anyone else I might meet in an elevator--or anywhere else.

In The News

2007-01-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

15SecondPitch is In The News!

Here are some of the latest blogs and websites that have mentioned 15SecondPitch:

3/10/09
Dawn Kligensmith, Philly.com/Jobs
Can You Sell Yourself in 15 Seconds?

2/14/09
Jennifer Lonoff Schiff, Know Schiff Blog
Does Social Networking Really Work? Plus, a tip for creating a great pitch

11/7/08
Melania Szlucha wrote about 15SP on Examiner.com:
"It's amazing how your network will grow when you get off your couch"

4/26/08

15SecondPitch on Small Biz Trends:
"Does Your Business Have a Niche or Specialty?"

10/11/07

Marci Alboher, blogger for NYTimes.com writes about Laura Allen in her column, Shifting Careers:
"Blogger, Meet Small Business Owner"

10/10/07
15SecondPitch co-founder Laura Allen's feature article for The Ladders.com:

"Pitch your way to over 100k"

4/10/07

15secondpitch on Web Worker Daily:
Refining Your Personal Elevator Pitch

Civil War, Coke, Tsunami, Green Tea and Global Business

2006-10-29T14:56:00.000-08:00

At last count, 15SecondPitch.com had visitors from over 60 countries!! Right now, there are visitors from Japan, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and a whole host of other countries finding our website and creating their pitches for all of the world to see!! I recently came up with the silly slogan “I’d like to teach the world to pitch” which is based on the classic coca cola TV commercial jingle, “I’d like to buy the world a coke” If you are too young to remember this ad campaign, I strongly suggest you Google it, because I think you’ll get a big kick out of it.

Old Coca Cola Ad

The song and the concept probably seem pretty sappy and ultra-sweet, by today’s ultra-hip standards, just like the original, non-diet version of Coke. The idea behind the campaign is that if everyone could sit down and share a coke together and talk, there would be much less violence in the world. Who knows, maybe it’s worth a try?

We live in a global economy and the world is getting smaller and more connected. I’ve purchased DVDs via a British man on eBay. I’d say 90% of the clothes I own are not made in the United States. And the bananas I buy from the street vendor in front of my apartment building have a sticker on them that says Ecuador.

All of these examples still FEEL far away and distant, though. It’s not until you meet someone like Monaqui Porter-Young, that you feel the world really IS getting smaller!! I’d hoped to have time to do a quick interview with Monaqui at an event that I spoke at recently, here in New York City, which was hosted by the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Network or IWEN for short.
www.iwen-online.org It was a busy day though and I did not get a chance, so I’m just going to tell you about Monaqui and her incredible business that exports green tea from Sri Lanka to the United States and around the world.

Monaqui started her green tea business four years ago. Her tea plantation is located on a 90 acre rainforest called Paradis Farm, located in Sri Lanka, and her newest product is a green tea called SHREE NAH tea, spelled, SRINA. The most amazing thing that Monaqui shared with me is that there have been 20 years of civil war there and some of the women who work on her farm have husbands who are on opposite sides of the conflict. As the women work side by side peacefully on the farm, their husbands are out trying to kill each other!! These women say “we care about feeding our families and having a better life…let the men do the fighting…”WOW! Can you imagine?

A civil war is a big enough obstacle, however, in 2005, the business was also impacted by the tsunami. Monaqui and her team take it all in stride though. They have a vision and a mission that keeps them going against the odds. She says, “We are produing a superior commondity for the tea market while offering something magical to the people at the farm—pride and the ability to change their life using their country’s natural resources.”

And global business is responding to Monaqui’s SHREE-NA tea!! From tiny boutique spas to multi-billion dollar retail stores, everyone wants to know more about this magical Green Tea.

So maybe the new slogan should be, “I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony,
I'd like to buy the world some TEA and keep it company. “

Of course I don’t know if Monaqui’s company could withstand the lawsuit from Coke, if we re-purposed their classic jingle, so I guess we better come up with a NEW song!!! I’ll start working on that now….

I’m Laura allen, co-founder of 15SecondPitch.com, reminding you to have a good day and create a GREAT international PITCH.

