No one cares what you do, but a strong elevator pitch can turn a casual introduction into a meaningful connection or prospect. Whether you are introducing yourself at a networking event, telling new colleagues about your business, or pitching to another professional — you want to capture attention and get it fast. Today on the Champion Forum Podcast, we will discuss why you should use a pitch, learn how to write one and give you tips on how to make a memorable one.
What is an elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch is not an opportunity to close a deal.
A great elevator pitch is a concise and compelling introduction that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. It's an opportunity to gain more of your prospect's attention and time. It's a quick introduction to you, your company, and how you can help.
Here are the steps for crafting a great elevator pitch:
Start with a Hook (1-2 sentences):
Begin with a compelling statement or question that grabs your listener's attention and makes them want to know more.
Example: "Are you tired of struggling with clutter and disorganization in your home?"
Example: “Did you know that 65% of leaders agree or strongly agree that they are effective at giving feedback to others, but only 21% of employees believe they have received meaningful feedback in the last week?”
Introduce Yourself:
Provide your name and a brief, professional background or affiliation to establish credibility.
Example: "I'm [Your Name], a certified professional organizer with over 10 years of experience."
Explain What You Do:
Clearly articulate your profession or role and what you do.
Example: "I help individuals and families declutter and organize their living spaces to create functional and stress-free environments."
Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition:
Emphasize what sets you apart from others in your field or makes your product or service unique.
Example: "What makes my approach different is that I use a personalized, step-by-step system that not only organizes spaces but also teaches clients how to maintain order for the long term."
Provide Evidence or Success Stories:
Share a brief anecdote or statistic that demonstrates your impact or success.
Example: "For example, I recently helped a busy family transform their chaotic home office into a productive workspace, resulting in a 30% increase in work efficiency."
End with a Call to Action:
Encourage the listener to take a specific action or engage further with you.
Example: "If you'd like to learn more about how I can help you regain control of your living spaces, I'd love to chat further after this event."
Practice and Refine:
Once you've crafted your elevator pitch, practice delivering it in a clear, confident, and engaging manner. Make adjustments based on feedback and your comfort level.
Customize for Different Audiences:
Tailor your elevator pitch to suit different situations and audiences. For example, you might have a slightly different pitch for potential clients, investors, or networking events.
Remember, the key to a great elevator pitch is clarity and impact. It should be concise enough to deliver in about 59 seconds (the length of a typical elevator ride) while leaving a memorable impression on your listener. Keep it conversational, and aim to engage your audience meaningfully.
An elevator pitch may seem insignificant, but those first conversations can hold some serious weight. With a well-crafted pitch, you can turn a conversation with someone into a long-lasting customer or even a business partner.
Application Activities:
Crafting an elevator pitch is especially important for a salesperson or entrepreneur but can be valuable for people in all careers who want to network and advance their careers. Take some time to map out a pitch based on the formula in this episode and write it down somewhere you can access it easily. Read it several times a day until you have it memorized.
Get feedback on your elevator pitch! Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to listen to your pitch and help you identify areas that are confusing or too detailed. Use the feedback to improve your pitch or even create an alternate version for a specific situation.