Sell Your Elevator Pitch Even Before Selling Your Products
Short. Swift. Sweet. That’s what an elevator pitch should be like. To the point. And effective.
A matter of 30 seconds will decide your sale’s fate. Don’t get me wrong. You don’t sell within 30 seconds but make your pitch in a manner to spend another 30 minutes with your prospects.
A strong elevator pitch can be your golden ticket. It’s a concise introduction that grabs attention and opens doors to exciting possibilities. Whether you’re seeking a new job, pitching a business idea, or simply networking, a well-crafted elevator pitch can make a lasting impression and pave the way for success.
However, an elevator pitch is not to be confused with a pitch deck.
This blog explains exactly what they are and how to craft your own. We’ll also unveil some inspiring examples to spark your creativity and help you build the perfect pitch that opens doors to new opportunities.
What is an elevator pitch?
As a salesperson, let’s say, you have a minute to capture someone’s attention with your business idea, product, or even yourself for a job opportunity.
That’s the power of an elevator pitch! It’s a concise introduction that sparks interest and creates a connection.
Forget lengthy explanations; focus on a few key points to pique curiosity and pave the way for future conversations. Elevator pitches can be spoken, like in investor meetings, or written, appearing on websites or social media.
The goal is simple: leave a lasting impression and open doors to potential opportunities.
Components of an elevator pitch and how to write one
Crafting a compelling elevator pitch requires weaving together key elements.
A strong hook grabs attention – a relatable story, a surprising fact, anything to spark interest.
Next, articulate the value you offer. Explain what you do and how it solves a specific problem for your audience.
To build trust, provide evidence of your success – past achievements, impressive numbers, anything that demonstrates your worth.
Finally, set yourself apart. Highlight the unique factor that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Finish with a clear call to action. Do you want them to connect on LinkedIn, schedule a meeting, or simply keep your information? By weaving these elements into a concise pitch, you can leave a lasting impression and open doors to future opportunities.
Below is the process of writing an elevator pitch using these components.
Step 1: Hook & Establish the Problem
- Start with a hook to grab attention. Use questions, surprising facts, or relatable scenarios to spark interest.
- Example Hook: “Did you know that 90% of prospects don’t even open your email outreach messages. ?” (This sets the stage for an e-commerce solution).
Step 2: Introduce Your Solution
- Briefly introduce yourself or your business as the solution.
- Clearly state how you address the problem you established in the hook.
- Mention key features of your solution, but avoid overwhelming with details.
- If necessary, clarify what type of solution you are (platform, agency, app).
Step 3: Highlight the Benefit
- Explain how solving the problem benefits your audience.
- This is your value proposition.
- Focus on the positive outcomes they’ll achieve by using your solution.
Step 4: Differentiate Yourself
- Set yourself apart from competitors.
- Mention your unique selling proposition (USP), social proof, trust signals, or a relevant anecdote.
Step 5: End with a Call to Action (CTA)
- Conclude with a clear call to action that encourages the listener to take the next step.
- This could be a classic CTA like “buy now,” “download,” or “schedule a call.”
- Alternatively, pose a thought-provoking question to keep them engaged.
However, Patrick Dang has his own way of making an elevator pitch which he says, “One sentence elevator pitch.”
When to use an elevator pitch?
You can use an elevator pitch in a variety of situations where you have a limited window to make a strong impression and spark interest. Here are some common scenarios:
- Networking events: These gatherings are all about making quick connections. An elevator pitch allows you to introduce yourself, your business, or your skills in a way that’s memorable and encourages further conversation.
- Job interviews: The elevator pitch concept can be applied to your interview introduction. Briefly explain your background, highlight your most relevant skills, and showcase your value proposition to the company.
- Conferences and trade shows: These events are filled with potential contacts. Use your elevator pitch to grab attention, explain your product or service, and encourage them to visit your booth or learn more later.
- Social introductions: Meeting someone new at a party or gathering? An elevator pitch can be a great way to make a lasting first impression and leave them wanting to know more.
- Cold calls or emails: If you’re reaching out to someone you don’t know, an elevator pitch can be a concise way to introduce yourself and the reason for your contact.
- Pitching to investors: While a full investor pitch will take longer, the core elements of an elevator pitch can be used to grab their attention and pique their interest in learning more about your business idea.
Benefits of an elevator pitch
You may struggle to communicate your value proposition or key message to your prospects. This could lead to missed opportunities, confusion about your offering, and difficulty in engaging potential clients.
