CFO Intelligence Magazine – Fall 2025
Marty Latman
Founder, Latman Advisory Services
There are many occasions when you can introduce yourself to others. It can be at a social gathering, business meeting, seminar, discussion with recruiters, interviews, grocery line, hair salon, sports event, or by accident. Sometimes you present yourself through letters, email, or phone calls. When you are introducing yourself to others, what is your objective, and what do you want to say?
All of these openings can be categorized as your “elevator pitch:” a short, persuasive speech you use to introduce yourself, promote your product or value, or an idea. You want your pitch to leave a lasting impression with the listener as to “who” you are, “what” you do, and “why” they should engage with you, because when these introductions happen, you want to deliver something that sparks the listener’s interest. You want these introductions to lead to another meeting, where you can explain in more detail the value you bring to the listener and start the development of a relationship.
Let’s concentrate on the basic pieces of how you introduce yourself in a physical encounter. Assume that you step into an elevator, and a well-dressed person follows you into it. You recognize the person as the President of the company you always wanted to work for.