A few years ago during a Leadership sales meeting for a Mens Fashion/Apparel brand I was introduced to the "Elevator Pitch".
Up until that point I had worked in many leadership roles from a General Manager, CEO of my own company and State Manager and Training roles for reputable organisations and luxury brands.
Selling myself or the companies I represented had become a somewhat common expectation but it wasn't until this moment that I realised the importance "The Elevator Pitch" had across many different scenarios.
I began to use "The Elevator Pitch" with all the stores I managed and it became an effective training tool to get them to be quick and "to the point" grabbing their customers attention to convert sales. It created engagement with the team and really gave them a genuine way of introducing their product and its point of difference.
Now I use the "Elevator Pitch" when meeting new clients and talking about my company and its point of difference, when meeting new people to talk about how I add value to them and finally when training new people or during career consultations.
An "Elevator Pitch" really does work so use the below tips to Nail yours.
So what is an "Elevator Pitch"?
It is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what you or your organisation does. It should last no more than 30 seconds hence the name. It should be memorable and succinct explaining what makes you or your organisation, product or idea- unique.
When to use an "Elevator Pitch"
When meeting a new client for the first time and pitching your organisation
When pitching an idea to your CEO or General Manager
When applying for a new role-in your CV or in an interview
When training your teams- to create effective opening statements with their customers in "opening the sale"
When telling people about a change initiative you are leading
In meetings, conferences and seminars.
Create your "Elevator Pitch"
Depending on your individual scenario and why you are creating your "Elevator Pitch" follow the steps below"
Identify your Goal
Start thinking about your objective. If you are pitching an idea to to potential clients or you have an idea to pitch to your fellow executives, or you simply want to explain in an effective way what you do for a living or what your strengths are you need to identify your goal.
2. Explain what you do
What do you want your audience to remember about you?
Your pitch should bring a smile to your face and get you excited about what you do. If it doesn't excite you then it most likely won't excite your audience. If you are using an elevator pitch in an interview you want the company to feel your enthusiasm so you want to create a pitch that is engaging and demonstrates what you do with proven results.
Your interviewer won't remember everything you say but he/she/they will remember your enthusiasm and why you are so good at what you do.
When jotting notes down on this part of your pitch describe your problem solving skills and how you add value to what you do or what you have achieved.
3. Identify your Unique Selling Proposition-USP
This is where you communicate what makes you or your idea unique . After you speak or write about what you do this is where you identify and communicate what makes your idea or "YOU" unique.
4. Engage with a question
This part of the "Elevator Pitch" is applied when you want to engage your audience with open ended questions. You want to involve them in the conversation and show that you are interested in how they might approach something in their organisation.
5. Put it all together
Once you have completed your elevator pitch-put it all together. It should last no more than 30 seconds. If its longer than this you will lose the person's interest and end up monopolising the conversation. Short, succinct and Snappy!
6. Practice
Remember that Practice makes perfect and "How you say your "Elevator Pitch is just as important as what you say. Don't be too fast and don't be too aggressive- its meant to be smooth and natural.
Tailor your "Elevator Pitch" to different audiences and scenarios.
When going for interviews "The Elevator Pitch" is mean to enthuse your interviewer and give them a snap shot of how great you are, why you will ,take a difference to their organisation and the results you have achieved in your roles and "how this will add value to their organisation.
Always ask a question in return about how the organisation achieves their results or how they go about doing something you have spoken about.
Key Points
Remember An Elevator Pitch is a persuasive speech that you use to spark an interest in yourself, or what your organisation does. It needs to be succinct, short, snappy.
In summary follow these steps:
1.Identify your goal
2.Explain what you do
3.Communicate your USP
4.Engage with a question
5.Put it all together
6.Practice