The “Elevator Pitch” that can help make you a great FSPA Ambassador
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Fire Service Leader Member
Every member is a representative for the Fire Service Psychology Association. Full stop.
It’s vital for the success of FSPA that every member, regardless of their type of membership, embrace the role of as an Ambassador for FSPA. I’m confident that most of our members are actively engaged in many different “circles,” both professionally and personally. And the people you engage or who engage you in any of those circles is a potential supporter of FSPA and our work to bridge the gap between professional psychology and the fire service as a:
- New member (fire service leader, psychologist, masters-level clinician, psychology student, or business associate).
- A donor who can contribute to FSPA’s work monetarily.
- An allied mental health or fire service organization.
- A potential member of FSPA’s Board of Advisors.
The “Elevator Pitch”
You never know when a person in one of your circles is going to ask What does your organization [FSPA] do? and in that situation you have just few minutes to convey some information about FSPA that could pique their interest in one of the aforementioned categories.
These moments are often called elevator pitches because they take roughly the amount of time that you’d have to convey a message when speaking to someone in an elevator. Having an elevator pitch at the ready is an effective way to make the most of these moments with those people you engage or who engage you and shine a positive light on FSPA.
FSPA’s “Elevator Pitch”
Before we go on, let me tell what an elevator pitch should not be. It should not be an answer to their question, What does FSPA do? The reason why not is because your response to their question will typical result in a list of what FSPA does and lists are BORING! You want use your opportunity to engage them and make them want to learn more (That’s where the list can come into play).
Instead of answering their question, turn the question around with a response that makes them want to learn more–and that’s going to come later! So, without further ado, here’s the FSPA Elevator Pitch that I’ve created:
Hi, I’m Robert Avsec, a fire service leader with the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA). Let me tell you about MY organization!
We address the unique mental and behavioral health challenges faced by firefighters and EMS personnel. Our diverse team—fire service leaders, psychologists, and clinicians—works to bridge the gap between the fire service and psychology communities.
At FSPA, we focus on building a collaborative community, advocating for better mental health solutions, and fostering professional development. We support firefighters through peer connections, cultural competency training, and tools for healthier, safer, and longer careers.
Our flagship annual conference unites professionals from both fields to discuss critical issues like preventing firefighter suicide, enhancing job performance, and defining the psychologically healthy firefighter. Did you know that more than 200 firefighters die by suicide each year?
Together, we strive to create a stronger, healthier fire service. Learn more at firepsychology.org or contact me directly at chiefavsec@firepsychology.org.
See the difference? In my elevator pitch, I’ve
- Changed their question from “What does your organization do?” to me telling them about MY organization! (The their question is what can lead to a list of “stuff,” and that’s not what I want to convey.
- I’ve brought our organization to life. I may not have time for a whole story but I’m emphasizing the work is about our people and the people we are working to help (firefighters and EMS personnel).
- I’ve asked a question of my own–and answered it for them at the same time (Did you know that over 200 firefighters take their own lives each year?)
- It’s difficult to convey passion using the written word (The ! mark just doesn’t do it regardless of how many time you use it !!!). But believe me when I say that when I deliver this elevator pitch, it’s with full-on PASSION for FSPA and the work we do! As a fire service member of FSPA, this place runs through my veins. Let me tell you why…”
I encourage you to print out FSPA Elevator Pitch, replace my name and contact information with your own, and then learn it. And carry a copy with you as you participate in your various professional and personal “circles” because you never know when you might “bump into” the next FSPA member, donor, or member of FSPA’s Board of Advisors.
