Crafting an Effective Elevator Pitch: How to Make Your Message Stand Out

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had the perfect opportunity to pitch your idea to someone who could take your career to the next level? Perhaps in an elevator ride with a mover and shaker at your company, or in a chance meeting at a diner. If so, you know that the limited time you have with them is an incredibly valuable window. This is where the importance of a well-crafted elevator pitch comes into play.

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a short, concise, and persuasive message that you can use to generate interest in what your business or product does. It’s an essential tool for any creator, entrepreneur, salesperson, or professional looking to make a quick and memorable impact. In today’s fast-paced business world, being able to communicate your message in a clear, concise, and engaging way is key.

To craft an effective elevator pitch, you need to follow the three “B”s:

#1: Be Brief – Get to the Point

It’s essential to keep your pitch effective and concise, so you don’t lose the interest of your audience.

Stick to a pitch no longer than 20 to 30 seconds and include only the most relevant details. To be as effective as possible, identify your target audience’s interests and how those may align with the desired action you want them to take. This approach will help you structure your pitch to resonate with your audience and achieve your objectives, whether it’s selling a product, seeking investment, or promoting an event.

#2: Be Bold – Make Your Pitch Unique

To make your pitch stand out, you need to highlight what makes your product, service, or idea unique. This is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). You need to identify what sets you apart from your competitors and why your audience should choose your product or idea.

For some, what makes them unique might be difficult to explain within the limited timeframe of an elevator pitch. In this case, it’s a good idea to pitch yourself and your passion for your product or idea. Remember, people connect with people first, and your enthusiasm and conviction might be just as persuasive as the product or idea itself. If you capture someone’s attention, they are likely to want to know more.m

#3: Be Beneficial – Say Something That Matters

The final step in crafting an effective elevator pitch is to focus on the benefit your product or idea offers. Why should your audience listen to you? What’s in it for them? How will they benefit from what you’re offering?

You need to be able to answer these questions and deliver your pitch in a way that makes your audience feel like they need your product or idea. Make your pitch relevant and engaging by asking your audience questions and using their feedback to align your product with their needs.

(Bonus B) #4: Be Believable– Practice Makes Perfect

If you stutter and stumble over your words when you get a chance to deliver them, it might lose you your chance. Nobody wants to listed to someone who doesn’t sound like they know what they are talking about. Practice your elevator pitch, especially when you know that an opportunity may present itself.

Also, try to keep a business card or other takeaway item with you.  Handing over a business card not only helps the other person remember you and your message, it conveys professionalism and adds credence to what you are saying.

In conclusion, an elevator pitch is an essential tool that can help you make a quick and lasting impact in today’s fast-paced business world. By following these guidelines, you can create an elevator pitch that is brief, bold, and beneficial. So the next time you find yourself in an elevator with a potential client or investor, you’ll be ready to make the most of the opportunity.

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Furman University’s Master of Arts in Strategic Design program provides students with an advanced understanding of design, business, and communication theory. This masters in design program is a fully immersive environment that replicates the rhythms and expectations of a professional firm.