The Importance of a Great Elevator Pitch

Have you ever been at a networking meeting and been put on the spot to introduce yourself and your business? Perhaps as part of the meeting’s process it is a timed exercise for 30-60 seconds adding even more pressure. Does your mouth go dry, your heart start pounding and you think to yourself “I don’t know what to say”?

This is a particularly true scenario for new business owners who are still figuring out who their target market is. They may find it difficult to explain what they do and who would benefit most from their services. However, by actively spending some time working out your ‘elevator pitch’ you will find that you can confidently speak about your business in any situation without the stress.

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in what you or your organisation does. It's typically 30 – 90 seconds in length and should quickly and succinctly introduce you and convey your unique value proposition to your audience. The name "elevator pitch" reflects the idea that you can deliver the pitch in the time it takes to ride an elevator from one floor to the next.

Elevator pitches are important tools for business owners because they allow you to make a quick and memorable impression on potential customers, investors, or partners. In today's fast-paced business environment, you often only have a short amount of time to capture someone's attention and convince them to learn more about your business. A well-crafted elevator pitch can help you do that by highlighting your key strengths, unique selling points, and the benefits that you offer. It can also help you to refine your message and clarify your thinking about what makes your business stand out from the competition.

Overall, an elevator pitch is an essential tool for any business owner who wants to effectively communicate their value proposition and win over new customers and/or partners.

To create an effective elevator speech—no matter to whom and where you’re pitching—follow these four general rules:

1. Clearly state your goals 
- Always start with your name, and the name of your business. The goal of your elevator pitch is to clearly express to your audience who you are and what you do. In turn, they should also walk away with an understanding of what you want from them.
2. Grab their attention with a great hook - An engaging opener will help your elevator pitch really stand out. Try to think of a question, a funny story or a memorable client to share in the opening sentence. A good hook will also pique your audience’s interest to listen and want to find out more about you.
3. Emphasise your value proposition - 
In your elevator pitch, you’ll need to emphasise how your products or services set you apart from the rest. Focus on details that will help others outside the company understand not only the benefits or features of what you offer, but also how you solve problems better than your competitors.
4. Practice your elevator pitch - Once you’ve written your pitch, the next job is to get very comfortable with it. This means practising it until it ‘trips off the tongue’. The first few times you read and practice your elevator pitch, you should time yourself. Ideally, it should be well under a minute. Make sure to practice the pitch with people who will give you honest feedback.
   
   It’s also a great idea to record yourself and listen back to catch any weak parts or stumbles. Avoid using filler words such as “um,” “ah” and “you know” so that you are concise and confident.
   
   With enough practice, your speech will sound natural and convincing. Don’t be afraid to let your emotions and your true self shine through. Showing genuine passion for your work can encourage others to connect with you.
   
   Once you are confident with your elevator pitch you will be able to settle into those networking meetings knowing what you are going to say - leaving the days of palpitating heart and dry mouth behind you!

Kapiti Event

If you live in Kapiti and would like to hone your elevator pitch, the Kapiti Women in Business is running a workshop for women AND men, on this very topic!

Fine Tune Your Elevator Speech

When? Friday 15 September, 9.15am-11.30am

Where? KEDA meeting room, Kapiti Airport

Morning tea provided, catered by Seriously Pickled

$25.00.

To register, see here.