THE ELEVATOR PITCH

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           You miss 100% of the shots you don't take -- Wayne Gretzky

The elevator pitch??? Like talk to a strange person in an elevator, who does that? That was my first reaction when I first heard about the elevator pitch/speech.

Before I quit my job, I always avoided people on the elevator, it was a long 30-60seconds ride which I dreaded. I just couldn’t wait to get off the elevator, everyone creep me out on the elevator. I quit my job and I needed to learn something new, so I stumbled on an online class which taught the elevator pitch, I took interest because I needed to grow my network, grow my business, get a new job and sell my products/ideas to potential investors. 

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What is an elevator pitch? It is a perfected practiced planned speech of about 30-90seconds in response to the question what do you do? Or what is your company about?  It is a conversation that can lead to a deeper dialogue about the functionality and specialty of what you offer, it’s a quick synopsis of who you are and what you can offer. It is an ice breaker in an elevator, in a gathering, business/job fair. You need to be memorable and make sure you stick because all you got is 30-90 seconds to make an impression. You need to be clear and succinct.

A business relationship, a new job, a great network starts with a conversation not a sales pitch. Your elevator pitch/speech shouldn’t sound too sales-y, most people tune out when they sense you are trying to sell something to them. its an opportunity not to actually sell but to make people know you/company and build a relationship.These are steps on how to get a great elevator pitch.

1.     Start with a hook; You notice a potential client/investor or a potential employee/employer, how do you trap them for 30-90 seconds and yield a positive outcome from those few seconds. After introducing yourself, you go into what you do. you must start with a conversation that draws their curiosity. The statement can be a bit confusing and not lead the listeners to any preconceived notion. It should never include details about “how I do what I do”. Someone into real estate can respond like” I make sure you have a warm place to lay your head after your days’ work” this would make the listener ask what do you mean? Which is the beginning of my conversation, focus on delivery. Make sure you sound honest, sincere and not shady.

2.     Stop talking; After your hook you must make sure, you keep your mouth shut , stand there and give the listener time to get confused and desire to know more. When they ask you what do you mean? they have invested in the conversation. this silence is for the hook to sink in deep, so always remember to keep quiet after delivering the hook.

3.     Pull them in deep; let them feel they want more, after the hook don’t blast them with a sales pitch. Tell them how you do what you do without giving the full show. Be the mystery and suspense. the realtor here could say "i make sure you return a palace and a dream after your daily hassle". Now if they ask what you mean exactly, they have earned the full and clear details of what you do. you have to be careful here you don't undo your hard-work.

4.     Serve not sell; if you have created a great hook and pull conversations, you have owned that conversation and who is listening is interested in you. Now you must have the mindset of, this is what I can serve you with rather than this is what I sell. Remain focus on your listeners’ needs and not your needs. The listeners are thinking what they can get from you. The main reason for an elevator pitch/speech is to enlighten people rather than sell. 

5.     Be natural; don’t act like a creep or like you are reading of a book. Relax, breathe and sound passionate. ask few questions to people around you. watch you body language.  Never talk too fast or sound like you are frighten, be flexible.

Note that a source of identification must be with you. Always go ready with your business cards, brochure or resume. you must hand out your information/contact after you are done with your speech.

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Preparing your elevator pitch.

A well-crafted elevator pitch should talk about who you are, what you do, your products and services and your unique selling proposition. You must structure it with key value benefits. You must note

·        Your key strengths.

·        What makes you a better choice than your competitions.

·        Your specialized knowledge, services

·        Every details about who you are and what you do. so after the pitch if they want a detailed information you can provide.

·        Avoid jargon

·        Be memorable and interesting, keep them hooked.

·        Write, re write, redraft and practice

·        Act naturally, don’t look rehearsed.

·        Get the right tone, pitch, don’t sound like an AI/Robot.

·        Practice a lot, with friends, families and get a coach if you struggling.

·        Dress properly, wear the right clothes.

·        Review your speech and practice with a timer.  

 KALON WRITES👑