This week I had the opportunity to attend the Tech Coast Venture Network event on Crowfunding with Howard Leonhardt (who I will discuss in my next blog). At the beginning of the event, TCVN hosted an elevator pitch contest that was followed by a short session on how to create and deliver a powerful 30-second explanation about your business.
If you’re in sales, you’ve probably encountered the dreaded elevator pitch before. Lets face it: The idea of presenting a 30-second speech about everything you do and why someone should do business with you can be summed up in one word: Terrifying.
But the key to creating a great elevator pitch is not rocket science. The more you practice, the better you will become. Here are the 5 key elements to include in a great elevator pitch:
- Identify the problem. Talk about the issue.
- How you’re going to fix it?
- Describe the market. Where do you fit?
- How do you make money? What are you looking for?
- About your Team
If you commit yourself to working on improving both the quality of your responses and delivery, you can master art of delivering the perfect elevator pitch. Each time you practice you will become more comfortable with the process. You won’t become perfect overnight, but by scheduling even 30 minutes a week to practice will help you to improve faster than you might think.
Additional Tips in Delivery:
- Enthusiasm is a must! People can tell when you’re genuinely excited. Be authentic.
- Don’t make it just about you! Talk about how you can help others.
- Make eye contact.
- If you are presenting on a mic, don’t forget to hold the mic close so that that audience can you.
- It’s all about having confidence in the your message and your own delivery. The best way to build that confidence is with practice.