How To Create Your Elevator Pitch

How To Create Your Elevator Pitch

For many of us, when we meet someone for the first time, we effectively give an elevator pitch. The question is, what makes a good elevator pitch?

A good elevator pitch is something that is both memorable and compelling.

According to a recent study, 70% of all jobs are found through networking. Your ability to network and pitch yourself may land you your next big opportunity.

As a VIP Communications Pass holder, this article is packed with extra tips and tools to show you how to be a more confident communicator, including videos, downloadable tips, step-by-step instructions, and more! 

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VIP Communications Pass: How To Create An Elevator Pitch

 

1. Your Goal

Whether networking at an industry event, interacting with potential employers, or seeking to make a memorable impression quickly, a well-crafted elevator pitch is a powerful tool for establishing a connection and leaving a lasting positive impression. Before you craft your elevator pitch, you must think about your goal.

Consider the following:

• 

  Getting A New Job -  One of your goals in creating an elevator pitch may be to get a new job. If this is the case, you will want to think about impressing potential employers, recruiters, or networking contacts. You can clearly articulate your skills, experiences, and unique value proposition. You'll want to focus on how your work aligns with the company's mission.

• Networking - Just because you aren't looking for a new job doesn't mean you don't need an elevator pitch. You may have a goal of simply networking with people inside and outside your industry. You can develop an elevator pitch to foster connections within your industry or field. Emphasize your expertise, achievements, and career aspirations to engage with professionals, expand your network, and open doors to potential collaborations, mentorships, or business opportunities. Your elevator pitch will help you foster relationships.

• Promoting a Business or Project - If your aim is entrepreneurial or project-related, tailor your elevator pitch to showcase the value of your business idea or project. Convey the problem you solve, your unique approach, and the potential impact, aiming to attract interest, support, or collaboration from potential investors, partners, or customers.

Knowing what your goal is will help you formulate a compelling elevator pitch.

 

2. Your Audience

Before crafting your pitch, understand who you'll be talking to. Tailor your message to resonate with your audience's interests and needs. Whether it's a potential employer, a networking contact, or a potential client, customize your pitch to highlight aspects of your background or business that align with their values.

Consider the following:

• Their Interests - Take the time to research your audience. Understand the specific needs, challenges, and interests of the person or group you'll address. Tailor your pitch to emphasize aspects of your background, skills, or achievements that directly align with what matters most to them. For example, if you know you will be at a networking group with people outside your industry, you may want to leave technical jargon out of your pitch. Instead, focus on what your audience cares about. 
• Customize Examples - You can adapt your elevator pitch by emphasizing experiences most relevant to your audience. For example, if speaking to a potential employer, focus on accomplishments or skills directly related to the job. When networking with professionals in a particular industry, highlight experiences demonstrating your understanding of and contributions to that sector. By customizing your examples, you show that you can add value in a way that is directly applicable to the listener's interests.

• Speak The Language - Tailor your language to match that of your audience. Whether addressing professionals in a technical field, potential clients in a specific industry, or members of a particular professional community, using industry-specific language helps you connect more effectively. It demonstrates that you are familiar with their world and can communicate seamlessly. This level of familiarity fosters a sense of shared understanding and reinforces your credibility within the targeted group.

Tailoring your elevator pitch to your audience will help you grab their attention and keep them engaged.

 

3. TV Formula

A good elevator pitch isn't about rehashing your resume, selling your services, or going on and on about yourself. A good elevator pitch should leave others wanting to know more about you. One way to do this is to implement the TV formula.

TV Formula

• Teaser - The teaser is the first few words you say. This may be the most important part of your elevator pitch. This is because it will determine whether someone wants to hear what you say. People's attention spans are very short. They need to be interested in you right away. You want to hook your audience right away. For example, you can pose a rhetorical question, a surprising fact, or a bold claim. You want to ensure it makes the other person excited to learn more.
• Headline - A powerful headline is one where you don't shy away from sharing how what you know can benefit others. You want to be relatable. For example, if you are around a potential client, you could say, "Hi, my name is Mark Willaims. I am a data analysis expert who has helped analyze over 2 million pieces of data to help pinpoint what consumers want to purchase." When you headline who you are and how you can help. The key is to tell people what you do and how it benefits them.
• Body - The body is the meat of your message. This is where you will want to share examples to back up what you've said in your teaser and headline. If you said you were an expert in data analysis, share specific high-level numbers, such as how your data analysis turned into revenue. This is where you build your credibility and show you know what you're talking about. 
• Strong Ending - A strong ending will make the other side want to know more. The ending should also get the conversation flowing. For example, you can hint at an upcoming project you're working on to build intrigue. You can even ask a follow-up question.

The TV formula will help you make a stellar first impression.

An effective elevator pitch is both memorable and compelling. To do this, you have to strategically think about your goal, who your audience is, and the parts of your elevator pitch.

 

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