This is the information age – our phones are faster, our cars are faster, and our minds now work even faster. Yet, there is hardly enough time to get everything done. In these days and times, there is little to no time to spare for anyone – this is especially true for top business executives. After all, don’t they say time is money?
That’s why it’s important to have a way to sell yourself in as little time as possible. That gives rise to a concept well known as the Elevator Pitch.
What is an Elevator Pitch?
A standard elevator ride often takes little to no time. Based on your location, elevator rides can take anywhere from 10 to 90 seconds. Unless you live in New York City where the average elevator ride is 118 seconds.
You never know who you’re going to run into on an elevator. It could be a potential employer, customer, celebrity etc. Regardless of who’s on that elevator, if you want to introduce yourself or make an impression on them, you are going to need to get your message across in the limited time you have.
Let’s face it – this can be a little challenging since there is so much to say in such little time. What should you say to get your point across? Your elevator pitch is the solution.
An elevator pitch is simply defined as a well-crafted speech designed to help you sell yourself, an idea, or a solution, in as little time as possible. It is your verbal business card and an important key to taking the conversation further.
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Why is it so important?
Elevator pitches have been used by many in the world of business to attain unprecedented success. Many business opportunities, partnerships, and connections have originated from elevator pitches, and yours could be next.
Likewise, elevator pitches are great to use when someone asks you about yourself or what you do. Instead of trying to come up with incoherent points off the top of your head, an elevator pitch allows you to have a mental PowerPoint presentation ready to go.
How to Create an Amazing Elevator Pitch
We have seen, heard, and come up with some great elevator pitches ourselves. Taking all that into consideration, we have come up with a 4C approach for anyone who would like to create a stunning elevator pitch.
Be Concise
It is not called a train-ride pitch. It is called an elevator pitch for a reason, and unless you would like to play it close to the edge, we recommend that your pitch lasts a maximum of 90 seconds.
What you want to do is get your point across in as little time as possible, not host a radio show. Keep it short, keep it brief, keep it simple.
Be Clear
From the very first thing you say to the closing remarks, let your elevator pitch contain keywords and thoughts you intend to convey.
This is not the time to bring out the inner Charles Xavier in you and go cryptic on your audience. Let them know where you are coming from and where you are going. In the end, don’t leave them more confused and with more questions than when you started
Be Credible
If your elevator pitch is generic, there’s a high chance that even you would not want to listen to yourself speak. Make sure you come up with credible and unique points for your elevator pitch. Without credibility in an elevator pitch, even your qualifications (that you have stated) can be called into question.
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Compelling
While this is the last if the 4C approach, it is certainly not the least.
Of what use is your elevator pitch if it doesn’t get the audience to act? Use words that would gently nudge them into acting. Challenge their minds, invade their thoughts, and make your content one they continue to ponder on after they get off that elevator (or leave that room).
It is important that every professional has an elevator pitch of their own. Make this pitch special and unique to yourself and what you have to offer.
Your pitch can be an embodiment of life experiences that tell a story of qualifications, strengths and even highlights from your professional career. Used properly, you’ll be amazed at the doors they can open.