Here are some of the key benefits of having a strong elevator pitch:
Makes a Lasting Impression
A well-crafted pitch allows you to stand out in a short amount of time. It captures attention, conveys your value proposition clearly, and leaves a memorable impression on potential clients, employers, or investors.
Opens Doors to Opportunities
By sparking interest and creating a connection, your elevator pitch can pave the way for future conversations, meetings, or collaborations. It can lead to job interviews, business deals, or valuable networking opportunities.
Boosts Confidence
Having a polished pitch ready to go can boost your confidence in any situation. You’ll feel prepared to introduce yourself and your ideas in a concise and compelling way.
Sharpens Communication Skills
The process of refining your elevator pitch forces you to articulate your value proposition clearly and concisely. This improves your overall communication skills and helps you present yourself effectively in any situation.
Saves Time
A well-rehearsed pitch allows you to quickly share the most important information without rambling or wasting valuable time. This is especially beneficial in fast-paced networking events or brief introductions.
Provides Clarity and Focus
Crafting an elevator pitch forces you to identify your core message and value proposition. This clarity and focus can be valuable not just for your pitch, but also for your overall business strategy or career goals.
How long should an elevator pitch be?
An elevator pitch should ideally be delivered within the timeframe of a typical elevator ride, which is generally considered to be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal length:
- Sweet Spot (Most Recommended): 30-60 seconds – This is the golden zone. It allows you to deliver a clear and concise message without losing the listener’s attention.
- Acceptable Range: Up to 2 minutes – While pushing the limit, you can still potentially capture interest within this timeframe. However, be mindful of not exceeding this as you risk losing the listener’s engagement.
Elevator pitch Vs Pitch Deck
Feature | Elevator Pitch | Pitch Deck |
Length | 30 sec- 2 mins | 10-20 mins |
Delivery | Spoken word (verbal communication) | Visual representation with slides and narration |
Purpose | Grab attention, spark interest, and create opportunities for further discussion. | Deep dive into details, provide, comprehensive info, convince for action |
Content | Focuses on key highlights (problem, solution, value proposition) | Expands on elevator pitch (market analysis, financials, team, competitors, future plans) |
Formality | Less formal, conversational style | More formal, professional presentation style |
Elevator pitch examples and templates
Here are a few examples of elevator pitches, along with explanations of why they’re effective:
MasterWork Way
“Hey there! I totally get how much of a pain it is to create reports, especially when you’re knee-deep in marketing stuff. But guess what? There’s a solution that’s going to make your life a whole lot easier. It’s called MasterWork! This handy tool takes all the hassle out of report generation by pulling data from everywhere you need and whipping up customized reports in a flash. So say goodbye to those tedious tasks and hello to more time for the good stuff in your day!”
Why it’s Effective:
- Identifies Pain Points: It begins by addressing a common pain point experienced by marketers – the hassle of creating reports.
- Offers a Solution: It introduces AnswerASAP as the solution to this problem, creating a sense of relief and interest in the listener.
- Highlights Benefits: The pitch emphasizes the time-saving aspect of the tool, highlighting that reports can be generated quickly, allowing marketers to focus on more pressing tasks.
- Engaging and Relatable: The pitch adopts a conversational tone and uses imagery (pouring a cup of coffee) to paint a vivid picture, making it relatable and memorable.
- Clear and Concise: It delivers the message succinctly, capturing the listener’s attention without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.
Freelance data analyst
“Struggling to make sense of your data? I’m [Your Name], a freelance data analyst who helps businesses unlock insights hidden in their data. I translate complex data into actionable reports that drive better decision-making. My work helped [Client Name] identify a new revenue stream worth [Amount]. Are you ready to unlock the power of your data?”
Why it’s good
- Addresses a common pain point: Focuses on a challenge many businesses face – analyzing data effectively.
- Highlights expertise: Briefly explain what you do and how your skills benefit businesses.
- Provides a specific example: Share a quantifiable achievement to showcase your impact.
- Ends with a compelling question: Encourages the listener to consider their own data needs.
Public speaking coach
Ever feel anxious presenting in front of a crowd? I’m [Your Name], a public speaking coach who helps professionals overcome stage fright and deliver impactful presentations. In just a few sessions, I’ve helped clients like [Client Name] land a promotion because of their newfound confidence. Ready to conquer your fear and become a confident speaker? Let’s connect!”
Why it’s good
- Relatable hook: Starts with a common fear, grabbing attention from anyone who has presented.
