elevator speech about company

Dan Ponomarenko , CEO of Webvizio , offered this pitch:

“At Webvizio, we streamline web project management for digital teams, making collaboration seamless. Our platform allows you to visualize changes, communicate in real time, and manage feedback efficiently — all in one place. We eliminate the clutter of back-and-forth emails, so you can focus on what you love: creating. Interested in simplifying your project processes and enhancing team productivity?”

2. "Deliver a clear tech talent solution with EchoGlobal Tech . "

Lou Reverchuk , Co-Founder and CEO of EchoGlobal Tech , offered this pitch:

“Hello, I‘m Lou, representing EchoGlobal Tech, where we bridge the gap between innovative tech projects and top remote software developers. At EchoGlobal, we understand that the right talent makes all the difference. That’s why we guarantee no AI matchmaking and no juniors pretending to be senior devs. Always quality over quantity with us. Imagine having a dedicated expert who truly understands your project‘s vision and transforms it into reality. Let’s set up a time to discuss your hiring needs.”

3. "Simplify the insurance buying experience with Dundas Life "

Gregory Rozdeba , CEO of Dundas Life , offered this pitch:

“Imagine buying life insurance the way you shop online — quick, easy, and transparent. At Dundas Life, we streamline the complex process of finding the right insurance, making it accessible at your fingertips. With us, you‘re not just a policy number; you’re in control, informed, and secure. Let’s make insurance straightforward together.”

4. "Engage with real estate investment expertise with EZ Sell Homebuyers. "

Mike Wall , CEO of EZ Sell Homebuyers , offered this pitch:

“Looking to maximize your real estate investment? With over two decades of experience and a portfolio of over 30 properties, I provide tailored advice that turns real estate into real results. Let’s discuss how I can help you achieve your property investment goals today.”

5. "Enhance your online visibility with CodeDesign . "

Bruno Gavino , Founder and CEO of CodeDesign , offered this pitch:

“Hi, I’m Bruno from CodeDesign. We often see companies struggle to gain visibility in the digital space, losing potential revenue to competitors who dominate online. Our agency specializes in leveraging advanced data analytics and custom digital strategies to enhance your online presence, driving more traffic and increasing sales. Imagine what it would be like to see your business outperform competitors by simply optimizing your digital marketing. Let’s chat about how we can make that happen for you.”

6. "Illuminate spaces with quality lighting with Festoon House . "

Matt Little , Director at Festoon House , offered this pitch:

“Imagine transforming your space with lighting that‘s not only beautiful but also built to last. At Festoon House, we’re dedicated to crafting premium lighting solutions that elevate your style, enhance your ambiance, and stand the test of time. From modern chandeliers to industrial-chic fixtures, our products are designed to inspire and impress. Join the Festoon House family and let's brighten up your world together — one light at a time!”

7. "Solve food waste with RedBat.Agency . "

Gert Kulla , CEO of RedBat.Agency , offered this pitch:

“We're tackling the issue of food waste in restaurants. Our app allows diners to buy surplus food at a discount while helping venues reduce waste and generate extra revenue. This creates a win-win for businesses and customers looking to save money and curb food waste.”

8. "Elevate travel with JetLevel Aviation . "

Fahd Khan , Director of Marketing and Technology at JetLevel Aviation , offered this pitch:

“At JetLevel Aviation, we provide top-tier private jet charter services, ensuring fast, flexible, and seamless travel for high-profile clients. Unlike traditional charter companies, our bespoke solutions and access to a wide range of luxury jets guarantee that your travel experience is not just efficient but also tailored to your specific preferences and schedules. Let us elevate your travel experience to the next level.”

1. Keep it brief.

The purpose of an elevator speech is to be as brief as possible while capturing a prospect‘s attention. Try to stay under 60 seconds — including your introduction. Even if you’re delivering your elevator speech during a formal presentation, where you have time to elaborate if needed, keep the bulk of your pitch under sixty seconds.

If you don‘t, you won’t be able to use your pitch when you're chatting with prospects in situations with tighter time constraints — such as a tradeshow or a chance meeting.

