Have you ever had to describe the subject of your work quickly and comprehensively in a few seconds?
Then, even if you’ve never heard the term before, you’ve likely made an elevator pitch.
In today’s fast-paced, competitive professional world, you often need to present yourself or your business idea in a short amount of time. That’s where the elevator pitch comes in – a concise and compelling summary of who you are and what you do. It’s essential for job interviews, conferences, and networking events.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you need an elevator pitch and provide tips on how to create a strong one!
Why do you need an elevator pitch?
In the professional and business world, people’s time is precious, and they usually have limited time to listen to you.
A successful elevator pitch effectively communicates the essence of your idea or service, gaining the attention of your audience and creating a strong first impression.
Remember, your audience may include potential partners or investors, so aim for a dynamic presentation that generates interest in your idea or services.
In addition, you can stand out from your competition in just a few seconds and make a mark in the minds of your listeners.
Creating an elevator pitch can also help you better understand the strengths and weaknesses of your resume or the key points of a business idea, allowing you to take steps to improve them.
In what situations will you need an elevator pitch?
Networking events: which are organized by networking organizations, you will have the opportunity to present yourself in a concise way and to arouse the interest of a relatively large audience.
Job interview: in this case, you must compete with other people interested in the same position, even though you only have one or a small group of listeners. In the ‘tell us about yourself’ question, you should make a strong impression in just a few seconds.
Entrepreneurship: perhaps the most typical case where an elevator pitch can prove to be a lifesaver. An interesting and short presentation of an innovative idea or product will attract potential investors and give life to your business plans.
Sales meetings: you have an appointment with a prospect who is interested in your product or services, but the purchase has not yet been made. You need to convince your customer of the necessity of what you offer. A successful elevator pitch greatly strengthens your arguments and can ultimately lead to a sale.
What are the steps to a successful elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch is successful when it has achieved its only purpose: to attract attention! That’s why an enthusiastic and targeted approach is required, which is no different from a mini performance!
Preparing an elevator pitch takes a lot of work and preparation, but don’t stress! We have the ultimate guide for creating an effective and impressive elevator pitch, which can be achieved by answering the following questions.
1. Who are you?
In the first phase, starting the elevator pitch, you must introduce yourself to your listener, stating who you are and your professional role. But be careful! Psychology shows that when someone talks about themselves, they tend to babble. So, remember to keep it concise! Chatting is very likely to make your interlocutor lose interest, which can happen in just a few seconds.
A brief statement of your professional background is a very powerful introduction. If the person shows interest, you can elaborate on your ideas or resume later.
2. What sets you apart from the rest?
What are the characteristics that set you apart from the competition? Why should someone choose to work with you?
You are asked to answer these questions in the second part of the elevator pitch. Mention the business of the company where you work, your goals, and a brief chronological review of your professional career. You can talk about your business values as well as some of your most important achievements. And in this case, moderation is necessary. Too much demonstration of your capabilities or successes can tire your audience or even create a negative impression.
3. What is the reason for your presence here?
What are your current activities, professional goals, and the purpose of your elevator pitch? You can mention what you are currently doing. What innovation you are introducing, or if you are looking for a new job. What are your aspirations or thoughts for the future of your business? Show enthusiasm about your path or desires to ignite audience interest and create a positive impression.
Bonus tip: Feel free to entertain your audience with an interesting statistical study. A short story about your most important customer, or a fun fact about your company. These will stimulate your interlocutor and make your elevator pitch more memorable.
Business Strategy: the first step to a successful elevator pitch!
The raw material for a successful elevator pitch is the existence of a business or an idea with an integrated strategic plan.
At NUS Solutions, our team of specialized business and marketing consultants helps you create a comprehensive plan for a successful business strategy. We work alongside you to turn your vision into a reality!
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