Elevator pitches are extremely important in any relationship building process. They can be instrumental in earning you the opportunity to pitch in some of the best places, create some of the best relationships, and help you win the help of powerful influencers. Whether you’re needing to use it to climb the corporate ladder, or you’re an entrepreneur—elevator pitches matter. Your ability to create an effective and everlasting elevator pitch can make all the difference as an entrepreneur or someone in corporate America.
So what’s the formula for creating a perfect elevator pitch? One that is concise, clear, and gets your noticed by the right people? Well I’m glad you asked! Here is a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect elevator pitch and connecting with your audience through communication and total confidence.
Start with a Blank Canvas
Start with a blank piece of paper and number that paper from one to ten. From there, fill in the most important information that you deem appropriate about yourself, your brand or your business. What does your brand do? What have you achieved, what are your goals? Focus on the most interesting and memorable attributes, and make sure they stand out during your pitch.
Introduce Yourself
A good elevator pitch unintentionally tells a story. That story begins with who you are, why you do what you do, and why what you do actually matters. You should aim to do this in a way that is both captivating and concise. Your pitch should answer these three questions:
- What does your company do?
- What problem are you trying to solve?
- What would your target audience want to know?
Once you answer these three questions, you will quickly be able to frame your pitch for your listener.
Define Your Target Audience
It’s important to make an establishment as to who you’re crafting your pitch for. Without a defined target audience, your elevator pitch is meaningless. You want to make sure you know who you’re crafting your pitch for, and why this target audience is the most sufficient for your elevator pitch. Once this becomes defined, it’s easy to start planning your goals and objectives because you’ll know who you’re doing it for– which requires a more tailored approach.
Identify Your Goals
In order to craft a perfect elevator pitch, you need to know why you are making a pitch in the first place. Establish your goals and objectives of your elevator pitch, and make sure you keep the action or said goals at the front of your mind as you’re crafting.
Establish What Sets Your Brand Apart from Competition
Make sure you make it clear as to what sets your brand and business apart from every other competitor—a unique selling proposition or USP. This is a statement that outlines how your business, brand, product or service is different from your competition. It’s the defining factor as to what makes your brand the better business choice and why your target audience should choose your brand over any other brand/business. In order to create your USP, you’ll need to figure out the following:
- What do you do better than your competitors?
- What can your brand/product/services do that has never been done before?
- How does your current audience feel about your product/brand/services?
Create a Hook
If you want anyone to listen to your elevator pitch, you will need to give them a sufficient reason to do just that. This simply means, make your pitch interesting from the very beginning. Start with an attention grabber and engage your listener with a rhetorical question that uses exciting language. Don’t forget to simply be yourself, and let your personality and professionalism remain at the forefront.
Put it All Together
Once you’ve established an idea of what each part of your elevator pitch will entail, you should then begin turning those parts into a coherent whole. You want to also make sure that after you present your elevator pitch, you are able to answer any follow-up questions and be prepared to elaborate your elevator pitch after giving it.
Examples of Strong Elevator Pitches
A strong elevator pitch conveys who you are, what you do, and how you help your target audience. Below are some examples of strong elevator pitches:
- I’m a public relations specialist for athletes. I represent athletes in public settings where a professional speaker is required, so they can be best represented in the public eye.
- I’m a wellness coach for millennials who need motivation and guidance on their path to positive mental health. I help them gain confidence through their mindset and the way they view themselves, so they can take full control of their happiness and mental health.
- I’m a productivity coach for business owners who feel overwhelmed and frazzled. I help you get organized and focused so you can start taking action on your most important work.
The key to crafting the perfect elevator pitch is to understand your audience’s needs so you can effectively and confidently communicate how you plan on solving those needs for them.