2. Practice multiple times beforehand.

You may have written the most incredible elevator speech for your product, but if you hamper the delivery by misremembering or even forgetting parts of your pitch, it won't be an effective tool. Be sure to practice by yourself, with your manager, and with your colleagues.

The goal isn't just to memorize it, but to practice your tone, pace, and overall delivery.

3. Come prepared with additional materials.

When you‘re delivering your elevator pitch, be prepared to provide your prospect with what they need to continue the conversation. Whether that’s a business card, a brochure, or a short demo, carry all that you might need with you.

The elevator speech is your opportunity to begin a deal on the right foot and speed up the nurturing process. Typically, you might take weeks emailing a prospect before they're ready to schedule a meeting with you, but an elevator pitch speeds that work. You want to have the materials you need to keep the conversation going.

4. Be positive and enthusiastic.

It‘s essential to show your personality during your elevator pitch, but whether you’re a quiet, calm introvert or a charming, excitable extrovert, you should still convey positivity and enthusiasm.

You can use your body language and expression to keep things positive, even if your tone is quiet and calm. You might highlight the amazing benefits your prospect will enjoy if they sign up, or tell a positive story from one of your previous clients.

Most importantly, you should make it obvious that you want to help your prospect more than anything — which will make you sound positive by default.

5. Vary the tone of your voice.

As you deliver your pitch, vary your tone and modulation to keep your listener engaged. This will help you emphasize the most important parts of your speech — such as the benefits — while keeping your prospect‘s attention. The pitch may be short, but you’ll be surprised at how easily people can tune out based on your tone alone. We don‘t want to risk it! Especially if it’s a prospect you've never spoken with.

1. Don't ramble.

I‘ve been a rep at Sales-R-Us for five years now. They’re the best company I‘ve ever worked for. I’ve loved my time there. I started as a BDR and have worked my way up to a senior position. I‘ve never looked back. I also love the services we sell. I can’t wait to tell you about them. Sales-R-Us help companies become more efficient with their sales through training, evaluation, and leadership management — and that‘s just to name a few. We have a unique approach that’s been honed by lots of sales experts over the years, and I‘ve seen our solution really help a lot of companies and teams. I’ve had many clients whose businesses have been saved because of our genius solution. I know we can do the same for you. Would you be interested in learning more?

This elevator pitch is not effective because:

• It's way too long.
• The rep spends way too much time talking about themself.
• It never gets specific or actionable.
• It never provides actual examples or attention-grabbing facts.

2. Don't use too much jargon.

At Stratosphere Solutions, our OS-level virtualization delivers software in containers, all of which share the system of a lone operating system kernel. These containers are isolated but can communicate with one another through well-defined channels. Ultimately, this lets you use fewer resources than traditional virtual machines.

• It's inaccessible to someone without relevant technical knowledge.
• It features too much jargon.
• It tries to condense an extremely complicated topic into 30 seconds.
• Its value proposition isn't clear-cut.

3. Don‘t insert your prospect’s personal information.

I visited your Instagram and noticed that you have a pitbull. I have a pitbull, too! I bet he sometimes distracts you when you work from home, which is the absolute pits when you‘re trying to put together a report for your boss. Your dog — what’s his name? — may be asking for your attention, but I assure you you can still create a report as easy as 1-2-3 with AnswerASAP. While petting your pupperino.

• It sacrifices the hook in favor of creating a “personal connection.”
• It's too familiar with the prospect to the point of discomfort.
• It makes assumptions about the prospect's work-from-home tendencies.
• It uses informal slang (“the absolute pits,” “pupperino”) for unnecessary humor.

4. Don‘t under-emphasize the problem you’re solving.

It's possible that you may run into issues when putting reports together for your boss. For instance, things may go awry every once in a while, such as disappearing data or disagreeing sources. With AnswerASAP, you can lay those worries to rest. We have a few features that will help you with those issues if you ever run into them.

