10 Steps for Crafting a Killer Elevator Pitch

10 Steps for Crafting a Killer Elevator Pitch

Is an elevator pitch important? I believe it is if you want to be able to present yourself, and your business, succinctly The information below is based on many years experience, working with clients to refine their elevator pitch.

What is an elevator pitch you ask? A short description of what you do, for whom, the benefit, and what you require from the listener. It is a pithy description which you could give to somebody should you meet them in an elevator. By the time you reach the top floor, they should be so enthused that want to sign the contract! It should be no more than one minute.

1. Write down your objective or goal

Do you want to attract investment funds, make a sale, gain a prospect, enlist support for an idea, earn a referral, or something else? Different objectives / goals will require different variations of your pitch

2. Write down what you do

Write it several different ways.  Don’t edit yourself at all. Brainstorm ideas with yourself as to how to explain this. Don’t hold back. The goal is to get at many ideas as possible down on paper.

3. Write down how you benefit others

How does your business / service help others. What benefits do you deliver.

4. Write 3 call to action statements

These are statements or questions designed to spur the action associated with your goal. I always recommend three as people remember things in threes. You will remember your calls to action

5. Practice
   

Practice in front of a mirror, with a friend, even record yourself on camera. Hear how you sound, see how you look. Critique yourself.

6. Let it filter
   

Come back to what you’ve written with fresh eyes and ears the next day or later on in the same day.

7. Highlight the good elements
   

Listen and read through what you’ve recorded and written. Highlight the best parts – those that are most visual and describe your offer, benefit and what the audience should do as a result of listening. Repeat the process.

8. Do a final edit

Cut out as many unnecessary words as possible. Rearrange words and phrases until it sounds just right. Again, the goal is 30-60 seconds maximum.

9. Practice

Run it by as many people as you can get to listen to you. Get feedback from colleagues, clients you trust, friends and family.

10. Continue to improve

Over time, always be on the listen for phrases that you think could make your elevator pitch more clear. When the situation changes ( your business, your goals etc), start over again.

Photo credit

photo credit: <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/christinawelsh/2077250108/”>Christina Welsh (Rin)</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>