What the heck is an elevator pitch?

So you might have heard the term “elevator pitch”, but in case it’s a new term for you, or you are not quite sure what it means, an elevator pitch is simply a short, pre-prepared speech that explains what you do (or your business does), clearly and succinctly. A good elevator pitch should last no longer than a short elevator ride of 20 to 30 seconds, hence the name.

Your elevator pitch should be interesting, memorable, and succinct. It also needs to explain what makes you – or your business or service – unique.

Here are some questions that you can ask yourself in preparation for writing your elevator pitch.

  • What benefits do you bring to the world?
  • What problem are you solving?
  • What in-demand skills do you bring?
  • What’s your USP? (Unique Selling Proposition – more about that in Module 3!)
  • How do you stand out?
  • What makes you different?
  • What do you do?
  • What motivates you to do what you do?

If you have young children, something fun to try out is to ask your kids what it is they think you do. Albert Einstein apparently once said, “if you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it yourself.”

Your Task – should you choose to accept it!

Using either your phone or laptop, create your own elevator pitch.

Tips:

  • Imagine your phone/computer is a person and you are talking to someone who you’ve met at a party or an event who wants to know who you are and what you do.
  • Keep it brief! Remember: 20-30 seconds is ideal.

At the end of this course, I’d like you to do a second elevator pitch video. Then watch your two videos and see how you’ve fine-tuned and improved your pitch!