Elevator Pitch
How you introduce yourself matters a lot everywhere you go. The stakes are a little bit higher, in a professional setting. Basically, your introduction will determine how your audience will judge you. Therefore, you need to make it as effective and impressive as possible. To do this, you will need one important tool, the elevator speech or pitch.
This pitch is all about you, your personality, and what you can do. So you need to put more effort into getting it right if you want to stand out from the crowd. Learn more about how you can use an elevator pitch in the section below.
What is an Elevator Pitch?
In simple and clear language, an elevator pitch is a short and quick summary of yourself. It is more of an opportunity to seek your prospect’s attention and time. It is usually a friendly and engaging form of conversation. For this reason, it can take place at any reasonable place. Whether you are at a networking event or at a conference, you can always make an elevator pitch work.
How to Create/Use an Elevator Pitch
Let us look at how you can actually create/write it.
- Who are You
The first part of your elevator pitch should contain details about who you are. Write down a short sentence about yourself. People should know who they are conversing with. Describe yourself in a few proper words. If you are working at a particular company, state your role as well.
- What Does Your Company Do
If you have stated the company you are working for, make sure to talk about it briefly. What does your company do? This should be the first question you address in this part of your elevator pitch.
You can do this by stating the products and services it offers. You can also include the goals, mission, and vision of your company. Basically, the more detailed information you have about your company, the better.
- Grab Their Attention
A good way to do this would be to bring up a story about your company founders. You can also go ahead and throw in a fascinating fact or statistic.
Grabbing the other party’s attention is critical in getting them to focus on your pitch.
- What is Your Goal
Now, this is where you seal the deal. When you are making a pitch, you have a goal you want to achieve. This is where you make clear what you want. In most cases, it is known as the “ask.” The “ask” could be a job opportunity or even an internship spot. The “ask,” however, comes with a catch. You need to show how your “ask” can be mutually beneficial to both parties.
- Finish With a Call-to-Action
A call-to-action, in this case, is where you determine the next steps to be taken. A good example would be to ask for a meeting to discuss the details of your conversation further. It could also be a request to set up a call, later on, to talk more on the subject.
Delivering an Elevator Pitch
Now that you have crafted your elevator pitch, it all boils down to your delivery. There are certain things you need to keep in mind before actually giving out the elevator pitch. Here is a guide to help you.
- Be Brief
It is crucial to restrict your elevator pitch to about 30 to 60 seconds. Remember, it is not a story about your entire life. It is just a summary of a few key points about your work and career objectives.
- Be Persuasive
Even though you plan on being brief, it is essential to tune it to create a spark in your audience. This goes a long way in helping you achieve your goal (what you want from the pitch).
- Speak Slowly
In most cases, you will have a limited amount of time to deliver your elevator pitch. Even so, it is important to talk at a slow pace so that your message is clear. It also gives your listeners time to absorb the message.
- Use Simple Language
It is one of the most crucial parts of delivering elevator pitches. Make sure that you convey your message in the most simplified form. This helps your audience comprehend easily. The use of acronyms and short forms could easily hamper your pitch quality.
Note: Practice a lot
Delivering your pitch requires you to be relaxed, comfortable, and composed. You can only get this by practicing your pitch regularly. Basically, you need to practice your pitch often until it flows naturally. That is when you will be able to convey it accurately once you are at the event/conference.
Importance of an Elevator Pitch
- It is vital in an interview setting as it acts as an ice breaker to the conversation. It also provides a framework as you prepare to tell the interviewers about yourself.
- It helps you take the lead in a conversation. You do this by showing your assertiveness in displaying what you have to offer.
- With a nice elevator pitch, you get to connect and interact with other “great minds” easily.
- You can easily convince people to contact you once an opportunity comes around.
Samples of How to Write Elevator Pitch
Here are some great elevator pitches you can use to guide you on crafting and delivering your own.
1. An Entrepreneur’s Elevator Pitch
Hi, my name is John Tata. I work at Left Goss Company (Who You Are). Our company specializes in developing and designing online sales funnels. This entails making online customers have a seamless user experience. It also involves providing automated solutions to our clients. These solutions go a long way in boosting their sales. (What your Company Does).
Over the past 12 years, we have helped over 300 company’s boost their sales by over 110%. (Facts/Statistics). I would like to bring such incredible services to your company. It will go a long way in helping your company’s sales increase immensely. (Goal). Can I get in touch with your office so we can set up a meeting next week and discuss this further? (Call to Action).
2. A Graphic Designer’s Elevator Pitch
Hi, my name is Pam, and I am a graphic designer working at Leos Group (Who You Are). My company makes logos for a wide range of businesses/organizations. (What Does Your Company Do?)
Did you know that a poorly designed logo can bring immense damage to a company’s branding? In my nine years’ experience, I have exceptionally handled over 700 contracts. (Facts/Statistic). It would be my pleasure to design your company’s logo. It will help you create the perfect image to attract customers/clients. (Goal). Can I have your contact details so that we can discuss this further? (Call to Action)
- An Engineer’s Elevator Pitch
Hi, my name is Joy Mselengo. I am a structural engineer working at Botrolol Limited. (Who You Are). Botrolol is a company that brings together various engineers. Structural engineers, electrical engineers, among others, all can be found at our firm. (What Does Your Company Do).
Did you know that a building’s stability depends largely on its foundation? For this reason, it is important to always call in experts to construct your building. This will help you avoid issues that may arise from poorly-done foundations. (Fact/Statistic).I would like to be the head engineering of your new office buildings. Bringing me on will help you get a properly done building with no stability issues at all. (Goal). Can I make an appointment with your office so that we can talk more? (Call to Action).
Special Case: Contextual Elevator Pitch
The format highlighted above is the base that you will use in every elevator pitch you make. Even with that being said, there are instances where you need to make some adjustments. The adjustments depend largely on the context. Here are some few examples.
- Context: A Photographer Seeking Mentorship
Hi, I am Molly, nice meeting you. I am an Artist at ABC Incorporation. Before landing a job there, I graduated with a degree in Photography and Design. (Who You Are). At ABC, we are passionate about taking beautiful photos for our clients. (What Does Your Company Do?).
Many top photographers attribute a huge part of their success to their mentors. (Fact/Statistic). I have seen the work you have done with XYZ company, and I must admit it is truly amazing. In fact, it has really inspired me to open up my mind when handling clients photos/tasks. (Adjustment).
I would love to talk more about a potential mentorship with you (Goal). Can I come to your office next week so that we can finalize everything(Call to Action).
Note: Here, some words were added between the fact and the goal. This was done to help the pitcher make her case before getting to the main point.
Context: A Student’s Elevator Pitch
Hello, I am Sam, a recent graduate with a degree in English and Literature. I am also a freelancer who has worked with numerous local businesses (Who You Are). I have written numerous blog pieces. Many of these pieces have helped these companies grow their online presence. (Fact/Statistic).
I would like to write a piece for you if you are open to the idea. It will help your company/firm boost its online presence. (Goal) Can I visit your office to book an appointment so that we can talk later on? (Call to Action)
Note: In this example, you can see that there is no company mentioned. If you do not work at a certain company, it is okay. You can just remove the part that talks about your company and what it does.
Meta Description
An elevator pitch is a short, formal way to introduce yourself when you meet new people. For successful pitching, always adhere to the necessary guidelines.