Anatomy of a Killer... Elevator Pitch

You have successfully acquired your target, and you have less than 60 seconds to deliver the package. The pressure mounts as you attempt to seize the brief window of opportunity for success before the advantage goes back to the other side. You're hoping for shock and awe. Instead, you realize...it's a dud. Also known as your elevator pitch, because it refers to the challenge should you meet a prospective client on an elevator, your 30 – 60 second opportunity to clearly communicate how your company is the answer to someone's problem can be critical to your next sale.


I'd like to share my top 10 “killer pitch” points that can help put you on top the next time your elevator ride comes along.

1. Remember - it's about them. You may be asked, “What do you do?”, but pretend they asked, “What's in it for me?” Let them know you identify with and understand their problem or challenge, then explain how you are the solution.
2. Tell a story. A real world tale beats facts, figures and bullets any day.
3. Be sincere and passionate. They will see right through a phony or uninspired speech.
4. Stress your UVP (Unique Value Proposition). Make sure your conclusion gets across the very reason they can not get what you offer anywhere else or not as good.
5. Practice with different versions in front of different audiences. Your listener will identify and tune in when it comes across naturally without sounding too rehearsed.
6. Sleep on it. What sounded like a platinum album yesterday may more closely resemble moldy cheese a few days later.
7. Give it some sizzle! Use the power of words and play to your strengths to help the wow factor.
8. Take out the tech. Yes, you're an expert, but you'll lose them if the terminology is over their heads.
9. Get unbiased feedback online. With less than a minute to speak, you can't be too clear and concise. Try your pitch in a LinkedIn group or other online community and ask for honest, candid responses.
10. Write down what you do. I know it sounds obvious, but it's often not easy writing about yourself or your business. Start with lots of ideas and points, then whittle them down to the best ones.

Remember, time is valuable and attention spans are short, so you must grab them quickly or lose them forever.

Do you already have a killer pitch? Whether you do or not, we'd love to hear them, so please add them by commenting here.