There are a bazillion articles, tutorials, analyzers, and videos on how to write an elevator pitch — so why one more? I have a slightly different perspective, which I’ve found to be successful. The elevator pitch (EP) theory is, when introduced, there is very little time to capture someone’s attention.

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

The First 30 Words 

The elevator pitch scenario is, you have a chance meeting with an influential person on an elevator — you have time for about 35 words. How do you capture anyone’s attention with only 35 words? More about that later, but consider this: What would most people like to talk about?

Who and What 

I agree with many elevator pitch advocates — an EP should include who you are, what you do, what your competitive advantage is, and the benefit to the end-user.

“Hi, I’m Bill Doe with ABC Widgets, not only are we top quality, but we have the fastest delivery in the nation, which reduces inventory and saves our customers money.” That’s 30 words — I have 5 left.

I also agree an EP should be developed by the sales, marketing, and executive staff – to a point. Everything changes and the elevator pitch should change with it. It should be frequently updated, and whenever possible, the elevator pitch should be modified for a specific person or business.

The Last 5 Words 

Ultimately, the goal of the elevator pitch is to continue the conversation. What would intrigue others to talk with you more? What do people want to talk about? I believe people usually want to talk about themselves and their organizations. What are my last five words of the pitch?

“How may I help you?”

A few years ago the marketing team I worked with attended an event with a potential customer. We knew they’d just started using social media in their business. We explained our newest service, and its benefits. Then, we offered to share our experience with social media. We spent the rest of our time discussing how to use social media, and how it could help them. A few days later, they contacted us about a national project. We landed the contact of more than one million dollars.

Do we really Need One More How to write an Elevator Pitch Post?

So, do we need one more, “how to write an elevator pitch?” I think so. If you’d like to learn more, let us know. How may we help you?

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. If I wanted to be the most effective networker I could be I needed a plan. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

My plan probably won’t be your plan. That’s why throughout the book there are worksheets, checklists, and simple CTA’s. Use these to create a networking plan that fits your needs.

Photo by Derrick Treadwell on Unsplash