What is Elevator Pitch?
An Elevator Pitch is a short, persuasive speech that you can use to sell your product, service, or business idea. The main goal of an Elevator Pitch is to get the person you’re speaking to interested in what you’re saying so that they’ll want to learn more.
When you’re giving an Elevator Pitch, you only have a few seconds to grab the person’s attention and get them interested. So it’s important to make sure that your pitch is clear, concise, and to the point.
You never know when you might have the opportunity to give an Elevator Pitch, or when you might meet someone who could be interested in your product, service, or business idea. That’s why it’s important to be prepared. An Elevator Pitch is also sometimes called a “60-second commercial.”
Definition
An elevator pitch is defined as a brief description of an idea, product, or business that explains the concept in such a way that anybody can understand it in a little amount of time. This description typically explains who the thing is for, what it does, why it is needed, and how it will get done.
Elevator pitches are commonly used in business settings such as during job interviews or when trying to sell an idea to a potential investor, but they can be used in other situations as well. A personal elevator pitch is a concise summary of who you are. Its name derives from the amount of time it should ideally take to deliver it, which is usually about as long as a brief elevator ride (30 to 60 seconds or 75 words).
Why use Elevator Pitch?
Elevator Pitch is important for entrepreneurs, startup companies, and small businesses. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and to interest potential customers, investors, or employers in what you’re doing.
An elevator pitch can also be helpful in networking situations. For example, if you’re at a networking event and you only have a few minutes to speak with someone, you can use your elevator pitch to give them a quick overview of what you do.
Elevator Pitch is also important for salespeople. If you’re in sales, you’ll likely need to give elevator pitches on a regular basis. Whether you’re selling a product, a service, or an idea, you’ll need to be able to explain it quickly and convincingly.
Elevator Pitch can also be useful in everyday situations. For example, if you’re at a party and someone asks you what you do, you can use your elevator pitch to give them a quick answer.
What are the key components of an Elevator Pitch?
There are four key components of an effective Elevator Pitch:
1. A hook
This is a brief, attention-grabbing statement that will pique the person’s interest and get them wanting to learn more. Preferably you should have a unique selling proposition.
2. A description of what you do
This is where you give a quick overview of what your product, service, or business does.
3. The need for what you’re offering
This is where you explain why your product, service, or business is needed.
4. A call to action
A Call to action is where you tell the person what you want them to do next.
When and How To Use an Elevator Speech
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on the situation and on your goals.
If you’re attending a networking event, for example, you might want to use your elevator speech when you’re first introduced to someone.
If you’re job-hunting, you might want to use your elevator speech during an interview. If you’re trying to interest a potential investor in your business, you might want to use your elevator speech during a meeting.
The important thing is to be prepared so that you can take advantage of any opportunity that comes up. Let’s have a look at some of the instances when you can an elevator pitch are-
1. At career fairs
When you’re at a career fair, you’ll likely have only a few minutes to speak with each employer. This is the perfect opportunity to give them your elevator pitch. Elevator pitch important points that job seekers should remember are to keep it short, sweet, and interesting.
2. During professional networking or membership events
If you’re attending a professional networking or membership event, such as a conference or meet-up, you’ll have the chance to meet a lot of people in a short period of time. It might also help in your job search.
3. For internal networking
If you’re looking for a job within your company, or if you’re trying to get promoted, elevator pitches can be very helpful. You can use them to communicate what you do and why you’re good at it.
4. In your online profiles
If you’re active on social media, or if you have an online portfolio, you can use elevator pitches to give people a quick overview of who you are and what you do.
What To Do in Your Elevator Pitch
Now that we’ve looked at what elevator pitches are and when you can use them, let’s take a look at what you should actually do in your elevator speech-
1. Make it brief
The whole point of an elevator pitch is to be brief. Remember, you should communicate effectively in a short period of time. So, make sure you keep your elevator speech short and to the point.
2. Make it persuasive
Your elevator pitch should be convincing enough to make the person want to learn more about your product, service, or business.
3. Share your skills
Use your elevator pitch as an opportunity to share your skills and qualifications as per job title. Remember, you’re trying to make a good impression, so don’t be shy about sharing your accomplishments.
4. Practice, practice, practice
As with anything, practice makes perfect. So, before you give your elevator speech, make sure you practice it several times. This will help you to deliver it smoothly and confidently.
5. Be positive and flexible
When you’re giving your elevator speech, be positive and confident. And if the person asks you a question, be prepared to answer it. The last thing you want is to sound like you’re not sure of what you’re saying.
6. Mention your goals
When you’re sharing your elevator pitch, make sure you mention your goals. This will help the person to understand why you’re doing what you’re doing.
7. Know your audience and speak to them
Before you give your elevator speech, take a moment to think about who your target audience is. This will help you to tailor your elevator pitch specifically for them.
8. Have a business card ready
If you’re attending a networking event or meeting, make sure you have a few business cards with you. This way, if the person is interested in learning more about you, they can easily get in touch.
9. Do make eye contact
When you’re giving your elevator speech, make sure you make eye contact with the person. This will help to create a connection and make the conversation more personal.
