People say timing is everything. By virtue of sheer luck or by design you will come across that one person who can help you achieve your goal and sell your solution whether it’s a product, service, idea book or yourself. Sounds great right? Well yes, if you are prepared. If you haven’t considered what you will say then you will have missed an opportunity.

So this is where the elevator pitch comes in. It is simply a tool that will enable you to be prepared to know what to say if you only have a couple of minutes of someone’s attention. So what exactly is an elevator pitch? It is communication and teaching tool. It should give your audience enough information to know what you are talking about and make them want to find out more.

You may be wondering: “why do I need an elevator pitch? I know exactly what I’m offering and what I can do to help the client’’. Whilst I am sure this is the case, you are also very likely to be the expert on the subject (whatever it may be) and hopefully very passionate about it. The combination of these may be fantastic in certain situations. It can however, also mean you run the danger of going into too much detail when you start dicussing it, leaving people utterly overwhelmed. Best case scenario, they are equally as knowledgeable and passionate, yet the chances are they will be busy people.

How Can People Start To Get You?

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. The sentence above encompasses both the message of what an elevator pitch is all about and most importantly the first letter of each word will help remind you of the key components that an elevator pitch should include.

Use a “hook” such as a statement or question that will pique their interest and grab their attention.

C – Concise

It should be succinct with easy to follow powerful words.

P – Purpose

It explains the problem and what solution you have to offer.

S – Short

It can be delivered in about 60 seconds.

T – Targeted

Address specific concerns of your audience. It if is extremely varied you may wish to consider having a unique pitch for each.

G – Goal Orientated

There has to be a desired outcome. Is your aim to get a business card, a meeting, a referral, a sale?

Y – You

Be passionate. Your energy and enthusiasm need to come through.

Overview

When you’re delivering your pitch speak in the first not the third person. If you go on about ‘we’ this ‘we’ that and you’re the one standing there, your “target” is likely to be left confused. They have to buy into you.
Remember that the purpose is to engage your audience and capture their attention and not to close the deal there and then. Make people understand what’s in it for them. You will have rehearsed it many times until you feel comfortable with it, yet it must sound natural, conversational.

Any other tips you would like to share on what’s worked (or not) for you?
If you do end up having this conversation in an elevator do let me know as that would be a first!

Resources:

Additional useful reading ~ How to Perfect an Elevator Pitch About Yourself 

Enjoyed this blog post? For more go to http://aimtobe.co.uk/life-and-business-coaching-blog/ where you can also sign up for a FREE first coaching session.