An elevator pitch is a short, prepared speech designed to explain your business quickly and effectively. The term comes from the idea that you should be able to promote your business in less time than it takes to reach your floor in an elevator. At some networking events, you may only have a few minutes to make your connections and explain your services or products. The elevator pitch was designed for these situations. It can be a great tool in your networking tool-belt.

Digging Deeper

Elevator pitches work like verbal business cards. They spark interest in potential clients or partners by telling them what your company does in an uplifting manner. They can also be used for products, projects, and other ideas instead of the whole business.

The best elevator pitches don’t last more than 20 or 30 seconds. They remain interesting, concise, and memorable while explaining why the chosen topic is unique and worth investigating.

How to Create Your Pitch

Condensing your whole company into a few seconds can seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you may think. Following this simple process can help you build the conversation you need.

1. Identify the Goal

What’s the objective of your pitch? Selling a product? Explaining the mission of your company? Offering some information about your organization to potential clients? Once you have a clear goal it’s easier to select the right information.

2. Explain Your Goal

Start off with a quick sentence explaining what your business does. You can focus on problems you solve and specifically how you’re able to help people. It should be exciting and uplifting and focus on whatever you want your audience to remember. Keep in mind that your pitch should be enthusiastic – even if they can’t recall your exact words they should remember your passion and enthusiasm.

3. Provide Your USP

Your pitch needs to include your unique selling proposition. Add this after your explanation to help support the value of your work and offer details on why your brand is a superior choice.

4. Engage Listeners

A yes or no question is a great way to keep your audience engaged and make them feel involved. This should be the final portion of your pitch which will draw them in and perhaps even inspire them to ask their own questions.

Looking for More Tips?

Use this great info graphic to further tighten up the bolts on your elevator pitch. When you’re done, it’s time to start looking for great networking events where you can test it out.

Additional Resources:
https://www.du.edu/career/networkingandevents/networkingtips/elevator.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chicceo/2013/02/05/how-to-create-an-elevator-pitch/#4cfe7ca572a3
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/228070