Written by: Lisa Hugo, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In the world of entrepreneurship, startups, and investor funding, the ability to introduce yourself and your idea effectively is paramount to your success. Your pitch is what will ignite interest and connect you to opportunities. So mastering your elevator pitch is essential.
It’s called the elevator pitch because, imagine you step into an elevator and find yourself
face-to-face with a potential client or investor. The seconds are ticking; the floors are passing. This is your moment. With a well-crafted elevator pitch, you have a unique chance to make a compelling case for your idea, service, or personal brand before the doors slide open.
An elevator pitch is more than just a rapid-fire summary of what you do. It's a strategic, persuasive, and finely honed message that encapsulates who you are, the exceptional value you offer, and what makes you different from the rest. All in the time it takes to travel a few floors.
A crisp, confidence-infused pitch can make all the difference. But an elevator pitch is not just reserved for meeting someone influential in an elevator (which in all honesty, doesn’t happen very often). It’s a valuable skill to utilise at a networking event, during a chance encounter anywhere, or at the start of a high-stakes meeting. The elevator pitch is your verbal business card, a personal audio logo that can leave a lasting impression and lay the groundwork for future engagement.
Here’s an example of an effective elevator pitch
"Hi, I'm Alex, a renewable energy consultant. I help businesses transition to green energy solutions, cutting costs and carbon footprints. Unlike traditional consultants, I offer a hands-on approach, working directly on-site to implement sustainable practices. Interested in a greener future for your business? Let's chat over coffee!"
What’s the strategy for a compelling pitch?
The crafting of an elevator pitch is an art, broken into 4 main components: Who, What, Why CTA ➡
In the example of Alex above, he clearly introduces himself and what he does. He then goes on to mention what service he offers followed by what makes his service unique. He wraps up with a clear indication of what he would like his listener to do next.
So let’s break this down…
The who
Start with the basics. Give them your name and, if applicable, your job title or the role you play in your project or business. This isn’t just about your name; it's about setting the stage for what’s coming next. Keep it friendly and approachable.
What
Here’s where you dive into the heart of what you offer. But instead of getting lost in the weeds, focus on the essence of your service, product, or skill set. Think about answering the question, "What problem do I solve?" or "What value do I add?" Make it relatable and easy to understand.
Why
This part is crucial because it's what sets you apart from the crowd. What's your secret sauce? It could be your innovative approach, a unique skill set, or even a novel product feature. This is your chance to shine and make them remember you.
Call to action
End with a bang. What do you want from them? It might be a formal meeting, a follow-up call, or just to check out your website. Whatever it is, be clear and concise. This isn’t about being pushy; it’s about guiding the next steps if they’re interested.
Here’s another example of a well-structured pitch…
"Hi, I'm Jamie, a digital marketing strategist focused on small businesses. I specialize in turning tight budgets into big impacts by optimizing online presence. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor strategies to each client's unique brand and audience, ensuring maximum engagement and growth. This means more visibility, more leads, and more sales for my clients. I'd love to share some success stories and explore how I can help your business thrive. How about we schedule a quick call next week?"
Now you have your perfect pitch, how about the delivery?
Speak with a clear voice. When introducing your name, go up on the first name and down on the second. Then stop for a second and breathe before you carry on any further. This will instill an air of confidence and authority.
Break up each section with a pause and a breath. This will make it easier for your listener to stay engaged with you and your message and absorb what you have to say.
Avoid ums and aghs as they will undermine your credibility and authority.
Practise it 100 times until it feels comfortable and authentically you. This doesn’t mean you will deliver it like a robot, but it will mean that, what you want to say, rolls off your tongue with ease in the moment you need it and you won’t be floundering for words…especially if you are a bit nervous and the stakes are high.
So, as you step out of the elevator and into the spotlight, remember: your voice is not just a tool; it's your ambassador. With a finely tuned pitch—be it spoken or sung in the key of business—you're not just sharing information; you're offering a story, a vision, and an invitation to a journey of success.
The essence lies in connection. It’s about making those fleeting moments count, about leaving echoes of who you are and what you can offer in the hearts and minds of your listeners. After all, in the fast-moving elevator of opportunity, the right pitch can indeed take you straight to the top floor.
To dive deeper into this topic, click here to listen the Impact Through Voice Podcast Episode 14 where I discuss this topic in depth.
Want coaching on your perfect pitch click here to complete a brief application before we jump on a call to discuss in detail.
Lisa Hugo, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lisa Hugo, is a leader in the field of voice and communication as well as course creation and digital marketing. Having trained in performing arts, she spent a large part of her career on the stage as a singer/songwriter whilst also coaching the voices of up-and-coming singers. Now Lisa channels her performing experience into helping entrepreneurs, executives, and speakers to enhance their performance by unleashing the full power and potential of their voice. She is CEO of Audacia Marketing, and has helped 1000s of people around the world find their voices and confidence to grow their brand and share their message with the world.