- Solution-oriented: Clearly positions you as the solution to stage fright.
- Social proof: Mentions working with clients and seeing results, building trust.
- Ends with a strong CTA: Offers immediate action (connecting) and a desired outcome (confidence).
Elevator pitch templates
Problem-Solution-Benefit
Managing remote teams can be tough for many businesses. That’s why we came up with [Your Project Management Software Name]. It’s designed to make communication smoother, keep track of progress, and amp up collaboration among team members. Just ask [Client Name] – they saw a whopping 25% boost in productivity after using our software!
Hook-Solution-Value Proposition
“Did you know that 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned? [Your E-commerce Platform Name] provides a user-friendly checkout experience and personalized retargeting to help you capture lost sales and boost conversions.”
Unique Selling Proposition (USP) Focus
“[Your Company Name] is the only AI-powered content marketing platform that analyzes user data and audience trends to create hyper-personalized content that resonates with your target audience.”
Question & Solution
“Are you tired of juggling multiple social media accounts and wasting time on scheduling? [Your Social Media Management Tool Name] helps you manage all your social media channels from one platform, saving you time and effort.”
Storytelling Approach
“As a busy entrepreneur, I constantly struggled to find qualified talent. That’s how [Your Recruitment Agency Name] was born. We offer a personalized approach to connect businesses with top talent, ensuring a perfect fit for both sides.”
Benefit-Driven
“Imagine closing more deals with less effort. [Your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software Name] helps you automate tasks, track leads efficiently, and close deals faster.”
Future-Oriented
“The future of customer service is personalized and automated. [Your Chatbot Development Company Name] is positioned at the forefront, providing AI-powered chatbots that enhance customer experience and improve brand loyalty.”
Challenge & Expertise
“Facing the challenge of reaching a wider audience and growing your business online? I’m a digital marketing specialist with a proven track record of helping businesses like [Client Name] achieve double-digit revenue growth.”
Passion & Purpose
“I’m passionate about making high-quality education accessible to everyone. That’s why I created [Your Online Learning Platform Name]. We offer affordable and engaging online courses to empower learners across the globe.”
Social Proof & Results
“[Fortune 500 Company Name] trusts [Your Cybersecurity Firm Name] to protect their data. We’ve helped them achieve industry-leading security standards and can do the same for you.”
Remember, these templates are just a starting point for creating your own personalized elevator pitch.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Fail to deliver your elevator pitch properly, and you risk missing out on valuable opportunities to make meaningful connections or convey the value of your product or service. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it.
Below are some of the mistakes people often make while crafting their elevator’s pitch.
Generic and unmemorable
Don’t fall into the trap of generic introductions. Avoid phrases like “I’m a [your job title]” or “My company does [what your company does].” Instead, personalize your pitch and highlight a specific problem you solve.
Too long and rambling
Remember, an elevator pitch is meant to be quick. If you find yourself going over a minute, you’re losing your audience. Focus on delivering the key points with clarity and conciseness.
Jargon and technical language
Avoid industry jargon or overly technical terms. Your pitch should be easily understood by anyone, regardless of their background.
Focus on benefits, not features
While features are important, the true power lies in highlighting the benefits your solution offers. Explain how your product or service improves your audience’s lives or solves their problems.
Lack of passion and enthusiasm
Your delivery is just as important as the content of your pitch. Speak with passion and enthusiasm to grab attention and leave a lasting impression.
No Call to Action (CTA)
Don’t let your pitch end abruptly. Conclude with a clear call to action that encourages the listener to take the next step, whether it’s visiting your website, scheduling a meeting, or connecting on social media.
Overpromising and underdelivering
Don’t exaggerate your capabilities or make unrealistic claims. Focus on what your solution genuinely offers and avoid setting unrealistic expectations.
No differentiation
If your pitch sounds similar to every other competitor, you’ll struggle to stand out. Clearly articulate what makes your solution unique and sets you apart from the crowd.
Conclusion
Crafting an effective elevator pitch is essential for sales success, as it aims to engage and capture the interest of potential clients concisely and persuasively.
From understanding its purpose to refining your delivery, a compelling elevator pitch revolves around highlighting your unique selling proposition, addressing customer needs, and ending with a compelling call to action.
Regardless of your industry, tailoring your pitch to resonate with your audience is crucial. Leveraging tools like NetHunt CRM can provide valuable insights to personalize your approach and convert elevator pitches into sales effectively.
Equip yourself with a powerful elevator pitch, seize every opportunity, and let your business stand out.
