Editor’s note: This story was originally published here Zety.com.
What is a good elevator pitch? This is what attracts attention. Makes people really interested in you. Get you the job of your dreams, or help you build a lasting relationship with a strategic client.
Read on and you’ll learn everything you need to know to create an elevator speech that works every time.
This guide will show you:
- What is an elevator pitch and when to use it?
- Step-by-step instructions on how to deliver an elevator pitch in every situation.
- How to write a universal elevator pitch that you can adjust later.
- Elevator pitch examples for different scenarios: semi-formal conversations, job interviews, or presenting your business ideas.
What is elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch (also known as an elevator speech) is a short, persuasive speech that you use to introduce yourself, your product, or your company. The purpose of this is to quickly and clearly explain the concept and spark interest in who you are and what you do.
Simply put, it’s an answer you give to the good old “So… what do you do?” Question. A short and sweet sales message so compelling that, once you finish, whoever you’re talking to likes you enough to hire you or give you money. A good elevator speech should be concise, interesting, memorable, and delivered confidently.
How long should an elevator pitch be? An elevator pitch should be a maximum of 30 seconds long: short enough that your message can get across anytime and anywhere—even during a quick elevator ride (hence the name).
What is the purpose of elevator pitch?
Depending on the situation, the purpose of your elevator pitch will be slightly different. So the first thing you need to do is identify your goal:
- Do you want to get a job in a particular company?
- Maybe you have a great business idea and are looking for a VC?
- Are you looking to acquire a new, strategic client?
- Heck, maybe you just want to introduce yourself and explain what you do for a living…
Whatever you want to achieve, we’ve got it covered. Here’s how to prepare an elevator pitch for three different occasions. Or, if you just want to see elevator pitch examples for reference and inspiration, feel free to scroll down to the next section.
how to write an elevator pitch
There’s no point starting your elevator pitch if the person you’re talking to doesn’t have their attention. Capturing your audience’s interest comes first in this elevator pitch formula:
1. Start by getting attention
Open your elevator speech with a captivating and relevant conversation starter. For example, identify a common industry pain point that they will be familiar with.
2. Arouse curiosity by presenting the benefits
Let them know that you have found a solution to the same problem. Briefly describe the value proposition.
3. Summarize what you do
Explain what you do and how you do it. Present results. Showcase the results of your work and what makes you unique.
4. Practice your elevator pitch
Present your elevator pitch to someone you know and ask for their feedback: Do you sound natural? Is your elevator pitch conversational and free-flowing? You can also record your pitch. Check that you’re not repeating any words, and make sure no sentences sound too strange or salesy.
Do your best to stay within the 30 second limit without talking too fast.
5. Be prepared for more questions
A good elevator pitch is an invitation to conversation, not an advertising slogan. Don’t aim to answer all the questions within your elevator pitch, but be prepared to clear up all doubts immediately after completing it.
6. Have a business card on hand
If the person you spoke to wants to continue the conversation later, it will be much more professional to hand out a business card than to give out your phone number.
Also, don’t worry if your elevator pitch doesn’t immediately bring desired results.
Research has proven There is almost no correlation between the appearance of an elevator pitch and the final decision of potential stakeholders. one more publication A study by MIT Press focused on the elevator pitches used by tech innovators to sell their ideas to potential VC investors: They face a failure rate of 96%.
But not getting what you want right away doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just wasn’t the right time or the right audience, but the good impression you made will last. And get paid in the future!
Ok. One last thing before we move on to more examples of elevator pitches. Although you’ll typically make your point during the conversation, it’s a good idea to have an adjustable elevator pitch template prepared in advance. Here’s how to make your own.
elevator pitch example
So there you have it. Everything you need to know about an elevator speech or sales pitch. Now, get inspired by these sample elevator pitches from different professionals. Let’s start with someone’s elevator pitch without much work experience.
Elevator Pitch Example for a Student – Networking Event/Job Fair
I’m a recent UPenn graduate with a degree in English and a minor in Film Studies. I work as a freelance copywriter for local businesses and nonprofits and a film critic for the Huffington Post: In fact, my review of “The Favorite” got 52,000 shares on Xpress. Maybe you’ve seen it?
Anyway, if you know anyone who needs unique, buzz-worthy content, feel free to send them my way!
Now, let’s look at some examples of elevator pitches for interviews.