• It treats a customer problem as a possibility and not an urgent reality.
• It‘s vague (“things may go awry”) and doesn’t emphasize how those issues can hurt the prospect.
• It doesn‘t specify the product features that will solve the prospect’s challenges.
• Because it never goes into detail, it shows little research and care.

Remember, an elevator pitch should only come at someone else‘s prompting. If you’re spontaneously reciting it to random people, you're not doing yourself any favors. But if they ask, you want to be prepared with an interesting, well-crafted pitch.

Reel in Clients with an Effective Elevator Pitch

While a short speech may seem insignificant, those first conversations can hold some weight. With a well-crafted pitch, you can turn a single conversation with a prospect into a long-lasting customer, or even into a business partner. We hope you found these examples helpful and are inspired to craft your own effective elevator pitch.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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• 15 creative elevator pitch examples for ...

15 creative elevator pitch examples for every scenario

A good elevator pitch can be the difference between landing your next big opportunity or falling short of the competition. But the reality is, people want to have meaningful conversations without the forced sales pitch. So how do you pitch yourself during a job interview or client meeting with authenticity? 

We’ve put together 15 creative elevator pitch examples that will help you nail your next client meeting or virtual networking event. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned professional, our examples cover any situation you might find yourself in. 

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First things first: What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch, also known as an elevator speech, is an opportunity to share a quick summary of yourself and your product offerings. But a pitch can also be your chance at making a real connection that you can use later down the road. It’s not always an immediate benefit, but you should be prepared for any scenario in which you could be giving an elevator pitch. 

In reality, most people have given an elevator pitch whether they realize it or not. That’s because there are many different types of pitches—from interviews to new business opportunities. This includes situations where you need to "tell me about yourself" to recruiters or hiring managers. Therefore, preparing your next pitch becomes an important step in marketing both yourself and your company. 

When it comes to figuring out who to deliver your pitch to, you should aim for the best point of contact, not just the highest point of contact. Choosing connections that are related to or interested in what you’re offering will give you a better chance at making your sale.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

One of the biggest unknowns about creating sample elevator pitches is how long they should be. In most cases, it will depend on what it’s about and who you’re pitching. A good rule of business etiquette is to make it as short as possible by carefully selecting the most important points. 

A study conducted by Microsoft found that the average person has an attention span of around eight seconds, meaning you’ll have to fight for that undivided attention. That’s no small task. So when it comes to a great elevator pitch, aim to keep it around 30 seconds—though the exact length can vary depending on your industry and what you’re pitching. 

When looking at pitch length based on industry, each one differs to some degree. Let’s take marketing for example. Your pitch opportunities will likely be to customers that come across your brand. And in that case, you have very little time to get your message across—whether it’s text, video, or imagery. But when it comes to sales, you may get the opportunity to expand your elevator pitch past 30 seconds. You will likely have plenty of networking opportunities where people are more than willing to listen to what you have to say. It really just depends on your medium and the audience’s eagerness to listen. 

But what if you can’t cut your elevator pitch down to 30 seconds? It may seem like your brand is too complicated to distill down to such a short timeframe, but if you’re pitching to the right audience you shouldn’t have that problem. Make sure you pitch to people related to your industry or a tangential audience that will be able to interpret your offerings. 

Whether you're pitching a new product, a startup idea, or your work experience to a potential employer, make sure you pitch to people related to your industry or a tangential audience that will be able to interpret your offerings.

How to write an elevator pitch 

When it comes to writing an effective elevator pitch, it can be hard to decipher important facts from unimportant ones—this is why knowing how to effectively communicate in the workplace is important in the first place. For example, while it’s good to personalize your communication tactics wherever possible, it’s not necessary to give prospects an entire history lesson on your business. Only the most recent and relevant details should be included. To get started creating your own pitch, you first need to understand the basic components that make up any good elevator pitch.

Step 1: Introduce yourself

All good pitches start with a short introduction. It could be as simple as stating your name and who you work for if those details apply. But the more personal you can make it, the more natural your elevator pitch will seem. Nonverbal communication skills like body language and eye contact are  also an important part of a solid introduction. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when introducing yourself to a new prospect. 

