An elevator pitch serves as a poignant and succinct sales bite that is pitched to a client. Short sales – could be done in an elevator. They are warm, to the point, and largely introductory. Think about this as an entrepreneurial sales pitch:
- Introduce Yourself
- Get Across Two Points
- Make a Connection
So, let’s break down the most effective way to do this for your time, assuming you only have half a minute to get this done.
Starting the Elevator Pitch: Introduce Yourself
To begin, this is where it gets big. Think Sun Tzu, win it before you start. This is done with “the intangibles.” Additionally, think about how you dress, and how you approach the meeting – your voice, and your body language. These are all defining things that will speak volumes without taking any of the floor time. For that reason, when you are dealing with limited stimulus you have no room for nuance. Even the best elevator pitch will leave them feeling you have the same nuance as Wile E. Coyote. It’s too short.
So, introduce yourself with everything you are bringing to the table; good clothes, well-kept, professional mannerisms, a great tone, a bright smile, and a winning attitude. Demeanor can be picked up instantly.
Get Two Points Across
I switched it there, did you notice? The same number of words. The same exact words, a slightly different feel. These are basically reductionist points to the core of what you’re there to do. You are there to make a connection. So, this is just the formality on the page so that they have a reason to meet you, a reason to listen to what you have to say.
Likewise, keep it to the point, but opt for a presentation that lets you show those secret, deeper, more lasting qualities that you want to get across. People won’t remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. Remember that – that’s something you should remember what is said.
Make a Connection
This is the point of the elevator pitch. It’s a segway to a better pitch. But right now you don’t have the benefit to show that. Your job is to be likable and sell them on yourself, via the approach to your chosen points. By making that connection you’ll have an opportunity to either meet or reach out later and seal that connection for future more nuanced opportunities.
If you are in the market for a quick set of ideas, I would look here. However, beyond that, I have opted for what are four ideas for successful elevator pitches you can use.
The Question
Ask the question. Also, qualify the question. Answer the question.
Question:
- Are you overwhelmed by elevator pitches?
Qualify:
- You have to convey your message quickly.
Answer:
- It also means you get to focus on your number one selling point. Know it best, focus on it and you leave little room to go awry.
Include a Shocking Statistic in Your Elevator Pitch
Present an insane statistic. Subvert its necessity. Illuminate.
Insane Statistic:
- The average person spends 2 hours on a single elevator pitch.
Subvert necessity:
- The average pitch lasts only about 30 seconds.
Illuminate:
- It’s better to understand the single point clearly unsteady of overcomplicating an essentially simple thing.
Make Your Elevator Pitch to the Point
Likewise, don’t waste any spare time. Get to the point.
Value:
- Elevator pitches succinctly put forward your value proposition.
Advantage:
- This saves time and keeps things efficient.
Feature:
- You don’t waste time with people who have no interest.
Elevator Pitch Credibility
Put forward your experience. Put forward why you prefer what you do. Why it works.
Experience:
- I have written a lot of professional pitches and documents.
Preference:
- You waste a lot of time writing unnecessary words that don’t move the conversation forward.
Why it Works:
- You’re going to be saving a lot of time, highlighting and improving the fewer lines you have. What you are left with will be better and receive less divided attention.
To conclude, the elevator pitch is a good way of boiling down a factor to its pure essence. Avoiding all the long-winded jargon and unnecessary formalities to get to the point of the pitch and the outcome sooner.