10. Do use first names
If you know the person’s name, make sure you use it when you’re giving your elevator pitch. This will help to create a rapport and make them feel more comfortable.
What Not To Do and Do During Your Elevator Speech
1. Don’t speak too fast
When you’re giving your elevator speech, make sure you speak slowly and clearly. This will help to ensure that the person understands what you’re saying.
2. Avoid rambling
It’s important to be brief when you’re giving your elevator pitch. So, avoid rambling on and on about your product, service, or business.
3. Don’t frown or speak in a monotone way
When you’re giving your elevator speech, try to smile and use facial expressions. And, vary the tone of your voice to keep the person interested in what you’re saying.
4. Don’t limit yourself to a single elevator pitch
Remember, elevator pitches are meant to be flexible. So, don’t feel like you have to stick to a single elevator speech. Be prepared to adapt your elevator pitch depending on the situation.
Tips for Virtual Elevator Pitches
1. Check how you look
When you’re giving a virtual elevator speech, make sure you’re aware of how you look on camera. This means checking your hair, makeup, and clothing to make sure you look presentable.
2. Make your pitch conversational
Your elevator pitch should sound like a conversation, not a sales pitch. So, avoid using industry jargon and make sure you use easy-to-understand language.
3. Make eye contact
When you’re giving your elevator speech virtually, make sure you focus on making eye contact with the person on the other end. This will help to create a connection and make the conversation more personal.
4. Take your time
Since you’re not in person, you don’t have to worry about rushing through your elevator speech. So, take your time and make sure you cover everything you want to say.
5. Aim for high energy
Even though you’re not in person, it’s important to exude confidence and energy when you’re giving your elevator speech. This will help to engage the person on the other end and keep them interested in what you’re saying.
6. Express confidence
When you’re giving your elevator pitch, make sure you sound confident. This will help to instill confidence in the person on the other end and make them more likely to believe what you’re saying.
Steps to Write an Elevator Pitch
1. Introduce yourself
When you’re writing your elevator pitch, make sure you start with a brief introduction. This should include your name and what you do.
2. State your company’s mission
The next part of your elevator pitch should be about your company’s mission. This is the reason why your company exists and what it’s trying to achieve.
3. Explain the company value proposition
After you’ve stated your company’s mission, you need to explain its value proposition. This is what makes your company unique and sets it apart from its competitors.
4. Grab their attention with a hook
In order to grab the person’s attention, you need to have a strong hook. This is a brief statement that’s designed to pique their interest and make them want to learn more about your company.
5. Read and edit the pitch
Once you’ve written your elevator pitch, it’s important to read it over and edit it as needed. This will help to ensure that it’s clear, concise, and free of any errors.
Elevator Pitch Examples
1. Context: In an interview
“My name is Jane and I am an executive assistant. I have worked in this role for five years and have experience supporting high-level executives. In my current role, I am responsible for managing schedules, preparing correspondence, and handling confidential information. I am extremely organized and thrive in fast-paced environments. I am confident that I could be a valuable asset to your team.”
2. Context: At a networking event
“Hi, my name is John and I am a civil engineer. I specialize in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and tunnels. I have over 10 years of experience in the engineering field and have worked on some of the most iconic projects in the city. I am passionate about my work and I am always looking for new challenges. I would love to hear more about the projects you are working on.”
3. Context: Offering consultancy services
“Hi, my name is Sarah and I am a marketing consultant. I help businesses to create and implement effective marketing strategies. I have over 15 years of experience in the marketing industry and have worked with clients of all sizes. I am confident that I can help your business to reach its marketing goals.”
4. Context: At a job fair
“Hi, my name is Mike and I am a web developer. I specialize in creating responsive websites that are optimized for search engines. I have over five years of experience in web development and I am confident that I can help your business to achieve its online goals.
5. Context: Speaking to a potential client
“Hello, my name is Karen and I am a sales representative for ABC Corporation. We are a leading provider of XYZ products and services. I believe that we could provide you with the XYZ that you are looking for. I would be happy to schedule a meeting with you to discuss your specific needs and how we could best meet them. Thank you for your time.”
Conclusion!
Whether you’re job hunting or networking, having a good elevator pitch is essential. An elevator pitch is a quick way to introduce yourself and explain what you do in a way that will spark interest and leave a lasting impression.
While it may seem daunting at first, perfecting your elevator pitch is key to nailing those important job interviews or networking events. A perfect elevator pitch should cover three key points: who you are, what you do, and why you’re great at it. You want to make sure you’re able to deliver your elevator pitch with confidence, so practice beforehand!
During a job interview, an elevator pitch can be a great way to catch the interviewer’s attention and make a good impression. When introducing yourself, job seekers should start with their elevator pitch and then go into more detail about their experience and qualifications. Whether you’re job hunting or networking, a solid understanding of a good elevator pitch is essential to stand out from other candidates or make business connections.
While elevator pitches may seem like a lot of pressure, remember that they’re simply meant to be a quick way, to sum up, who you are. Elevator pitch is important because, in such a short amount of time, you need to be able to pique someone’s interest and leave them wanting to know more.
So what are you waiting for? Start perfecting your elevator pitch today!