Go to www.SRINA.com

My new My Chingo player

2006-10-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

Recent survey finds 70% of pros can't pitch

2006-09-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

We created a survey at 15SecondPitch.com which we turned into a press release which you can see here on forbes.com.

http://tinyurl.com/jzghy

:)

laura

Podcamp Presentation: Pitch Yourself in 15Seconds

2006-09-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Podcamp Boston was a great time! I have a lot to say about it, however, I've had a few people ask if there was a place where they could hear my presentation, so I wanted to post this right away.

http://www.15secondpitch.com/podcasts/podcamp.mp3 I know this is not the easiest way for you to hear this, so I apologize in advance and I'm looking at better alternatives.

In this presentation I share 15SecondPitches from; Chris Brogan, Adam Weiss and Bryan Person.

:)

laura

Carnival of Marketing--My Love Letter from Seth Godin--sort of

2006-09-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

I reached out to a few truly visionary marketing folks with the following request.

I wonder if you would provide a one or two sentence summary on the best marketing pitch that you've ever heard. (or pretty much anything else you'd like to give two sentences on.)

Here's Seth's response:

I love you. I miss you. I can't wait to see you tomorrow when you get home.

Seth

This is why so many people look to the wise bald man for marketing wisdom. In two sentences he reminds us that the most effective marketing is the most intensely personal. It is what is most relevant to your audience at this very moment. Who wouldn't want to get an email like this? I would! Thanks Seth!

For more Seth, go to: http://sethgodin.typepad.com

Carnival of Marketing--The Art of Word of Mouth

2006-09-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article from Sean Moffitt, Sean is the founder of AgentWildFire.com a word of mouth marketing firm in Canada. He's written "30 Top Great Tips" on how to get word of mouth marketing work for you. It's worth checking out all of them, here are the five tips I liked the most:

#1 - Leverage the Six Key Motivations Why Humans Talk – tap into basic human instincts that control most of us, we talk: 1) to survive, 2) to connect, 3) to make sense of the world, 4) to reduce risk, 5) to benefit economically and 6) to relieve tension. Try to make your word of mouth quench one of these motivations.

#5 - Launch a Meme – a meme is an idea designed to spread; create a “bandwagon effect” for your word of mouth by attaching your own meme to it through catchphrases, lingo, metaphors, jingles…etc. so that not only does it convince others but encourages them to pass your message onto others.

#11 - Create the Best Soundbytes – most human’s capacity to only recall 7 things at one time, above that number and we either have to commit it to memory or more likely toss it out for other stuff to wade in. Take the most relevant points from your own experience and our Word of Mouth Handbook and make your key word of mouth points in 5 bytes or less.

#16 - Be Inspired – genuine authenticity and passion greases the conveyor belt of word of mouth; true word of mouth advocacy can’t be faked (nor should it be), but honest enthusiasm is magnetic and powerful and infects others with a feeling of excitement and energy, use is to make your word of mouth sing.

#18 - Make the First 30 Seconds Count – most people make impressions lightning fast –provide the “why I should I care benefit” in the first ½ minute of your conversation to avoid the “why didn’t you tell me earlier, I would have paid more attention” response.

I'd love to hear how you are using word of mouth marketing to increase traffic to your blog and or build your business. Read the entire article here:
The Art of the Word of Mouth Conversation

Carnival of Marketing--Maybe the word Marketing is Part of the Problem?

2006-09-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

I asked several people to send me their thoughts on marketing, specifically for this Carnival. I wanted to get the freshest content available. Our first article is from Chris Brogan, who is a very busy man. He runs: GrasshopperFactor.com
ChrisBrogan.com and
Podcamp.org among others.

Chris writes about how he and a partner conceived of a two-day event, planned it, convinced dozens of small businesses and individuals to sponsor it, and drove more than 200 people to register, all without a lick of marketing experience.

Chris says that the word "market" is part of the problem, that perhaps "connector" is a better title to hold than "marketer," and that the true magic lies in a company or client's ability to build participation into their product, service, or brand.

