HOW TO CREATE AN ELEVATOR SPEECH THAT GETS RESULTS

Let’s face it, people are fascinated with money including how others’ make money. It’s pretty common, for example, to be asked “What do you do for a living?” when meeting people for the first time no matter where you meet them. It’s crucial for a business owner to have an “Elevator Speech” prepared so you can adequately promote your business. Sure, there may be times when you don’t feel like talking about yourself or your business. My advice . . . GET OVER IT. You need to be “on” at a moment’s notice!

You need to be “on” at a moment’s notice!

An Elevator Speech is a term that refers to a short description of a project, business or person that can be conveyed in the time it takes to ride an elevator. In other words, brief and precise! As a business owner, it should be an overview of your business that makes people want to learn more and hopefully do business with you.

This is what you should include in your business Elevator Pitch:

An overview of what your business does.
A statement about what differentiates your business from other businesses.
A question or statement that encourages engagement.

Here’s an example of how to start your elevator pitch . . .

“My name is ___________________________________________. I’m the owner of ________________________________ which I started ______ years ago after discovering _______________________________________________________________________. [describe a need that wasn’t being met or a problem that needed solving] Unlike other businesses, ________________________________________________________________________________________. [describe what makes your business unique].

Don’t forget to ask a question or say something at the end of your pitch that encourages engagement . . .

“Do you currently have a provider of these types of products or services?”
“Here’s my business card. Please let me know if you can benefit from what we have to offer.”

Your Elevator Speech should include a business overview and a statement about what differentiates your business from others.

Remember, to keep the entire pitch short, as in 30 seconds or less. When working on it . . .

Write it down.
Focus on making it memorable.
Practice saying it.

When practicing it . . .

Don’t talk too fast. You don’t want it to sound rehearsed. You want it to sound like a conversation.
Don’t sound boring. Smile and be enthusiastic. Make sure your enthusiasm for your business shows by the inflection in your voice. Nobody wants to listen to a robot!
Don’t sound like a salesperson. Instead, design and deliver your pitch so you sound like a helpful problem solver.
Don’t use words, abbreviations or terms the average person doesn’t understand. You want to engage the person not alienate them with things they won’t understand.

You may adjust your Elevator Speech from time to time as you introduce new products or services. You may even develop different pitches based on who you’re talking to and what you think might peek their interest.

Make it easy for someone to remember you, contact you and do business with you!!!

The most important thing is to PEEK INTEREST and leave them wanting to know more.

Do not . . . I repeat . . . DO NOT ever go anywhere without a business card. You never know where you might meet your next customer. Make it easy for someone to remember you, contact you and do business with you!!!

REMEMBER . . . don’t ever miss an opportunity to promote your business. One easy way to do this is to create an elevator speech!

If you’d like input on your Elevator Speech, just leave it in the comments section and I’d be happy to provide tips!

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Sondra Kirtley

Sondra Kirtley, MBA, is an entrepreneur who owns and operates a retail and service business in Eureka, California. Known for her helpful nature and small business expertise, Sondra founded SmallBizpathway.com to share tips and experiences with other small business owners.