The Power of the Pitch
“You’ve got 30 seconds to wow me.” — No pressure, right?
Whether you’re at a networking event, tradeshow, or even just chatting with someone you met at the grocery store, being able to explain what you do in a clear, concise, and interesting way is vital to the success of your business. After all, you never know when you’re going to meet your next client or customer.
Now, let’s dive into the topic of elevator pitches – what they are, why they’re important, and how you can craft one that packs a punch.
What Is an Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch is a brief – usually 30 seconds or less – introduction of what you have to offer. It gets its name from the fact that it should be possible to explain your business in the time it takes to ride an elevator. The purpose of an elevator pitch is to clearly and concisely explain what it is that you do or sell, and why someone should buy it.
The Value of Having a Strong Elevator Pitch for Your Business
In today’s competitive business landscape, it is more important than ever to have a strong elevator pitch. A good elevator pitch can be the difference between getting your foot in the door with a potential customer or client, and being passed over.
Think about it this way – when you meet someone at a networking event or even just in passing, and they ask you what you do, you have a very short amount of time to make a good impression. If you can’t clearly and concisely explain what it is that you do and why someone should care, you’ve lost your chance to make a connection.
On the other hand, if you have a strong elevator pitch, you can make a great first impression, and potentially open the door to a new business relationship.
How to Write an Elevator Pitch
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for writing an elevator pitch, but there are a few key elements that all good pitches should include:
- A brief explanation of what your business does
- The main benefit or value proposition for your products or services
- A mention of your target market or ideal customer
- A statement about what makes your business unique
Keep in mind that an elevator pitch is not an opportunity to give a detailed explanation of your business – it is meant to be a quick, attention-grabbing summary.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Elevator Pitch
Once you have written your elevator pitch, it is important to practice it until you have it memorised. This may seem like a daunting task, but it is important to be able to deliver your pitch without sounding like you are reading from a script.
You should also be prepared to answer questions about your business. elevator pitches are typically followed by questions, so it is important to be prepared with answers to common questions such as “How do you do that?” or “Who is your target market?”
Finally, don’t forget to customise your elevator pitch for different audiences. The way you would pitch your business to a potential customer is going to be different than the way you would pitch it to an investor.
While elevator pitches may seem like a lot of work, the effort is worth it. A strong elevator pitch can be a valuable asset for your business, and can help you make lasting connections with potential customers or clients.
Kate Cross, Brand Manager at Consumer Choice Award
