Teena Hughes discusses the importance of
coming up with a 30 second "elevator pitch" for quick
networking opportunities. Learn how a quick pitch can turn
into a new project, job, sale, student or career.
30 Second Elevator Pitch : do you have one?
What's an "elevator pitch"?
As you start your new business, you'll be asked many, many
(did I say "many"?) times, "What do you DO for a living?",
"What business are you in?". I'm sure you have passion about
your new enterprise, you're highly skilled, extremely
qualified ... but you stammer and stutter and can't quite
come up with a blurb that sounds professional as well as
showing your great enthusiasm for your business.
Being able to clearly state your profile is often called an
"elevator" pitch (it has to be able to be stated when you're
in an elevator before the doors open!), a "sales" pitch, a
"30 second" or "3 minute" speech or spiel ...
What's the secret of the elevator pitch?
Well, it helps if you can clearly and concisely explain what
your business does - in a maximum of 3 minutes. Remember -
NO negative words, only positive words! Fill in the form on
the page, show it to friends & associates, revise it, say it
over and over until it comes easily off the tongue ... and
won't that impress new people you meet!
................................................
What are the benefits?
................................................
It costs you nothing, it helps clarify WHO you are and WHAT
you do, it attracts new customers, and shows how
professional you are in regard to your business.
"I'm shy!" I hear you say ... If you're trying to find new
customers, you have to learn to be confident - you don't
have time to be shy ... follow the steps listed below and
fine-tune your pitch, repeat it often until you sound great!
Test it on friends, family, business associates - listen to
their suggestions and rewrite until it's just right.
Suggestion :: type it or write it on the back of business
card or something small to keep in your wallet, where you
can see it often and practice it.
................
SAMPLE
................
Good morning, I'm Debbie Goodie-TwoShoes and I am the owner
of Tappitty Tap Tap Shoes. I provide the smallest tap
dancing shoes in the country. I've reached a new audience of
pet actors and people from all walks of life. My tap shoes
for pets provide hours of fun for audiences in theatres and
in movies.
................ end sample ................
Think you can do better than this? Give it a shot ...
................................................
Let's get started!
................................................
1. Who are you?
Example answer: I'm Teena Hughes, Director of
BuildAWebsiteTonight.com, Author of "Writing a 3 Minute
Pitch".
Write or type your answer:
................................................
2. What do you do?
Example answer: I provide techniques to help business people
write a successful 3 minute business profile.
Write or type your answer:
................................................
3. Who do you do it for? (... why do you do it, who are your
customers?)
Example answer : I work with everyone who wants to be
confident when providing their first contact pitch regarding
their business and/or service.
Write or type your answer:
................................................
4. What are the benefits of someone using your
product/service?
Example answer: My customers have increased confidence when
using their pitch or profile whether one-on-one or in large
groups, speaking with great ease. It eliminates hesitation
when asked, "What do you do?", and gets to the point
immediately, leaving the other person in no doubt whatsoever
about your business.
Write or type your answer:
................................................
Words and phrases to *avoid*.
Don't limit yourself!
.................................................
I only ...
I could possibly ...
Maybe ...
If only I could ...
Soon I will ...
Possibly
It should be ok
I'll do my best ...
No problem ... (avoid this negative one!)
Q : Can you come up with a strong, positive alternative to
any of these?
Q : Have you caught yourself saying any of these words or
phrases above? Time for change!
...............
TIPS
...............
* Sound confident - your new pitch will impress everyone.
* Your words are important - use the right ones to always
sound positive and excited about your business.
* Try not to sound too giggly or immature - you can easily
make yourself sound professional and friendly by carefully
choosing your words.
* Using weak words (as shown above) makes you come across as
being indecisive, not quite in control, unable to be
positive about what you're doing and when you plan to do it.
* Pay more attention to the way you answer the phone, talk
with a prospective client, follow up a lead ... and be brave
enough to change your words if you need to!
.....................................
Think you can now write about YOUR business, product or
service? Take a deep breath, and start getting your thoughts
on paper or computer.
It may take a few goes to get it just right, but keep at it
- a fabulous 30 second pitch is worth its weight in gold!
© Teena Hughes
