Are you starting a business, networking to nail an interesting job offer, or looking to sell your product? If so, then practising a persuasive elevator pitch is a must.
If you are wondering what this is, it is exactly what it sounds like. An elevator pitch is usually a 30 seconds summary of what your business, product or skills are.
In this article, we will explain what makes a good elevator pitch and share a few actionable steps for success.
What Is An Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch is a concise summary that introduces a person, a product, a company, or an idea in a compelling and memorable way, typically delivered within the span of a short elevator ride.
The goal of an elevator pitch is to capture the listener’s attention, leaving a lasting impression that prompts further discussion or exploration. It is a valuable tool in networking events, job interviews, business presentations, or any situation where a brief introduction is needed.
The essence of an elevator pitch lies in its brevity and clarity. It should convey the key points in a concise and engaging manner, typically lasting no longer than 30 to 60 seconds. A well-crafted elevator pitch highlights the unique value proposition, key benefits, and potential impact of the person, product, or idea being presented.
Depending on what the goal is, you can formulate your elevator pitch in various ways. Here are a few examples for some inspiration:
Personal Elevator Pitch. “Hi, I’m Sarah, a marketing professional with a passion for storytelling. I help businesses create compelling brand narratives that captivate audiences and drive results. With my strategic mindset and creative approach, I’ve successfully increased customer engagement and revenue for several Fortune 500 companies.“
Product Elevator Pitch. “Introducing the SmartGarden: the all-in-one solution for hassle-free indoor gardening. Our innovative system combines automated watering, optimal lighting, and real-time plant monitoring to ensure thriving plants without the need for a green thumb. Say goodbye to wilted plants and hello to fresh herbs and beautiful flowers year-round.“
Company Elevator Pitch. “At TechSolutions, we revolutionize the way businesses operate by leveraging cutting-edge technology. Our integrated software suite streamlines processes, enhances productivity, and boosts efficiency. With a track record of delivering measurable results for our clients, we empower organizations to stay ahead in the digital era.“
7 Steps To Create The Perfect Elevator Pitch
- Identify Your Objective and Target Audience
- Grab Attention with a Strong Opening
- Clearly Communicate Your Value Proposition
- Highlight Key Achievements and Credentials
- Make It Personal and Engaging
- Include a Call to Action
- Practice and Refine
1. Identify Your Objective and Target Audience
Before crafting your elevator pitch, it’s crucial to clarify your objective and identify your target audience. Determine what you want to achieve with your pitch and who you are trying to engage. Tailoring your message to specific individuals or groups will increase its impact.
Let’s say you’re a software developer seeking new job opportunities. Your objective is to impress potential employers and showcase your skills. Your target audience could be hiring managers or recruiters from technology companies.
2. Grab Attention with a Strong Opening
The opening of your elevator pitch should grab attention and immediately spark interest. Engage your listeners by stating something unique, intriguing, or relatable. This will make them want to hear more and pay attention to the rest of your pitch.
Example: “Did you know that 80% of businesses struggle with cybersecurity vulnerabilities? Hi, I’m John, a cybersecurity expert specializing in proactive risk mitigation and threat detection. I help companies safeguard their valuable data and protect against emerging cyber threats.“
3. Clearly Communicate Your Value Proposition
Clearly and succinctly communicate your value proposition—the unique value, benefit, or solution you offer. Explain how you address a specific problem, meet a need, or provide value to your audience. Focus on the benefits and outcomes your audience can expect from engaging with you or your product/service.
For instance, “As a digital marketing consultant, I specialize in helping businesses increase their online visibility and drive targeted traffic to their websites. By implementing customized SEO strategies and data-driven marketing campaigns, I’ve helped clients achieve a 40% increase in organic search traffic and a 20% boost in conversion rates.”
4. Highlight Key Achievements and Credentials
To build credibility and demonstrate your expertise, highlight key achievements, qualifications, or relevant credentials. This step establishes trust and reinforces why your audience should pay attention to what you have to say.
Here is an example for how to highlight your professional background: “I’m a certified financial planner with over a decade of experience in wealth management. Throughout my career, I’ve successfully helped numerous clients grow their portfolios and achieve their financial goals. In fact, I was recognized as the ‘Top Advisor of the Year’ by XYZ Financial Services for three consecutive years.“
5. Make It Personal and Engaging
Inject your personality into the pitch to make it more memorable and relatable. Share a personal anecdote, a story, or a specific example that showcases your passion, commitment, or the impact of your work. This human touch will help forge a connection with your audience.
If you want your elevator pitch to be more ‘real’ and reflect your personal experience, you can try something like this: “Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by the power of technology to transform lives. One of my most rewarding experiences was developing a mobile app for a non-profit organization that connects underprivileged students with educational resources. Witnessing the impact it had on their learning journey was truly inspiring.”
6. Include a Call to Action
A call to action is a vital component of any elevator pitch. Clearly state what you want your audience to do after hearing you out. It could be requesting a meeting, scheduling a demonstration, exploring a partnership, or any other desired action that moves the conversation forward.
Example: “If you’re interested in exploring how my expertise in renewable energy can benefit your organization, I’d love to schedule a meeting to discuss potential collaborations. Let’s explore how we can work together to achieve sustainable growth and reduce our carbon footprint.“
7. Practice and Refine
Once you’ve crafted your elevator pitch, practice delivering it with confidence and clarity. Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from trusted individuals. Refine your pitch based on their input, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and overall impact.
Conclusion
Remember, the key to a perfect elevator pitch is to be concise, engaging, and tailored to your objective and audience. With these seven steps, you can create a compelling elevator pitch that captures attention, communicates your value, and leaves a lasting impression on your listeners.