What is an elevator pitch?
Wikipedia defines it as:
An elevator pitch (or elevator statement) is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a product, service, or organization and its value proposition. The name "elevator pitch" reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes.
Okay so you get 30 seconds to describe what you do, are you prepared?
How often are we asked, “What do you do for a living?” It happens to me regularly, I’m sure we all get that question asked often. It is important to be prepared for the response to that very question. What is your reply?
What is the goal of the pitch?
If you only have 30 seconds to “pitch” yourself, it needs to be quick and concise. You want the listener to ask for more information. If I say that I’m a general contractor, the listener will probably make some assumptions about what I do. Usually I get a response like “I wish I knew that, my mother just had a home built, we would have had you do it”, or something along those lines. The problem with this is, I don’t build homes. Never have, probably never will. That’s not what I do. I specialize in the removal and repair of dry rot and water damage, my background is in property renovation. So if I’m not prepared with my elevator pitch, the listener will assume that I do something that I do not.
I can’t tell you how many times I hear, “I’m a real estate agent” or “I’m a loan broker”, or “I work in sales”. This is too vague to catch my attention. But if you tell me “I find investment properties for contractors interested in renovating properties that can be bought at discounted prices and with some sweat equity, can produce a positive cash flow in El Dorado County.” Now you have my attention! Now I want to know more. That is your goal!
How do I prepare for this elevator pitch?
To be prepared, you have to practice. Talk to your friends, relatives, anyone who will listen. By doing this, when asked, you will be prepared to give your pitch. In fact, if you are ready, you will be anticipating the question. Having an effective pitch can make people aware of what you do in an effective way – that means more business.
This is something that we can all work at improving. What works? How can I improve? Make it something that evolves over time. What is the most important thing to do? Start! Think about how you will answer that question the next time.
Will you be prepared?
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