An elevator pitch is a concise and compelling statement that describes who you are, what you do, and why you do it. It’s called an “elevator pitch” because it should be short enough to be delivered during a brief elevator ride. Maybe in New Zealand we could call it a “lift pitch”, but it doesn’t have quite the same appeal…
Here are the key steps to writing an effective elevator pitch:
Start with a hook: Begin with a sentence that grabs the listener’s attention and makes them want to hear more. This could be a surprising fact, a provocative statement, or a question that challenges the listener’s assumptions.
Introduce yourself: Quickly introduce yourself and your role or profession. Keep this part short and simple, so you can move on to the more interesting parts of your pitch.
Describe what you do: Explain what your business or organization does in a way that is easy to understand and compelling. Focus on the benefits you offer to your customers or clients, rather than just the features of your product or service.
Explain why you do it: Share your passion and the reason you are driven to do what you do. This helps to create a connection with the listener and makes your pitch more memorable.
Call to action: End with a clear call to action that encourages the listener to take action or learn more about what you do. This could be an invitation to visit your website, schedule a meeting, or follow up in some other way.
Remember, an elevator pitch should be brief and to the point, so practice delivering it in a clear and confident manner. With a well-crafted elevator pitch, you can make a strong first impression and leave a lasting impact on potential customers, investors, or partners.