Do you have a good elevator speech?
You know when you meet someone at a cocktail party, networking event, or in the elevator at the publishing house… and you don’t know how to answer the “what do you do” question?
Yeah, that sucks.
So let’s talk about how you can craft a compelling elevator speech or elevator pitch.
Designing Your Elevator Speech
Your Elevator Speech Should Go Beyond The “What”
The biggest take away is that you should…
When you’re meeting someone new, there are 2 stances you might be tempted to take:
1) to impress the person with a fancy title or description of what you do, or
2) to connect with them through the work your do or the things you value.
In the first instance you might say that you’re a consultant, business owner, head of communications, or an author. These words are very vague and don’t give people an in to ask you more about how you might be able to help them or people they might know.
So what should you say to people you meet with your short 30 second elevator speech?
I say start with the results your deliver to your ideal clients.
Elevator Pitch Examples:
For example, you might say that you help musicians sell their music online. Or that you design jewelry for men who want to surprise their wives for their anniversary. Or that you work with nurses to relieve stress from their care-giving roles through aroma therapy.
Each of these examples are super specific, and you’ll know if you’re a musician, husband, or nurse that you’ve met someone you need to learn more from. Or, if you know someone who fits these descriptions you’ll pass on the person’s contact details and make a referral.
And just like with an email subject line, you want your elevator speech to arouse a little curiosity, so that the person you’re speaking to wants to ask you to elaborate.
Share Your Elevator Speech Below
The best way to fine tune your elevator pitch is to write it down and practice the next time you’re out! Second best is to post it in the comments below, and you never know… you might just find your ideal clients are reading the comments, so don’t be shy!