Sample elevator pitch for interview-senior project manager
I am a senior project manager with a creative approach to problem-solving. In my current position as head of project management at Seton Hospital, my recent challenge is to reduce stockroom waste. I introduced a new Kanban system and designed Lean training programs that ran across all departments.
We managed to reduce stockroom waste by 65%, ultimately reducing monthly costs by a quarter. I know that cost-saving solutions for the pediatric ward are among your top priorities. I am sure I can use my expertise to achieve good results with this initiative.
Sample elevator pitch for interview-digital marketing manager
As a Digital Marketing Manager at XYZ, I coordinate all stages of creating audiovisual marketing content: from concept to execution and promotion. At the beginning of last year, I got a list of 15 campaigns and a set budget for all of them.
Together with our technology department, we came up with a strategy of cross-departmental communication, calibrating technical solutions with all the team’s talents to cut unnecessary costs and increase efficiency.
Under my leadership, we completed all 15 projects on time and 10% below budget. By the end of the year, sales across all campaigns contributed to a 48% increase in revenue.
Sample elevator pitch for interview-customer service representative
I’m a customer service representative who works with only one mission in mind: maximizing business opportunities by connecting each customer with personalized assistance at every step of their life journey. In my current position, I planned and supervised online and phone surveys prior to our home page redesign.
As a result of the product we built, the average NPS increased from 7.9 to 8.6. My goal is to translate that expertise into the highest customer happiness scores for your company.
The next sample, in turn, is a real elevator pitch that I heard from one of Zeti’s readers, Joseph.
Elevator Pitch Example-Semi-Formal Introduction
First and foremost, I am saving the world economy. Additionally, I grow corals on dead and declining rocks. I’ve been traveling the world to evaluate rocks. Currently, my team and I are growing coral in Fiji. Next year, we will team up with a team of Australian scientists to do the same on the Great Barrier Reef.
You may ask what this has to do with the world economy… Well, if humans destroy reefs, the entire marine ecosystem will follow. And soon after – Earth. Last time I checked, you couldn’t develop an economy on a dead planet.
If you’re wondering how to write an elevator speech for an entrepreneur, check out the sample elevator pitch below.
entrepreneur elevator pitch template
My company develops and designs personalized online sales funnels. This means two things: one, online customers enjoy an impeccable user experience tailored to their needs and interests, and two, our customers get automated solutions that dramatically boost sales.
We helped our end client increase online revenue by 120% month-on-month. Does your company have any experience with e-commerce automation?
Attracting the attention of investors is important for success. Here’s an example of an elevator pitch a startup founder might use.
Tech Startup Elevator Pitch Example-Investor Meeting
Hi, I’m the co-founder of TechSavvy, a startup that is revolutionizing the way businesses manage their IT infrastructure. Our AI-powered platform automates everyday IT tasks, saving companies time and money. We have already onboarded 10 customers in the last quarter and reduced their IT overheads by an average of 30%.
Are you interested in learning more about the disruptive technologies shaping the future of business?
When going to a networking event, you should always have your elevator speech prepared. Here is a sample that you can take inspiration from.
Sales Professional Elevator Pitch Example – Networking Event
Hi, I’m John, an experienced sales professional with a track record of exceeding targets and driving revenue growth. At ABC Corp., I led a sales strategy that resulted in a 40% increase in annual sales volume within six months.
My expertise lies in building lasting client relationships and identifying untapped market opportunities. Let’s grab a coffee and discuss how I can help accelerate your company’s sales trajectory.
Members of non-profit organizations also need good elevator pitches like the example below.
Nonprofit Sample Lift Pitch-Donor Luncheon
good afternoon everyone. I’m Sarah, representing HopeWorks, a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational resources to disadvantaged youth. With our innovative after-school programs, we have empowered over 500 students to excel academically and pursue higher education.
By investing in Hopeworks, you are not only changing lives; You are investing in the future of our community. Would you like to partner with us in making change?
key takeaways
Here’s how to create an elevator pitch:
- Start your elevator pitch with something that grabs attention and makes a connection, such as a common problem in your industry that everyone will be familiar with.
- Arouse curiosity by asking that you solve this problem.
- Tell me who you are and what you do.
- Explain how you do it and what the results are.
- Be prepared to answer questions: You need to keep the conversation going.
- Always have a business card on hand.
- Don’t be upset if your elevator speech doesn’t get you what you want right away.