Do you know what an elevator pitch is?
Before talking about how to write a good elevator pitch, firstly, let’s talk about what one is. An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what you do. A good elevator pitch should last no longer than a short elevator ride of 20 to 30 seconds, hence the name. However, up to a minute is acceptable.
They should be interesting, memorable, and succinct. It is also a great way to start conversations at networking events.
Craft your elevator pitch.
Most people when asked what they do just give their job title and the conversation stops there. Encourage people to ask more about your business, without being salesy.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here are a few tips to get you started on your elevator pitch:
- Keep it clear and concise. Avoid any industry jargon.
- For 20-30 seconds, allow around 150-200 words.
- Show your passion. Be engaging and use descriptive words.
- Edit. It will evolve with your business over time so keep it fresh and relevant.
- Practice makes perfect. It should roll off your tongue. You have a very small window to make an impression so make it count.
“Most people when asked what they do just give their job title and the conversation stops there. Encourage people to ask more about your business, without being salesy.” Mary Cushen
An Example.
As an example, here is one I have done as part of a previous job. We had a departmental challenge to come up with an elevator pitch for our team. In our team, we all come up with one then voted on the best.
Mine was not only chosen as the best one for the team, it won the overall departmental one, winning the team a tub of chocolates! Not much fun for me as I’m milk intolerant.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We were given 45 seconds to deliver the pitch.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here is the pitch that got the team the chocolates:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“As part of the Technology Solutions Team within Shared Services, our objective is to understand the priorities of our customers in order to create value through enabling technology solutions. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Our focus is to understand and support our customers, helping them to achieve their objectives through the effective use of technology.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We drive efficiencies through reviewing current processes, pinch points and compare them to best practice enabling us to provide enhancements to improve the current situation.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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By understanding our customers priorities, we are able to be strategic and proactive instead of reactive. Understanding SAPs roadmap and other available applications, enables us to provide system solutions which not only fit with the customers needs but also ensure we keep up with technological advances.”⠀⠀⠀⠀
Need some help with your elevator pitch?
It can be hard to craft an engaging elevator pitch. Finding the right words to describe your passion is no easy task. The one I created above took seven takes and three days. I’m sure I would have refined it more, however, there was no time left.
As a business consultant, I work with you to understand your business, get to know who you are and help craft a message that will be remembered for years. Elevator pitches are just one of the items within people I consult on.
I love guiding and training owners to success. Showing them the art of success. Letting them see their full potential. Keeping your processes, people and systems in sync is key to success and continued development.
If you would like a complimentary 30-minute chat to discuss how I could help you move forward, feel free to get in touch with any questions you may have.
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Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash