Elevator Pitch Made Easy

There are three reasons to come up with an elevator pitch:

1-You've been asked to give an elevator pitch...now what?

2-You're stuck in an elevator with a potential client and this is your make it or break it moment.

3-You're a planner and you hope to someday be stuck in an elevator with a potential client and you want to be prepared

Before you get too stressed out about it. Realize that an elevator pitch should take less than 60 seconds and ideally more like 45-50 seconds. Don't start planning yet....just humor me. Close your eyes and count to 50.

That didn't take long at all, did it?

Can you talk to someone for that same short period of time?

Of course you can!!!

Before we talk about WHAT you should say, let's talk about carrying yourself. Eyes up - look at the person you're talking to. Even the most confident people get shy on an elevator or while presenting - don't let that happen to you. You can be the most sincere person in the world, but your audience isn't going to 'get that' about you if they can't see your eyes.

Now wow them with the 3 E's of an Elevator pitch:

Educate
Engage
Entertain

In other words: Who are you and what do you do? What can what you do help me with what I do (use my name)? Let me know who you are so I remember you.

Hi Jeff. I'm Crystal Otto with Relax Consulting right here in Two Rivers. I've been meaning to give you a call. I specialize in social media and blogging for small businesses. Don't let the name Relax Consulting deceive you though - there's not foot soak included with the free consultation - but if you'd sit down with me I can definitely bring you a coffee. Jeff, what's the best number to reach you at for a follow up? 

Don't just hand someone your business card and expect them to remember what you do and who you are. In fact, the business card can be your worst enemy. They're looking at the card instead of looking at you. When they get off the elevator they'll toss the card on their desk. Your card won't have made an impression and neither will you. They won't know that you have a great smile, sparkly eyes, straight teeth, a funny personality, etc...if you let a small piece of recycled toilet paper tubes with some ink on them do you marketing, you won't be leaving the impression you meant to. Be prepared!

How you say things is far more important than what you say. Be yourself, be sincere, be genuine, and be engaging. And...if you're here in Two Rivers, Wisconsin - be quick...there's possibly two elevators in the entire town and I'm not sure we have any buildings with more than four floors. Your elevator pitch may need to be ten seconds or less in this town :)

~Crystal