Greet your audience in a compelling way that's appropriate for the occasion.

Use a formal greeting for a business pitch or when meeting with hiring managers.

Opt for a more casual greeting for a fun event or informal networking opportunity.

For virtual business meetings and professional networking events, get creative with your introductions over video chat.

In virtual networking events, focus on making a strong first impression, as it can be more challenging than in-person meetings.

Consider starting with a lighthearted joke to break the ice, ensuring it's relevant to your target audience. This can be particularly effective at career fairs or when giving your elevator speech to recruiters. 

Step 2: Present the problem

All solutions start with a problem. Whatever you or your business is trying to solve, it’s important to get the point across early on in your elevator pitch to set the theme for the rest of your speech. An example problem: coordinating work between teams is chaotic.  

If possible, relate the problem back to your audience by using real-world examples. This will help make the problem more relevant and, hopefully, grab your audience’s attention. If your problem isn’t easy to explain, try using more than one example or a visual to really paint a picture for your audience. 

Step 3: Offer the solution

If the problem is what draws the audience in, then the solution is what hooks them. This is your time to show them why they need your help. Here’s an example solution: Asana gives teams a system to organize and manage work so they know what to do, why it matters, and how to get it done.

The solution is arguably the most important part of an elevator pitch, so spend time perfecting it. If you’re pitching for a business, it’s likely the quick solution pitch has already been created. But again, it’s always better to personalize your pitch. So don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your audience. If pitching for yourself, talk about the unique skills you’ve developed and why they would be beneficial to your prospect. 

Step 4: Explain your value proposition

Now that you’ve piqued your audience’s attention, it’s time to seal the deal by explaining why your solution is better than anyone else's. An example value proposition is: Asana is the only platform that connects goals with the work needed to achieve them. 

The value proposition differs from the solution by focusing on why your audience should use your solution over a competitor’s. If you don’t have that answer just yet, perform a competitive analysis to compare your offerings or look to your executive summary. 

If you're pitching during a job search or to build your network, your value proposition should highlight your unique skills, career path, and how they align with the company's or individual's goals.

If your market is extremely niche and you don’t have a clear differentiator or significant competition, look to communication and interface capabilities. Consider why your idea or solution is original enough that someone would want to use it.   

Step 5: Engage the audience

While most of the hard work is done, it’s important to engage your audience with a compliment or question before you part ways. Always err on the side of being genuine rather than delivering a scripted goodbye. 

There is no right or wrong way to engage your audience. While ending with a question can create a dialogue between you and your audience, a genuine compliment can go a long way. Think about what made you want to pitch them in the first place and use that to end the conversation. Don't forget to include a clear call to action, whether it's scheduling a follow-up meeting, exchanging business cards, or connecting on LinkedIn. Lastly, don’t forget to swap contact information, such as a business card, if you don’t already have it. 

Elevator pitch template

Now that you know the basic components of a pitch, the next step is creating your very own elevator pitch. This template can work for just about any situation, from a job interview to pitching a small business or startup. That’s because we analyzed some of the most famous templates from industry experts—from Harvard research to Guy Kawasaki’s art of pitching—to create the best elevator pitch template that will work in any situation. 

Plug your information into our elevator pitch template to draft a quick speech. While you won’t necessarily recite it word for word, it’s a great model to keep in mind in case you find yourself in a position where you’re not prepared with a personalized pitch.

Whether you’re looking for a pitch template for a job interview or for pitching your business, this template is a foolproof example for any situation you might find yourself in. 

General elevator pitch template

Use our elevator pitch template to start constructing your speech by adding statistics and personalized greetings where needed. This template incorporates the four parts explained above to hit all of the important details of a good elevator pitch. 

Introduction : “Hi I’m [name], a [position title] at [company name]. It’s great to meet you!”

Problem : “Since you work with [company name or industry] I figured you’d be interested to know that [problem + interesting statistic].”

Solution : “The great part about working at [your company’s name] is that we’ve been able to fix just that problem by [solution].”