THIS IS NOT A MARKET

I am not a marketer. I am an unmarketer. I am not a salesman. I am an unsalesman. Somehow, with the help of others (most notably Chris Penn who runs financialaidpodcast.com), I was able to convince scores of people to give us money (almost $8,000 in increments of $100 or $200), convince hundreds of people to book a weekend with me, and convince an entire technology-centered community to talk about what I’m doing.

I’m one of the founders of PodCamp, a free unconference built around creating downloadable audio and video to distribute on the internet via RSS feed. But enough geektalk, because podcasting is a rotten term. I’m in the business of creating conversations through digital media. Podcasting is hot enough to have convinced Nielsen Analytics to create a report about the economics of podcasting. (Don’t feel like reading? Here’s a podcast about it).>Nielsen podcast

I’m passionate about the new media space because I’ve seen it in action. I’ve seen bloggers bring down political candidates. I’ve personally listened to podcasts that gave me the advantage of topical knowledge over a vendor, who hadn’t heard his own CTO’s statements about their products before coming to sit across a table from me. And I’ve seen the value of the ME in new media by watching coverage recorded from the perspective of the common man.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE:
This is not a Market

Hear a multi-million dollar 15SecondPitch

2006-09-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

Click the pink play button to hear an example of a pitch that I helped an indie-filmmaker create to secure millions in funding for her film, with an A list actress as the star.

powered by ODEO

I'm hosting Carnival of Marketing--starts--tonight

2006-09-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

I'll be hosting Carnival of Marketing which will start at 7pm tonight. Please send me your articles for consideration by 5pm EST tonight! The Carnival of Marketing was Noah Kagin's idea. His blog is
Okdork.com He's had some incredible people host so far, including a great one last week by MarketersStudio.com . Send your articles to: laura at 15SecondPitch.com

I'm going to PodCamp! Are you?

2006-08-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

Brevity Counts

2006-08-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Jim and I have had a few mantras since starting 15SecondPitch in 2002. One of our favorites is: BREVITY COUNTS. Proof of that comes today as Jim got his Letter to the Editor published in The New York Times.
What's wrong with this picture?

The Power of the 15SecondPitch--Part 1

2006-08-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Small Biz Survival: Blogging: How to position yourself as an expert

2006-08-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

Small Biz Survival: Blogging: How to position yourself as an expert by Becky McCray
Becky writes a great blog about Small Biz Survival. I particulary like this post about positioning yourself as an expert. That's something I spend a lot of time talking about with my clients. Most of them are not comfortable with the title of "expert" however, most of them have enough knowledge, even if it is in just one area, to be able to pull it off. Great post and great website! I'll be adding a podcast about pitching to their site soon.

Karen Salmansohn features 15SecondPitch.com

2006-07-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! We got a big write-up on Karen Salmansohn's blog and newsletter today. Here's a sneak preview:

Have you noticed? It's a busy, loud, stressed out world. It's harder than ever to stand out and be remembered.Want to know how to make a memorable impression -- even in a crowded bar or hustling-bustling conference?Laura Allen, co-founder of 15secondpitch.com can teach anybody to sell themselves and their product fast and impactfully.Here is some of Laura’s magic formula...Read the rest of the article at: http://www.notsalmon.com/blog.php

About Karen:
Karen Salmansohn is a best-selling author and life coach with 27 books.People as diverse as Madonna, Jon Stewart, Marissa Tomei, Jennifer Weiner, Eminem, Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, Ricki Lake, and Graydon Carter (for starters) have read, loved, and hyped her books. Her latest book is called Ballsy http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158180816X/sr=8-1/qid=1153159350/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-7928598-1063951?ie=UTF8

The Starbucks Effect

2006-07-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

When you work from home, that "Third Place" takes on real meaning. So why is it that Starbuck's seems to be doing everything in their power to allienate me, a loyal two Tall Skim Cappucinos a day for five years, customer?
I knew that they were starting on a downward slide the moment that pastry case arrived. Sure, it's handy to be able to grab a bagel or scone when you are on your way to work, but have you ever stopped to TASTE that food?! BAD. Really bad. I got burned for the last time when I somehow convinced myself that a Pumpkin Muffin with Cream Cheese seemed like a good idea. Of course they had pictures of this Wonder Muffin on every flat service in the store, so they were selling me from the time I walked through the door. I've had food poisoning twice in my life and the Pumpkin Muffin takes a Third Place Honorary Mention for the havok it wreaked.

