What is an elevator pitch? An elevator pitch or elevator speech is a 30-60 second summary of your business and what it can offer.
The elevator pitch gets its name from being able to give a quick and succinct answer to someone who asks you in an elevator between floors. You should have clearly stated your business mantra by the time it takes for you (or them) to reach their destination - who you are, what your business is and what you offer.
Tips
Being able to fine tune an elevator pitch can take some time, and needs to be practised. It should sound natural and not rehearsed when you come to deliver it, and make listeners interested in what you do.
Every business needs an elevator pitch. It's what you say when you meet someone at a conference or in the street when they ask you what you do or what your business does. You can fine tune it to suit the audience and the occasion.
Caution
An elevator pitch does not have to be hard sell. In fact, a sales pitch will just turn someone off, if all they are asking is what do you do. Brevity and clarity are key.
Resources
If you are investment company, your pitch will differ from that of a bookstore, but it's a good idea to research to see samples of other elevator pitches, as a starting point.
What is your elevator pitch?
I'd love you to share your elevator pitch, or any tips you have for others either developing or delivering their own pitch.
This is part of an ongoing Small Biz Mentor series on Basic Business Terms.
I think an elevator pitch is a good thing to have, but it's also good not to be too automatic about giving it out exactly the same way each time.
It can be very effective when you've thought specifically about the needs of your target audience.
Posted by: Laura | October 11, 2007 5:20 AM | Permalink to Comment