Value proposition : “In fact, we’re the only company that offers [value proposition].”

CTA : “I think our solution could really help you. Are you available this week to speak further on this?”

Don’t be afraid to change up your pitch template based on your personality and professional expertise. We’ve also included personalized 30-second elevator pitch examples below to inspire personal facts you can add to create a more engaging speech .

30-second elevator pitch examples

Let’s dive into the best 30-second elevator pitch examples to help you create a pitch that’s both engaging and informative. Our examples take inspiration from the four elements included in the template above, to demonstrate how you'd pitch project management software to increase productivity . Try a few or try them all to find one that best fits your personality and value proposition. 

Example 1: Short and sweet

This example is one of the most common you’ll come across. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best, but it’s a great example of a quick and easy pitch that fits almost any situation. When working on this type of elevator pitch, be sure to keep it as short and to the point as possible. Try to stick closely to the 30 seconds or less rule since the point is to be brief and transparent.

The problem is that work is chaotic no matter what industry you’re in or how good you are at your job. But a good project management software can help improve productivity and communication. I haven’t missed a deadline in years. If you’re interested in how it can help your team, give me a call and I can take you through some numbers. 

Example 2: Relatable over reliable

Sometimes the best way to grab your audience’s attention is to reel them in with a personal anecdote they’ll relate to. While it’s still important to drive home your solution, this approach puts more weight on making a personal connection rather than an immediate sale. 

It’s so great to finally meet you. How is business going? I heard you’ve been struggling with communication issues. My team and I struggled with that too. It wasn’t until we added project management software into our routine that we really saw an improvement in teamwork and overall communication. I hope you find a solution that works for your team. 

Example 3: Savvy with stats

Start your pitch off with a hook by dropping an attention-grabbing statistic. It’s important to have hard data to back up your statistics to ensure their accuracy before pitching. When it comes to a statistics pitch, it’s a good idea to come full circle at the end and connect how your solution can help solve that statistic.  

Did you know that despite having more ways to connect remotely, 60% of workers’ time is spent on work coordination with just 26% spent on skilled work and 14% on strategy? No wonder teams need help with project management. Implementing project management tools can decrease time spent on work coordination and help increase skilled work.

Example 4: Question everything

This example uses questions to make your pitch easily comprehensible. It also forces the audience to join in on the conversation rather than just presenting them with a speech. Try starting and ending with a question that makes the audience think about your pitch long after you leave the room.

Do you ever feel like you spend too much time on work about work? I’ve talked to so many people who share the same frustrations. I used to work long hours every day just trying to catch up. But do you know what? Ever since we started using project management software, I've been able to get so much more work done. Have you tried anything similar in the past?

Example 5: Comedic twist

If your pitch isn’t about a serious topic, you can add comedic twists to engage the audience. This is especially useful if giving a presentation. Add a GIF or quick funny clip in between slides to lighten the mood. If using this example, be sure it fits the occasion and tone of your company. 

Did you know that the average person can only pay attention for eight seconds? That’s not even long enough to place my coffee order in the morning. Maybe that’s why my barista always gets it wrong. But seriously, I think that’s why so many companies struggle to hit deadlines. 

Example 6: Tell a story

Use customer testimonials or your own personal story to paint a picture for the audience. This can be especially helpful if your topic is hard to explain in 30 seconds or less. Telling a story is a great way to add a relatable twist. 

We have a customer that transitioned to a fully remote workforce this year and needed help making sure deadlines were met. With our help, they were able to get up to 10% of their time back in their day and focus on more important things like strategic planning.

Example 7: Emotionally driven

While this type of pitch may be more difficult to create, you have a better chance of winning over your audience if you can make your pitch emotionally driven. It’s also more likely they’ll be willing to share the experience with someone else down the road. It’s important to keep the emotions on the lighter side to prevent the conversation from steering too dark. Here is an example to inspire your own speech. 

It may seem like any other tool, but when you look closely it really is helping teams connect. And not just that, but it’s helping cultivate teams that actually enjoy working together on new projects. That’s something that’s hard to come by, but something everyone is looking for.  

