The term elevator pitch is named such because it should take no longer than a 20 to 30-second elevator ride, and yet the person you’re trying to impress knows plenty of important things about you.
The right elevator pitch should be brief, memorable, and engaging while explaining what makes you unique. Here are 7 ways to use this powerful tool successfully.
How to Write a Successful Elevator Pitch
Writing a perfect elevator pitch isn’t all about your profession. The goal of these interactions is to keep your lead’s interest so that they want to know more about your product, which could lead to closing a sales call. Within a 20-30 second period, you have a lot to cover, so start with the most important part of your business: who you are.
- What is Your Name? Start by telling your client one thing about yourself and your position at the company.
- What is Your Mission Statement? Explain what you do in your business and how your techniques can benefit them and save them money or time.
- What Problems Do You Solve? Blend in your mission statement with the features and benefits your product brings to your client.
- What Makes You Different? You’ll have a lot of competition in your field, so explain what separates your business from the others. Highlight your experience as well.
- Ask Questions: Always engage with your clients and ask them a fun question like, “what aspect of the business do you find the most entertaining?”
- Close the Deal: Finish off the pitch by handing your client your business card and let them know they can reach you to find out more. Provide means of contact.
Tips for an Effective Pitch
Writing the first draft of your elevator pitch is only the first hurdle you need to overcome. Now you need to edit and practice your speech until it’s perfect.
Keep it Short
A 30-second elevator pitch could range from 100-150 words, but speaking upwards to 60 seconds isn’t a crime. If you find yourself talking too fast or rushing through the speech, you should either slow down to cut some fat from the speech.
Edit Extensively
You’ll want to try to say as much as you can in a short period of time, but during your first draft, you may say too much in one section. The proper elevator pitch is a work of art, and there is always room for improvement. Keep a critical eye during the editing process and search out where you can add more or subtract less.
Practice in the Mirror
What you write on paper will sound different when you say it out loud, but be sure to watch yourself saying the speech so you can see and hear what your clients preserve. Ensure that your elevator pitch sounds conversational and not overly formal. Practice in front of a friend or colleague to get a fresh perspective and some editing notes.
Don’t Overuse Slang
Nowadays, slang isn’t always considered unprofessional, but it’s possible your client won’t know what you’re talking about. That could spell disaster because your clients may ask you to clarify your statement before you’re finished and throw off your groove.
Memorize Your Speech
Practice your elevator pitch until you can recite it in your sleep, and maybe a couple more times after that. You may get nervous while talking to your client, so it’s possible you’ll become more forgetful than usual. Knowing your speech by heart will also impress your clients.
Focus on the Client
When you’ve completed your speech, be sure to pass the mic over to your clients so you can hear their thoughts. The best way to transition to the other person is by asking a question or by allowing them to give their own elevator pitch.
