An elevator statement is a quick summary you can use in a situation where you need to explain your role and profession in a clear and concise way.
It’s called an elevator statement because you should be able to deliver the statement in the time it takes to travel from the ground floor to the top floor in an elevator – approximately 10 – 30 seconds.
The pitch is an overview of who you are, what you do and how you can help the listener. Since the statement is delivered verbally it needs to be punchy and memorable to make a good impression with the listener.
Having a well practised statement will help you be seen as more confident and increase your chance of making a good first impression.
When to use an elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is not only useful for salespeople who need to pitch their products and services. You can use an elevator pitch to:
- Tell people about what you do for a living.
- Introduce your organisation to potential clients or customers.
- Sell new ideas to the director or CEO of your organisation.
- Tell people about an initiative you are leading.
Here are some tips to use when crafting the perfect elevator statement.
Identify your objectives
Start by thinking about the objective of your elevator statement. You need to understand the purpose of your elevator pitch, as well as identifying who you would be talking to.
Think about:
- What value do you provide?
- How do you provide this value?
- What is unique about your offer?
- What is your target market?
Explain what you do
Start your elevator statement by describing what your organisation does. Focus on the problems you solve and how you help people. Identify what makes you, your organisation or your business idea unique.
Keep in mind your elevator pitch should be exciting and memorable. Think about using visual language to describe your role and organisation.
Develop a call to action
It is important to make the most of the opportunity you have when delivering an elevator pitch by including a call to action at the end of your statement.
Brainstorm 10-20 action statements you could include in your elevator statement. This could focus on building new business connections, winning a new client or introducing yourself for a job position.
Practice your statement
It is important to practice your elevator statement so you can recall it in any situation and help you feel comfortable saying it. Write it down and practice in front of people who already have some understanding of what you do; such as colleagues, friends and family. Their feedback can also help you make any changes.
Adapt to change
There is always room for improvement to make your elevator pitch more clear and powerful. As you, your business, your goals or your product and services change, you will need to adapt your elevator pitch to reflect these changes.
Having an elevator statement prepared will help prevent you from feeling tongue tied and will encourage you to make a good first impression in front of prospective clients or business leads.
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Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au.