I saw a 60 Minutes interview with Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and he spent a lot of time showing us around the Magical Lair where his workers create things like the Pomegranite Frappucinno and some Coconut Bananna thing which immediately reminded me of the Pumpkin Muffin so I was smart enough to steer clear of that. I believe he said that there are something like 150,00 different combinations of drink choices available. That's great, but is it NECESSARY? When the local barrista sees me on the corner, before I've even opened the door to the shop, he or she is already making my Tall Skim Cappucino. WHY? Because that is the drink I ALWAYS get. I'd bet that 90% of the people I see everyday at Starbuck's get the SAME drink each and every day. It's easier that way. I made my drink choice 5 years ago and for the most part, I'm stiking to it. The problem is that when the barristas are so busy trying to make that 1/2 Pomegranite 1/2 Bananna Coconut, extra ice, light whip, bubble lid, with jumbo straw SMOOTHIE it's cutting into their time and making it harder for them to give me what I came for; yummy, expensive coffee and a nice enough place to sip it.

Disrupt Your Thoughts

2006-07-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

Disruptive Thoughts is one of my favorite blogs.
http://disruptivethoughts.com

Fraser Kelton is a young entrepreneur in Canada who shares his ideas on start-up strategey: innovation, commercialization and Venture Capital. I don't know much about any of these topics so it's good for me to read his blog. We even did a 15SecondPitch http://www.15SecondPitch.com together awhile back that I'll have to share with you in the future. I enjoyed Fraser's blog so much that I finally decided to create my own blog. I have only ONE rule for myself though, no stories about blisters. When I first started looking at blogs I was amazed at the sheer volume, the massive amount of CONTENT. So much to say about everything. It was overwhelming. I finally hit brain overload as I sat reading about the blisters one woman got from her cowboy boots. I'll have to find a link back to that blog for you.

Zaadz--online Utopia

2006-07-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

I've found my new online utopia and it's called http://www.zaadz.com
How do I love this website? Let me count that ways! The design and interface are nice and intuitive. It's fun how they let you know their members favorite books, films and teachers on their home page. And my favorite part about the site is that CEO Brian Johnson http://brian.zaadz.com very up front about their wish to make money.
This is important because I don't want to spend my time and energy on a site that has no future and a site with no business model has NO FUTURE.
I'm testing out a concept that I am calling The Zen Pitch. The Zen Pitch, as the name implies, has to do with the idea of having an easy, compelling and AUTHENTIC way to market yourself. Selling and promoting doesn't have to be sleazy, desceptive and cold. It just sometimes turns out that way, usally when someone's bank account is running close to empty. But enough typing about my new best friend a.k.a social networking with a purpose site, go check it out yourself. And here's my LauraZenPitch profile. http://zenpitch.zaadz.com You'll probably need to create an account and log in to see me, but it's worth the trip.

Lunch with Jill from STARTING OVER

2006-06-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE the daytime TV show "Starting Over." If you are not familiar with the one reality TV show that is actually good and HELPS women change their lives, then let me give you the two cent tour. Starting Over is a show that helps women overcome obstacles in their lives. Six women move into a house together, agree to have their lives recorded and in exchange get to work with two of THE great life coaches, Rhonda Britten and Iyanla VanZant. (And Dr. Stan too!)

One day I was watching the show and one of the women (Christina) said "I need to sell this artwork that I made. That's my assignment. But I have NO IDEA HOW to market myself. I have no idea what to say to people who come up to me." Well, I nearly JUMPED OUT of my skin. "I can help! I can help you pitch yourself, Christina!!" I shouted to the TV, but of course the TV did not answser back. I did some searches online and found some of the women who had been in the house. I did not easily find Christina, but I did, however, find my favorite S.O. roommate of all time, Jill. I loved Jill from Moment One, because she was BOLD, FUNNY and she had an ATTITUDE.

