Are you struggling to come up with your elevator pitch? You’re not alone as many people struggle with their elevator pitch. That’s why I’ve put together this quick guide based on my Live Interview with Carol Benton, Business Writer at www.words2win.com.au that shows you how to write your perfect elevator pitch in just three easy steps.
So, What Exactly is an Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch is based on the idea that you can describe what you do if you got into an elevator and somebody asked, ‘what do you do’? Your answer (your pitch) should cover the time it takes to get to your destination (excluding the first and second floors of course).
Generally, it’s a 15 to 20-second ride. An elevator pitch should be a short, easy, succinct statement. It should just roll off your tongue, sound natural and automatic. An elevator pitch is not: a full rundown on your work, all about you, a sales pitch, War and Peace.
Your elevator pitch is one of your most valuable business tools and extends to beyond the elevator. After all, when was the last time you got into an elevator and somebody asked, what do you do? It’s not common, but what is common is being asked – what do you do?
When asked you want to be prepared with a great elevator pitch that gets people thinking “tell me more”…
Easy Steps to Write a Great Elevator Pitch for Your Business
An elevator pitch can be broken down into three easy steps. Remember it’s your presentation, not a sales pitch!
1. Structure
The following four parts make up the structure of your elevator pitch. You can mix and match these as sometimes you would use all four parts, others just one. It depends on the situation and who you’re talking to.
Relatable Statement
This sets the scene and occurs before you introduce yourself. It’s optional but it’s a powerful way of getting people’s attention. Its two sentences at the most and you must make people relate to you through either a:
Statement – eg: video content is huge right now but many people struggle with doing video.
Statistic- eg: 80% of businesses are using video to engage their audiences.
Question – eg: ‘Do you ever feel like you want to do video but are not confident enough’?
Introduction
This is you who and how you help. The value you give must come through or else it’s not effective (eg: I help small businesses with XYZ). On its own, this part is sufficient if you’re just doing a 15-second elevator pitch. But it’s absolutely crucial that it rolls off your tongue!
Expand Your Value
Give more detail into what you do and show the outcomes you deliver. You could give examples of your work, customer stories, and the processes involved. Best to keep it to three processes for brevity.
What Do You Want to Ask For?
This ideal in formal situations like networking events where you literally put out a CTA. You can ask to be introduced to certain people, ask for referrals, ask for speaking opportunities, ask for people to book a call with you etc.
2. Preparation
As with everything in life, you must prepare. When it comes to your elevator pitch write it down (works better written) and read it aloud with your timer on the phone. Tweak it and shorten it. Test it on a few people. You’ll be able to tell if its right by the expression on their
faces.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
There is no substitute for practice. With practice your elevator pitch becomes automatic, and it rolls off your tongue. This is what you want. No waffling or stumbling with your words.
So, there you have it, three easy steps- structure, preparation, and practice to a great elevator pitch. It’s a powerful business tool opening the door to many opportunities.
The article is written by www.writeway.com.au