Going Up? Make Sure Your Elevator Pitch Doesn't Let You Down
An "elevator pitch" is a concise, exciting snapshot of your business that leaves potential clients with a good understanding of your products and services and a desire to learn more.
It should take just 30 seconds and be crafted to address the unique needs of prospects. Creating and practicing this pitch is as essential to your company as your business cards, brochures and Web site.
Define your product or service in a unique way. In one or two sentences, describe what you can provide. Point out up to three specialties that you're passionate about, how you differ from the competition, and ways you add a unique value.
Define your customer. In one sentence, sum up your typical customer, or the type of customer you'd like to serve.
Write it until you get it right. Write your "elevator pitch" down. Work on it until it feels right and quickly gets your point across. If your business occupies more than one niche, try to sum them all up, or craft a few pitches that you can use with different prospects. If you're having trouble, ask your associates and clients what they value most, chances are, someone else will, too!
Practice, practice, practice. Practice it out loud in front of a mirror.
It should sound natural, not rehearsed. The more you practice your pitch, the easier it will be to deliver.
Keep it fresh. Although you want your delivery to roll off your tongue, remember that over time you'll need to adjust your pitch as your business goals and services change. Get so good that you can customize your pitch for the prospect standing right in front of you.
--Will Limkemann, Limkemann Business Advisors
