9 Things You Can Do to Create a More Powerful Elevator Pitch
These days having a well-prepared elevator pitch is very important because it communicates the most important aspects about you and your business within a very short period of time. Your elevator pitch is often the first impression you are making with a new client or group.
Here are 9 tips for making your elevator pitch a more valuable tool in your marketing toolbox.
Keep It Short and Concise
Your elevator pitch should take between 30-60 seconds to deliver at a good pace or include roughly 150-250 words. The essential elements are Who you are, What you do, Why you do it, Who you do it for, A call to action and your Close.
Be Critical With your Edits
Once you have your first version written, eliminate any redundancies or unclear information. The more you are able to look at your elevator pitch with a critical eye, the more will you be able to improve it with each edit.
Avoid Industry Jargon
Assume your audience has no understanding of your industry, the services you provide, or the products you sell. You want to be able to use your elevator pitch in front of anyone and know that they will understand what you do by the time you're finished, even if they have never even heard of your industry before.
Memorize and Rehearse
An elevator pitch on paper is very different from one said out loud. Read your elevator pitch in your head, read it out loud, then recite it in a mirror to make sure it flows and sounds conversational. We suggest you run it by a colleague or a friend to get their constructive feedback. Recording yourself also works great.
Your Delivery
The challenge is learning your elevator pitch by heart but still making your delivery sound natural and sincere. The more you practice delivering your elevator pitch, the easier it will be to sound conversational and relaxed.
Share Your Personal Brand
The best elevator pitches are those that are memorable, unique, engaging and lead to further conversation. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by sharing the passion for what you do and showcasing your personal brand.
Create Multiple Versions
Once you're comfortable editing, rearranging and substituting, you can create a few different versions ahead of time, or substitute in the most relevant information possible on the fly.
Don’t Forget Your Call to Action
Just as you do with all of your other marketing initiatives, include a call to action at the end of your elevator pitch. Outline what you want to happen next, whether it's giving the other person or group a chance to ask you questions, or scheduling a time to talk with you in more detail.
If you need help to enhance your image, create a killer first impression, write a professional bio or an elevator pitch, and network like a pro, we are here to help. Call Jennifer Grant International for a courtesy consultation.