Elevator pitches are short explanations about your business you can give in about 60 seconds. What are the keys to creating the perfect pitch for your business in such a short amount of time?
Script it
Put your script together first; improvising is never a good idea when you want to impress. Write a draft that explains your business idea as briefly as possible. The first version will always be lacking and will need revision.
Be concise
When writing your script remember to keep your elevator pitch succinct. As Thomas Jefferson said: the most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do. In particular today, with the advent of social media people have short attention spans: get straight to the point.
Be clear
Avoid jargon or buzz words in your elevator pitch. People outside your industry will not be familiar. Your language should not be overly technical or people may think you are trying to show off or expose their unfamiliarity with such concepts.
Make it engaging
Include a question or a 'stop' word that will make your audience stop, think and engage. You don't want to be talking at your audience, but instead, make them feel like you are talking with them. Your pitch should not resemble a monologue, at the end you want your target to be responsive and open to conversation. They should be keen to ask questions.
Test it
Practise aloud with different people of diverse ages from varying walks of life to make sure your elevator pitch appeals to all, not just a niche audience. Ask colleagues, friends, family members or mentors to listen and provide their comments and constructive criticism. A truly effective pitch should appeal to members of all groups.
Be likeable
Your first objective once you meet an actual target should be to get them to like you, because if they don't like you, they won't want to listen and they might just take the stairs next time. Being likeable is easy with friends and family, but remember, a stranger will not know who you are. A smile is always a good start!
Sell your idea
As an entrepreneur, although you want the person to like you, you are not trying to become their friend; you’re goal is to sell them your business idea or services. It is fine to soft sell or even hard sell, as long as you don't come across as forceful and the merits of your concept are clearly communicated. You may like to prove your strengths by interjecting words like: original, pioneering, certified, leading and dominant.
Be confident
Confidence and believing in your message are the most important keys. No one is going to trust someone who seems shy, flustered, unsure or nervous about their business idea. As an entrepreneur it is important that you show your target that you are passionate about your business and certain of its success.
