The Elevator Pitch

As the name implies, knowing and practicing your very own ‘elevator pitch’ is critical for that -2 minute ride. It’s the classic, “have you ever been caught in an elevator with a potential client, boss, or even a crush, and you only had a few floors to make an impression?” question that really is well worth the +2 minutes it takes to get it right.

This is a MUST have. It’s the way you can show off your best attributes in a short amount of time. In the case of the elevator pitch, you have about 30 seconds to strut your stuff. That's roughly the time it takes for an elevator to travel between floors, or for a bored listener to mentally check out and start daydreaming about lunch.

So, how do you craft a pitch that's as alluring as a day on the lake? First things first, remember the "KISS" approach: Keep It Simple, Silly. You're not reciting War and Peace here.

Start with your name because, well, that's just polite! "Hello, I'm Sally Applesauce." Easy, right? Now, before you launch into a monologue about your life, hobbies, and the adorable antics of your pet hamster - stop! This isn't a therapy session; it's an elevator pitch. Get straight to the point of what you do .., whether it be professionally or school. "I'm a 4th grader at Forrestdale." Boom!

Now, it's time to add some flavor. Think about what makes you unique. Maybe you're the 4th grader who won the year-book art contest last year. Or perhaps you hate art and like staying home and watching Suits. Whatever your unique selling point is, throw it in there.

Finally, end with a bang! Wrap up with a compelling statement or question that leaves your audience wanting to know more. "Did you know that Rachel Zane is actually Megan Markle and she went to Forrestdale for 4th grade too?"

Voila! You've got yourself an elevator pitch. It's short, sweet, and packs a punch - all in the time it takes to travel a few floors.

Now, the tricky part… try it. Try it again. And again. It’s harder than you’d think and more useful than you’ll ever know!

Hop OFF before you Hop ON

Hello and welcome to another episode of "How Not to Be 'That' Person!" Today's hot topic? The delicate dance of disembarking and embarking – a.k.a., getting off. We’ll go with examples of elevators and airplanes. But please feel free to apply these principles wherever you see fit…

Let's set the scene. You're standing in front of an elevator, waiting for it to descend from the heavens (or the 10th floor, whichever is more dramatic). The doors slide open, revealing a packed elevator. Do you a) charge in like a bull in a china shop or b) patiently wait for people to get off first? If you chose a), congratulations! You've successfully annoyed every person in the elevator before you even stepped foot in it. The correct answer, dear readers, is b).

Why, you might ask? Well, it's not just because it's polite (though that's a big part of it). It's also because it's practical! Think about it. If you let people off first, there's more space for you. It's a win-win situation: they get to their destination, and you get more room to do whatever it is you do in an elevator.

Now, let's take our newfound wisdom to the friendly skies. How many times have you been on a plane, waiting to take your seat, while someone upstream fights against the current, trying to swim upstream like a confused salmon trying to get to their seat? It's a sight to behold, but not one we need to see on every flight.

So, here's a pro tip. Let people off the plane before you try to get on. It's the same principle as the elevator. They get off, you get on, and everyone's happy. Plus, you avoid the awkward shuffling, sidestepping, and the accidental games of footsie with a stranger.

The moral of the story? Patience is not just a virtue, but a way to avoid unnecessary awkwardness and frustration. So, next time you're waiting to get on an elevator or airplane, remember: hop off before you hop on! Not only will you be practicing good etiquette, but you'll also be saving yourself from becoming the star of someone else's "You won't believe what happened on my commute today" story!

The Etiquette of Returning Borrowed Items

Have you ever lent something to a friend (or sister), only to have it returned in a less than ideal condition, or worse, not returned at all? The act of borrowing and returning items is a common practice among friends, family, and neighbors. However, the process isn't always as seamless as we'd like it to be. Let’s cover basic manners when borrowing:

Timeliness is Key

When you borrow something, it's crucial to return it as promptly as possible. If you've borrowed a book, for example, aim to read it and return it within a reasonable timeframe. Letting borrowed items gather dust at your home for months on end can lead to frustration and disappointment on the part of the lender.

Return in the same…. or better … condition

It's crucial to return an item in the same condition you received it. If you've borrowed a dress, was or even dry clean before returning it. If it's a power tool, clean it thoroughly. Taking care of borrowed items shows respect for the person who lent them to you and increases the likelihood that they'll feel comfortable lending to you again in the future.

Communicate

If for some reason you're unable to return an item on time, communicate this to the lender as soon as possible. Most people are understanding if you explain the situation and provide a new return date. Communication is key to maintaining good relationships when borrowing and returning items.

Replace or repair

Sometimes accidents happen. If you've damaged or lost an item you've borrowed, the best course of action is to replace it or have it repaired. If that's not possible, discuss with the lender the best way to make it right. Don't just return a damaged item without explanation.

Be gracious

Lastly, always express your gratitude when returning borrowed items. A simple "thank you" goes a long way in showing your appreciation.

In conclusion, borrowing items is a practice built on trust, respect, and courtesy. By returning items timely, keeping them in good condition, communicating openly, dealing with damages responsibly, and expressing gratitude, you can ensure that you maintain good relationships with those around you. Happy borrowing!

Sidewalks & Streets... get out of the way!

Before moving to NJ, where our regular bike rides are to the beach carrying a surfboard, we lived in Alexandria, VA. Yes, right near Old Town. Actually, we were blessed to live in Del Ray first, and then moved to Masonic View Avenue to a home that literally overlooked the Masonic Temple.

As "‘city’ kids, our boys were raised in the Bob strollers and then learned to ride those cool scooters as soon as they could walk. We’d scoot all over - back and forth to pre-school, Old Town for some boba tea, and Del Ray for the local parks. As the boys got bigger, the rides transitioned to bikes. Pretty much all of our excursions were on foot or wheel.

One thing that we were pretty pesky about from the get-go was getting out of the way when we needed to stop. And stop we did. A lot. Whether due to temper tantrums, thirst, or the dog leash getting tied up… we certainly needed to stop a lot. So, what’s the point… We made sure to GET OUT OF THE WAY.

So, lesson here… pull over when you’re on a side walk or a street and need to stop. You don’t want to be in the way of others who may not be dealing with the temper tantrum, thirst, tangled leash. Be considerate.

And for those groups of kids making there way along the sidewalk or street who need to stop - teach them to politely move aside.