How To Create A Standout Personal Elevator Pitch

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By: Sho Dewan

You never know when a chance to make a great impression or pitch your ideas could come your way, so it's crucial to always stay ready! One way to go about this is by crafting a snappy elevator pitch. People form opinions about your character ina matter of milliseconds, so if you want to stand out, make sure you've got a killer pitch.

The concept behind the term "elevator pitch" is that it should be brief enough to deliver during a quick elevator ride. Typically lasting around 30 to 60 seconds or about 75 words, it is a concise yet impactful summary that packs a punch.

An effective elevator pitch does the heavy lifting of sparking people's interest in what you're offering — whether it's a service, product, or idea. When done right, your listener will feel curious about who you are and inspired to contact you in the future. Here’s how to create an impressive elevator pitch that grabs attention and sets you up for success.

Kick Off with a Clear Introduction

When meeting a new connection, start your pitch by introducing yourself. It’s common practice to start with your name, current title, background, and past experience, but I say leave the boring stuff behind! Your goal here is to make a splash, and you don’t do that by sticking to the status quo.

Instead of starting with your name and title, start off with a hook that sums up what you are building. An example could be: “Nice to meet you! I am building the world’s first hands-free toothbrush! My name is Sho, and I am the founder of FlyBrush.”

Quickly Highlight Your Background

Now it's time to shine a brief spotlight on your background with a sharp summary, but don’t overdo it! Nothing kills the energy in the room more than a monologue about all your past accomplishments. This is a time to include your essentials such as a prestigious education background, unique mentors, or highly specialized skills. Trim away any unnecessary details, and then zero in on what your audience may find appealing. Here's a trick: think about what you want them to remember about you and emphasize those key points.

Then Share Your Objectives

The next step is to focus on them and how you can help each other. Clearly explain your goals without going into too much detail to avoid losing their attention. For example, you can mention that you are “aiming to expand my network in the industry" or "to explore funding opportunities for my startup." This way, your pitch will make sense and be useful to your new connection.

This is an excellent time to loop in the other person as well. You can say something like: “I noticed your team is an expert in branding through social media, and that’s one of the main reasons I wanted to connect with you. I loved your work with ABC Company and admired how your team stuck with it from the very beginning.”

You want to make this pitch about them as much as it is about you. If they can see an opportunity to work together, that is a win!

Wrap Up with a Call to Action

Finish your elevator pitch with an engaging call to action or a thought-provoking question to keep your new connection hooked. For example, you can suggest the listener visit your website or just give them your contact details (such as a business card) and tell them to keep in touch. If you really want to show that you care, you can offer to follow up with additional information or continue the discussion at a later time. Throughout, be mindful of their time and the context of your conversation. And, of course, thank them for their time and attention!

Bonus Tip: Practice!

No one gets good at anything without practice and refining your craft. Your elevator pitch won’t sound complete on the first try, and you’ll need to work on it to get it to where you are proud of it. After writing out your pitch, read it aloud while keeping track of the time. If it goes on for more than 60 seconds, you run the danger of boring the other person or taking over the discussion. Consider cutting out unnecessary details to make your pitch compelling. Remember, a concise pitch is key, so aim for brevity!

Maximize the impact of your pitch by tailoring it to each listener. This approach not only builds rapport but also shows that you value their time and aren't just reciting a one-size-fits-all script. By understanding who they are, what they care about, and how you can align with their goals, you show that you've done your homework.

When you put in the work to craft and refine a standout elevator pitch, you're not only preparing for that one interaction but also laying the groundwork for future opportunities as well. Great pitches aren't merely about the substance; they also consider the audience, delivery, and ability to make an impression that lasts long after the discussion has ended. So, stay on your toes, be prepared, and see how those quick conversations blossom into long-term connections that advance your career. Rooting for you!