5 Points For A Perfect Elevator Pitch

The elevator pitch is of utmost importance for your career growth as an employee and entrepreneur. It will not only boost your confidence but will also aid in creating a positive impression whenever you interact with people from the professional sphere.

We live in a world where communication plays a crucial role. A casual professional conversation can also offer an opportunity to build new business alliances, customer base, professional relations, careers, etc. In such instances, a strong elevator pitch can help you turn interactions into opportunities.

What is it?

The phrase ‘elevator pitch’ comes from the idea of being able to share valuable information effectively with a stranger in time enough for an elevator ride. The time is roughly about 20 to 30 seconds. According to the definition, the elevator pitch is a brief about an individual/ business/ product/ service /idea that is simple and persuasive, which helps listeners grasp it quickly, making them eager to know more about it.

Setting goals for the elevator pitch

It is necessary to set your goal before you craft an elevator pitch. Question yourself on what you want to achieve through the elevator pitch. Whether you are looking for just a casual introduction, seeking a job opportunity, advertising & selling products or services, building a professional connection, etc.

How can you craft it for yourself?

Introduce yourself –  A description starting with your name (of course), profession, who/ what you are associated with, and how you are contributing or helping. Here, you can even include your experience.

Example – I am Pooja Mishra. Currently, I am working as a recruiter with BrightTalents Inc. I lead a team of recruiters which caters to the IT staffing needs of multinational clients. 

Share the purpose – Let them know what drives you or makes you do what you are doing. Highlight your passion and dedication towards it. Share information about recent awards and accomplishments (if any).

In the case of business/ product/ service/ idea, share the very purpose of its existence, its importance, and why it has to be considered. It will help you ignite the listener’s interest and pick up the two-way conversation.

Example – There is a lot to learn about new technologies in the market while recruiting. And it keeps me upbeat & excited about my work and goals. 

Your USP ‘Unique Selling Proposition’ – Mention how you/ product/ service/ idea will add value and help them. You can share facts from experience & statistics, specialties, uniqueness, skills, expertise, and top achievements. It would give them insights into what makes you /product /service /idea different from others. Mention some of the problems and how you /product /service /idea contributed towards resolving them. 

Example – I carry expertise in hiring for the latest technological skills requirement of IT companies. Since I have a technical educational background, I understand client requirements quickly with better clarity.

Closure – Ask a question that would engage listeners in conversation further. Let them know what you want or expect. It can also be a statement that calls for action like an exchange of contact details, a business card, or deciding on the next meeting.

Example – Can I have your contact details, please? I will connect with you in a week as I am interested in exploring a new opportunity if any.

Practice – Combine all the statements framed in each of the steps mentioned above and say them aloud. If you find it convincing and appealing, then you can use it. Avoid it if that did not impress you. And try again. Check whether you can finish it within 20 – 30 seconds with the usual speed of speech. Once you finalize the pitch, you need to practice it in front of the mirror, with peers, family members, or friends until you get it right. At the same time, try to make it sound as natural as possible since over-practicing may lead to faster and monotonous speech. 

Example – (Put together all the above sentences)

I am Pooja Mishra. Currently, I am working as a recruiter with BrightTalents Inc. I lead a team of recruiters which caters to the IT staffing needs of multinational clients. There is a lot to learn about new technologies in the market while recruiting. And it keeps me upbeat & excited about my work and goals. I carry expertise in hiring for the latest technological skills requirement of IT companies. Since I have a technical educational background, I understand client requirements quickly with better clarity. Can I have your contact details, please? I will connect with you in a week as I am interested in exploring a new opportunity if any.

End Note

The elevator pitch can be used at any instance when you have to introduce yourself and what you do. During a job interview, product/ service selling, presentations & meetings with investors to get funds, online professional network building, professional events, etc. The pitch has to be modified according to the situation and audience, keeping in mind an intent you want to achieve through the elevator pitch. If you are a working professional, it is advisable to have your business card handy.