Elevator Pitch

The 60 second elevator pitch is a very important factor not only for formal networking, but generally being able to grab somebodies attention if they asked you what you do. Imagine you if found yourself in a lift with your ideal client for 60 seconds. What would you say to grab their attention and interested in what you do?

In the last couple of articles we looked at business networking and networking tips. Now let’s look at how you can create your elevator pitch. We have created an info graphic to assist you in creating your perfect 60 seconds. You can see it at the bottom of the page. Simply fill in the box with the answers to the questions or tips. It is useful to have multiple elevator pitches available to you, to use depending on the type of client you may be speaking to. Your 60 seconds is also a continuous work in progress. As your ideal type of client or business offering changes, so should your pitch.

“Be clear, be brief, be seated” – Winston Churchill

20 Additional tips for a great elevator pitch

Here are some additional things you can do to create and deliver your elevator pitch. Some of them depend on the type of networking group or event you might find yourself in.

• Remember that it is all about the benefits to your audience.
Know what is important to them. Why should they buy from you?

• Use case studies or testimonials of clients who are happy with your service.
Or talk about the results they got.

• Keep it real and be natural.
Practice in front of the mirror or a partner so that it flows naturally.

• Don’t use industry slang or jargon.
Use normal language that does not baffle the audience.

• Don’t give a list of all your services.
Focus on a particular problem that you can solve for the listener.

• Be enthusiastic about your business.

• Smile and be approachable.

• Keep it to a maximum of 60 seconds.
People’s minds start to wonder after 40 seconds.

• Be specific about the referrals you are looking for.
The more specific you can be the better. You will be amazed at who knows who.

• You can have fun with your 60 seconds.
Vary it by saying it to the beat of a tune, or in a poem etc.

• Keep it fresh by having a few variations of your 60 seconds.
Especially if you are giving the same pitch every week to the same people.

• Stand up and straight.
Stand and balancing on both feet. Don’t fidget. Keep your hands out of your pockets and visible for people to see.

• Ideally have nothing blocking you.
Meaning, don’t stand behind a chair or table.

• Make eye contact with everyone.
This makes people feel important and helps to build rapport.

• Use props to help people remember what you do.

• Have a memory hook or tag line that people can remember you by.

• Never bad mouth your competition.
You never know who knows who and it makes you sound nasty.

• If you have to use figures, give specific examples.
Don’t use percentages, as some people will not be able to work them out.

• Don’t swear or use bad language.

• Never assume that everybody knows what you do.

Happy Networking

“Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.” Oliver Wendell Holmes.

These are just some tips to help you create your 60 seconds. It is important to practice your pitch, so that it becomes second nature. When you deliver it, it should flow smoothly and naturally.

I wish you every success with your networking efforts. If you need any help, please feel free to reach out. I am always happy to help.

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