Imagine you step into an elevator and find yourself face-to-face with someone who could change the trajectory of your business. You've got thirty seconds to make an impression before they reach their floor. What do you say?
In my bestselling book, 7 Unstoppable Starting Powers: Powerful Strategies for Unparalled Results From Your First Year As A Leader, I write about how you don't get a second chance at making the first impression - except in moments of crisis.
Truth is...first impressions could open the door to your next level, just as fast as it could close the door to a million dollar opportunity.
Welcome to the art of the elevator pitch - a concise, compelling introduction that sparks interest in you, your ideas, or your business. It's your golden ticket to making memorable first impressions. Let's dive into how you can master this powerful tool.
Know Your Audience
Before crafting your pitch, understand who you're speaking to. Is it a potential client, an investor, or a business partner? Knowing your audience allows you to tailor your message to their interests and needs. If you want to hit the bullseye, you first need to know where the target is.
"You don't get a second chance at making the first impression - except in moments of crisis"
Be Concise and Clear
The "elevator" in elevator pitch implies that your time is limited. You've got 20 to 30 seconds - that's your window. So, every word, tone and every inch of your body language counts - it's a make, or mar moment. Keep your pitch concise and free of jargon. The simpler and clearer your message, the more likely it is to be remembered.
Focus on the Value
Why should your listener care about what you're saying? My name is John, and I run a gym center...so what? Who cares?
The answer lies in the value you're providing. Why should the person you just met care about you. You may have more degrees than a thermometer, if what you offer cannot be articulated in a short, clear, concise and value-driven way - You've lost the moment!
Whether it's a groundbreaking product or an innovative service, you must be able to highlight what sets you apart from the rest. Remember, don't just tell them what you do, tell them why it matters.
Practice Makes Perfect
Here's the fun part - it's not unusual to feel awkward about your elevator pitch at the beginning. It's completely ok.
Once you've crafted your pitch, your next sets of action should be to practice it. Then, practice it again. Practice with a friend. Practice in front of the mirror. Practice while driving...The more comfortable you are with your pitch, the more naturally it will flow. However, don’t just memorize it as a script. Simply understand the key points so that you can deliver them naturally and adapt to the flow of the conversation.
End with a Call-to-Action
A great elevator pitch doesn't just inform - it inspires action. It could be as simple as exchanging business cards, setting up a meeting - or if you are already on a different level, it could be as simple as a tap on your new client's phone with your 10x TapCard so you can lead them to your world . By providing them with a next step, you're opening the door for further communication.
Case Study
Alex is the CEO of an eco-friendly app that gamifies sustainable living. He ran into Kim Morgan at a networking event in Vancouver, BC. Here's how Alex secured business partnership with Kim's company by leveraging a powerful first impression:
Elevator Pitch
"Hi, I'm Alex. I'm the founder of GreenSteps, a mobile app that helps individuals reduce their carbon footprint in a fun and engaging way. We gamify eco-friendly habits and offer rewards for positive behavior. Since our launch last year, we've helped over 10,000 users make more sustainable lifestyle choices. I'd love to explore how we might collaborate to promote sustainability in your organization. May we set up a time to discuss this further?"
In this pitch:
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Know Your Audience: Alex pitched Kim on the possibility of a collaboration to promote sustainability in Kim's organization.
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Be Concise and Clear: The pitch is brief, simple, and free of jargon, making it easy to understand in just a few seconds.
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Focus on the Value: Alex highlights the value his app provides – helping users make more sustainable lifestyle choices through gamification and rewards.
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Practice Makes Perfect: Alex seems to be very comfortable with the pitch, delivering it naturally and confidently.
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End with a Call-to-Action: The pitch ends with a clear call-to-action – setting up a meeting with Kim to discuss a potential collaboration.
Remember, a great elevator pitch is personalized, highlights the unique value you bring, and ends with a call-to-action. It's a powerful tool that leaves a lasting impression.
Wrap Up
Now that you've got the secrets to crafting a captivating elevator pitch, how about adding a sprinkle of style to your professional persona? Our sleek and eco-friendly 10x TapCard is not just a digital business card, but a fashion statement too. Save on printing costs, enhance your networking game, and leave a lasting impression every time you tap.
Got an elevator pitch you're proud of? Share it with us in the comments below! And don't forget to share this post with your network – let's help one person master the art of the elevator pitch today!