I decided to email her and just let her know how much I really appreciated everything she was willing to share on national TV. There were two episodes in particular that really stuck with me. One was where she was talking about the process of finding her father and the other is a now famous conversation/revelation/moment of truth that she had with a CUPCAKE. Oh, yes, could I ever relate to that!! My 'cupcake' is actually Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream, but enough about me!

Jill and I met at an incredible Caribbean restaurant here in the city called Negril. 362 W 23RD. Really excellent food and a nice, friendly staff. I had this frozen Mango drink that was HEAVEN and a rice/tofo/veggie sweet potato mash. I won't give away all of the details of our conversation, but suffice it to say that Jill is just as you would hope. FUNNY, down to earth, warm, smart, just an all around blast! And someday she might move to NYC, which I'm very excited about!

Pursue The Passion

2006-06-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

I had fun yesterday as Brett and Tamir from Pursue The Passion stopped to interview me. I told them about the up and down topsy-turvey life that is being an entrepreneur. Pursue the Passion is a website and a concept that Brett came up with to help his fellow college students see the different paths in life that are available to them. In other words, they don't just need to take a job and toil away in Corporate America. I like this idea. When I graduated from college, there was no internet and it was not easy to find out what was out there in terms of careers and 'life paths' if you will. You can check out their website at: http://pursuethepassion.com/

The Overt Sales Pitch--sometimes it's actually FUN

2006-06-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

There is a man in his 70s who wears a perfectly tailored pin-striped suit. He sits on a tiny stool as he peels carrots, and an assortment of other vegetables into a large plastic tub. His performance takes place in Union Square Park. A crowd surrounds him as he barks the wonders of what he is selling---a potato peeler. But this is no ordinary peeler as you will soon find out!! This one never rusts, it is sturdy and shiny. It will always be there when you need it.

The crowd is now at least 40 people. They are enraptured with this old man and his magical tool. Do any of these people actually peel their own vegetables? Hell, do they even COOK? As I look around the edges of the park, I can see no less than 7 restaraunts, cafes, coffee shops or gourmet food shops. Not to mention a Whole Foods that takes up half of the land mass of Manhattan.

Do any of these people even need a new potato peeler? Don't they have one in the silverware drawer that is just fine? Then, I realize it's not the peeler they are buying. It's the old man AND HIS STORY. Here are some photos of him on flickr: http://blog.flickr.com/flickrblog/2006/04/carrots.html

The Old Man talks with great POWER and enthusiam for what he is selling. I can't remember all of the details, but I think he said he had to go off to some foreign land to have this particular tool made. Very exotic. That makes the peeler more remarkable too. My favorite part is when he has the person in the front row who is closest to him, TRY the peeler out for themselves. Well, one pull and you are hooked! He asks, "Well, now my dear, is that NOT the best, easiest and fastest peeler you've ever used." And everyone who tries it nods their heads, "Yes, it is!"

And now for the pitch. "Why not buy one for all of your friends? It's $5.00 for one peeler or FIVE peelers for $20. dollars." Now, when I got on the train this morning, I never thoughts I'd drop $5.00 on a peeler, but now somehow I'm pulling a $20.00 out of my wallet. I've seen the old man and his peeler and I like his pitch. As I'm leaving two gorgeous 20-something girls quickly make their way through the crowd. Are they late for brunch with more pretty people at Coffee Shop. Nope. The girls run up to the man as if they are stalking Bono before a show at The Garden. "We love you!" Girl number one says as she touches The Old Man on the shoulder. Girl number two chimes in, "Yea, we love listening to you!" He looks up, very briefly but does not stop peeling, "Yes, girls, I love you too." And without missing a beat, "Now, who will step up and take a pull on this great peeler?" They wait in line. Twenty dollar bill firmly in hand. For a chance to be a part of his story.

PitchGirl in the City

2006-06-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Laura and my friends call me Pitch Girl. Well, okay they don't yet, but they COULD call me that. Yes, they will. I'll insisit on it.