Every professional and small business owner should be able to give a short overview of their business and what they do. This is called an elevator pitch, and should be delivered in 30-60 seconds. My company is still new, and I am attending a couple of networking events this week, so I’ve been fine-tuning my elevator pitch. Here is the process I went through, along with a real-world example of how I developed my own elevator pitch.
Step 1: What do you do? This shouldn’t be a laundry list of everything you do. But a concise sentence that explains the range of product or service offerings.
I provide one-stop-shop marketing services for small and medium sized businesses.
Step 2: Why does what you do matter? This is what makes you unique. What’s different about what you offer vs. your competition?
These business owners are already wearing so many hats and they often can’t afford big agency prices. I’m able to provide actionable strategies and real-life tactics that work for an affordable price while allowing small business owners to focus on what they do best.
Step 3: Why do you do it? Tell people why you do what you do.
I’m passionate about all things marketing and I’m results-driven. Often small business owners know what their goals are, but don’t have the marketing expertise to get there. I help put together a plan and the steps for achieving those goals.
Step 4: What’s next? Provide some information about how your business is growing and evolving. Consider sharing any specific goals you have for the future.
I’m currently seeking 3-5 additional clients that are looking to grow their businesses.
It’s pretty simple when you break it down. Before you deliver your elevator pitch, say it out loud. A lot. Don’t use words you wouldn’t use in an actual conversation or it will come off fake and rehearsed.
After I was happy with my elevator pitch, I wrote it on a post-it note and stuck it to my desk. I look at it multiple times a day and it’s now coming quite naturally. I will likely make tweaks, depending on who I’m talking to – but I now have a solid base and can feel confident taking to others about my new venture.
Do you have an elevator pitch? If not, I’d love to help you develop one.
