Perfecting a Great Elevator Pitch

Capture More Sales with Creative Pitch Tips

Nov 30, 2007 Patricia Simone

Timely tips for creating a unique, results-oriented elevator pitch. Achieve success with an innovative elevator pitch, and boost your networking returns fast.

If you are like most people, you do not have the perfect elevator pitch. Even if you dread the networking rat race, you can master the art of compelling communications and deliver the perfect elevator pitch every time!

So don’t put it off any longer. Follow these simple communication tips, you’re sure to improve your networking performance, fast.

Be authentic. Most people can see right through you if you are trying to be someone you are not. If you are naturally upbeat, great. If you tend to be on the quiet side, that’s fine - really!

Be passionate. People are drawn to folks who exude excitement about what they do.

Act friendly in a schmooze-free way. Add in a smile, confident handshake and direct eye contact to make a powerful impression.

Figure out what your objective is. Do you want to tell people about a new service? Did your firm just win an award? Are you beginning a partnership that will expand your firm’s delivery time? Knowing what your objective is helps you formulate the right message.

Dress for success! Communications is not only about what you say and how you say it. Too trendy, too sexy, or too kooky may negate anything of value you have to offer. So take a good hard look at your clothes, hairstyle, shoes, briefcase and writing instrument, and make adjustments as needed. Note: the image you are communicating should put a positive spin on your personality as well as your industry and title.

Realize you are not there to sell. Simple elevator pitches make a compelling (albeit, brief) introduction about yourself and your services. Develop a variety of short blurbs, and mix ‘em up so you don’t repeat the same thing every time you open your mouth. Practice them all out loud in your office, so you can hear what you sound like, and make the necessary edits.

Great networkers know that compelling conversations are two-way streets, so say your piece and then shut up and listen. Another great thing about listening: it enables you to discover new information, great ideas and possibly valuable contacts that may be in the other person’s network.

No one nighters please! Think of any initial encounter as the beginning of a new relationship, not a one-night stand. It takes time for a friendship to grow and thrive, and so it goes with a new business prospect. Amazing networkers also realize that any situation is an opportunity to start a new relationship – even if it’s at the hairdresser or on a queue in the airport.

Be a facilitator. If you can make a vendor or client recommendation, do so - with gusto!

Ask and ye shall receive. After everything else is accounted for – don’t forget to ask for a business card (which you will later make some notes on.) Ask when is a good time to call and if you can send them your newsletter. Many opportunities are lost because people get antsy about the ask. Don’t. Everyone is ultimately looking to serve their own unique purpose, and your information may be just what they are looking for. So there’s no need to be shy or coy about chirping up about what you are seeking. Be polite and professional and make that ask – whether it’s for a meeting, a referral, or a resource.

Last but not least follow up that initial meeting with an email within 3-4 business days.

Now you’ve got all your bases covered. Get ready to see some profitable networking returns from your own unique and memorable elevator pitch!

The copyright of the article Perfecting a Great Elevator Pitch in Entrepreneurs is owned by Patricia Simone. Permission to republish Perfecting a Great Elevator Pitch in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.