You’re riding in an elevator. In walks the CEO of the company of your dreams. You’ve got 30 seconds to introduce yourself. Don’t push the panic button. Your ticket to success is a memorable elevator pitch. Here are some tips for a pitch that will pop.
What is an Elevator Pitch?
This is a way to briefly introduce yourself and make a connection. Think of it as your personal business commercial. It’s designed to capture who you are, your professional background, and what type of job you want in 30 to 60 seconds. If you’re in sales, your business ad should identify a problem people can relate to and how your product or service can solve it.
Pitch Structure
An elevator pitch should answer the question, “tell me about yourself”. Think of it as a short story of your professional journey. Every good elevator pitch includes key components. Your goal is to briefly and effectively describe yourself and your goals. Keep the following elements in mind when you’re crafting your pitch.
Introduction. State who you are and what kind of work you presently do. For instance, “Hi, I’m Sally, a personal health coach”. If you’re a college student, try saying, “Hi, I’m Mark, a junior marketing major at XYZ School of Business”. Keep it casual, friendly, and informative. Don’t sound like you’re reading from a script.
Your Background. This is a brief summary of relevant jobs you’ve held, projects you’ve done, or your completed education. Describe what’s motivating you to make a job change or pursue a particular college major.
Key Goals. Describe what you’re looking for next. Talk about why you’re seeking a change and what your goals are. For example, a networking event is the perfect chance to make professional connections. Share what you have to offer in your elevator pitch.
Call to Action. This is a critical component of an elevator pitch. Finish your pitch by stating what you want to happen next. Focus on keeping the conversation going. If you’re at a networking event, ask the person you’re speaking with to tell you something about themselves or why they came to the event. Schedule a follow-up chat.
Tips for an Effective Pitch
Here are a few things to keep in mind when writing your elevator pitch.
Keep it concise. You only have a short amount of time to make your statement. Your message should be brief and simple.
Keep it relevant. Write a few versions you can use anytime. Tweak your pitch with personal stories, experiences, or passions that are relevant to a situation.
Be authentic. When you introduce yourself to someone, be conversational and natural. Craft a simple message you can easily convey. Don’t cram too much information into it.
Be Clear. Use plain language, not fancy words, in your pitch. Make sure your audience can clearly understand you.
Confidence. It’s very important to express confidence when delivering your elevator pitch. Use a strong voice, hold your head high, and smile.
Remember to be cool, calm, and collected when giving your elevator pitch. It takes time to get it right. Keep practicing. Expect to make changes as you grow. Be patient and have fun along the way!
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