By Alan Graner
What is an elevator pitch?
It’s a succinct, persuasive sales pitch that sparks interest in your company and/or products. You can deliver in 30-60 seconds or less—about time between encountering a prospect on an elevator until reaching her floor. (Of course you can deliver the pitch anywhere—it doesn’t have to be in an elevator.)
To spark interest you should:
- Explain what you do
- Communicate your unique sales proposition (USP)
- Engage them
To ensure success you must practice, practice, practice.
Crafting an Elevator Pitch
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/elevator-pitch.htm
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An elevator pitch isn’t designed to sell. Its purpose is to generate interest in your company and/or products and services. Tips for developing your pitch include:
- Explain the benefits you offer for addressing their problems.
- Mention companies you’ve worked with to gain credibility.
- Explain your expertise and why you’re the best choice.
- Tell them exactly what you want them to do (call to action).
- Be natural and passionate. Do not sound like you’re reading from a script.
- Get feedback from prospects if possible.
6 Tips for Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/228070
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Sounding authentic is key to delivering your pitch. Nobody wants to hear a robot recite a canned pitch. Authenticity means:
- Be you. Make your pitch using human vocabulary, not business-speak.
- Listen. You can’t tailor your pitch if you don’t listen to what your prospect’s needs are.
- Know when to stop. If they change the topic, go with that. It may be a better conversation than your pitch. (It can also mean they’re not interested.)
- Close with your business card or any collateral you may have.
Authenticity gives an essential lift to your elevator pitch
http://www.ragan.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=5AA50C55146B4C8C98F903986BC02C56&tier=4&id=DB45833000464EB4AC1C6BBEB0741743&AudID=3FF14703FD8C4AE98B9B4365B978201A
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A really good elevator pitch includes these essential components:
- Identify a problem worth solving.
- Describe your solution.
- Define your target market.
- Describe why a prospect should choose your solution over the competition.
- Explain why your team is the one to execute your solution.
The Anatomy of a Compelling Elevator Pitch [Infographic]
http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/elevator-pitch?utm_campaign=blog-rss-emails&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=16164929
What are your secrets for a perfect elevator pitch?
Image: CC0 Public Domain license via Pixabay
Alan Graner is Chief Creative Officer at Daly-Swartz Public Relations, an Orange County, CA business marketing content and distribution firm. For content that makes you stick out from the crowd, email Jeffrey Swartz at jeffreyswartz@dsprel.com. Or visit www.dsprel.com.
