Sky-High Success: The Art of the Elevator Pitch

Designed by Freepik www.freepik.com

An "Elevator Pitch moment" refers to an opportunity where you have a brief window of time to present an idea, product, or yourself in a compelling and concise way, similar to the time it takes for an elevator ride, typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The goal is to spark interest and leave a lasting impression.

I have experienced several elevator pitch moments during my career. An example that proved lucrative for the non-profit I was working for at the time was at an industry trade association conference. I was encouraged to meet with “John” because I was told that he believed in the importance of his company supporting charities. I did not have an opportunity during the conference to speak with John. Every time I saw him he was speaking with someone else and I didn’t want to interrupt the conversation. John was a very gregarious individual. When the conference concluded, I was disappointed that I had not had an opportunity to talk with John. Heading to my hotel room, I stepped into the elevator and who joined me on the elevator…John. He looked at my name tag and asked about the non-profit that I worked for. During the 30-second elevator ride, I briefly explained what we did as a charity. John asked for more information and I followed up when I returned home. The results were amazing. The first year his company made a $15,000 contribution. The next year, they made a $30,000 contribution. Six years later they increased to $100,000. By 2011, they were at $250,000 per year. Before I left working for the non-profit, John’s company made donations totaling more than $1.27 million over 12 years. All because of a short elevator pitch at a trade association conference.

Key Aspects of an Elevator Pitch include:

1.      Clarity: Clearly communicate your message

2.      Conciseness: Keep it short and to the point

3.      Engagement: Grab the listener's attention and make them want to learn more

4.      Relevance: Tailor your pitch to the audience or the individual

Common Situations for Elevator Pitch Moments:

1.      Networking events or conferences

2.      Job interviews or career fairs

3.      Pitching a business idea

4.      Meeting a potential mentor or collaborator

An effective elevator pitch should cover key elements of your idea, product, or personal value in a concise and engaging way. Key Points of what to discuss during an elevator pitch:

1.      Who You Are

• Start with a brief introduction of yourself and your organization.

• Share your name, role, or affiliation in a way that establishes credibility.

• Be sure to give them a business card.

  
  

2.      The Problem

• Highlight the challenge, gap, or issue you aim to address.

• Keep it relatable and relevant to your audience.

3.      The Solution

• Explain your idea, product, or service and how it addresses the problem.

• Be specific about the value you bring.

An elevator pitch is often the first step to deeper conversations, making it an essential skill for many professional and personal interactions.

See this related link in Small Business Trends: Elevator Pitch: How to Create One + Examples