So, you’ve got 30 seconds to make an impression with a potential client, partner or investor: are you prepared? In my experience there are few people who have taken the time to develop the “killer” elevator pitch – the 30 second story of your company, product or service.Consider how many times in your career you will have the opportunity to give your elevator pitch. It can happen at the most unexpected times, and is especially important when you first meet someone. I’ll bet you will need to deliver that 30 second story THOUSANDS of times – so why not make it a real work of art that excites and motivates people?
An elevator pitch is a “short story” with a beginning, a middle and an end. It should flow freely, and sound natural (not stilted) to the listener. It should be practiced until memorized and continually fine-tuned over time. Ideally it should be ‘audited’ by your friends, family or colleagues. It really is that important since you really do only have one chance to make a first impression.
Some questions to ask yourself about your pitch are:
- Is it free of technical jargon (normally a big challenge especially with technical people)?
- Do you include some reference to your target market (to help the listener frame the subject matter)?
- Does it convey possible benefits to the listener?
- Does it offer a few key “nuggets” of information that the listener is likely to remember (don’t barrage the listener with too much information or you risk them ‘switching off’)?
- Does it include a call-to-action at the end (normally handled easily with an interesting ending question for the listener)?
- Would your mother understand it?
- Can you deliver your elevator pitch with passion? People will get excited if you are excited!
You are now armed with the basics of why an elevator pitch is essential and how to put one together. Try this simple 4 question on-line form to help put your elevator pitch together in less than 5 minutes (elevator pitch helper).
Most importantly have some fun with it – you will use your elevator pitch a lot and the better you become at the delivery the more successful you will be – I promise!
This article was published more than 1 year ago. Some information may no longer be current.