‘Picture yourself bumping into that one person that can give your idea, product, project or start-up the right intervention it needs…in an elevator.’

Sometimes we have great ideas that only need to be heard by someone that can give us that big break. Unfortunately, we may not have access to ‘that someone’ and those ideas end up unheard or they don’t have the time. Sometimes, if we get the opportunity to share, we have little or no time to gather our thoughts or ideas to present.

So, envision what you would say to them. How you would begin; How you would end; and if you can deliver in a few seconds. Have you heard of an “Elevator Pitch”?

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch, also known as an elevator speech is a short idea, product or business presentation that typically spans between 15 to 30 seconds. The idea is to clearly and concisely pass across ‘the information’ before both parties get off the elevator. Experts have revealed that a good elevator pitch should contain no more than 100 to 200 words or four to five sentences.

An elevator pitch is not restricted to elevators only. It was appropriately named due to its conciseness and time span.

How to Prepare an Elevator Pitch

1)    Introduce yourself: It is imperative to smile, give your full name, extend your hand for a handshake and give a pleasantry. For example, ‘Good afternoon, my name is Mary Cole. I am a Marketing Communications Specialist with a special focus on managing successful initiative launches from start to finish’.

2)    Provide an insight into your background: Include your past accomplishment(s) as an integral part of your pitch.

3)    Proffer a solution:  It is important to give value first. Ensure your pitch has a customer value proposition and that all the benefits of your product or service are efficiently communicated.

4)    Follow up: Your pitch is ineffectual if you don’t have a follow-up plan. Request a complimentary card and ask to send a detailed pitch.

5)    Practice: When next you find yourself in an elevator, practise. With the right attitude and confidence, you would have a successful pitch.

Already have your elevator pitch; Your answer to the famous ‘Tell me about yourself’ question; That speech you happily articulate to introduce yourself at interviews? 

Please share your old, new or revised elevator pitches in the comment section below. Let’s learn and stay motivated!