Example 8: Write it first

While most speeches start by writing a general outline, you can opt to write the entire pitch from start to finish. This tends to create a thought-provoking and poetic flow once you do present your pitch. You’ll have to memorize this pitch, so practicing is a key element to this strategy. 

Hi, my name is Kelly! It’s great to meet you. You work for Apollo Enterprises, right? I’ve heard a lot about them. I actually heard that you’re looking for project management help. In my experience, any organization—whether sales or suppliers—needs help coordinating work and team communication. Work can be rather chaotic, especially now, without it. That’s why we’ve created a software tool that helps both individuals and teams organize their projects and communications all in one place. Have you ever thought about using something similar?

Example 9: End with a one-liner

Making a grand exit doesn’t come easily, but if you can pull it off your audience is sure to be impressed. Stay away from cliche one-liners and make your closing authentic to you. The point here is to leave them with a thought that they’ll remember after the meeting is over. Consider sharing a surprising statistic or question relevant to their business.

Over one-quarter (26%) of all deadlines are missed each week because of a lack of clarity. But with the right project management tools, that number could be much lower. So the question is, can your business afford not to use project management software?

Elevator pitch examples by scenario

Now that we’ve covered the types of pitch examples, let’s dive into example elevator pitches for different scenarios. Whether you’re pitching for your business or yourself, you can use an elevator pitch to organize your thoughts and prepare for the real deal. Let’s look at key tips for any situation you may find yourself in. 

Example 10: Networking event

A networking event is probably the most common scenario you’ll run into. And with the new virtual-first culture, it may be even more challenging to make meaningful connections over video chat. That’s why it’s so important to prepare an elevator pitch that’s compelling no matter where you’re pitching it from. While most salespeople pitch casually in this environment, you may get the opportunity to meet an important executive. In which case, you’ll want to be prepared with a versatile pitch template. 

Great to meet you, I’m Kelly with Apollo Enterprises. We’ve been able to improve productivity and collaboration for teams all over the world. If you ever need help with project management, just reach out. I think we could make a huge impact on your company. I’ll make sure to keep your contact information handy as well. 

Example 11: Job interview

Looking for a new job or have career fairs coming up? Most interviews—whether with human resources, a recruiter, or a hiring manager—start with some form of the phrase, “Tell me about yourself.” This is an opportunity for job seekers to briefly explain themselves and their professional experience using industry buzzwords and key skills. Having an elevator pitch ready can ensure that you’re prepared when the opportunity presents itself. 

I’m Kelly, a specialist at Apollo Enterprises. I chose a career in project management because I had a passion for it, and now I can proudly say that I’ve been able to make a real difference in people’s lives. That’s why I’m looking to continue my career with an employer who shares those same values. I know my unique skills can make a big impact at your company because I’ve proven my results with a few key projects. 

Example 12: Formal meeting

You’ve landed the meeting, congratulations! Now is the time to create a formal elevator pitch to really get them interested. When presenting a formal pitch, a presentation can be a great addition to traditional elevator speech examples. But whether or not you choose to create a presentation, this meeting is about selling your product in the most professional way possible. So dress the part and don’t forget your unique selling proposition. 

I took a look at your current productivity figures and noticed an opportunity for improvement. With our project management software, you could get back up to 10% more of your workday. Not only would that mean more work getting done, but it would also have a positive impact on the overall success of your business. Not to mention, our tool is the only one in the industry that has goal capabilities to ensure teams stay on track. 

Example 13: Sales pitch 

Professionals often pitch traditional sales jargon, but the real key is creating a human connection while lightly sprinkling in what you’re selling. Start with a personal story or light-hearted introduction instead of the typical sales presentation. You can also prepare by creating sales team goal templates to ensure your team is on the same page. 

Our team really struggled to transition to a remote workforce. Communication wasn’t organized and people struggled to find the correct information to complete projects. But, thankfully, we found a solution to our problem. Implementing project management tools not only improved productivity but also improved overall teamwork. Every company prefers different tools, but I can say without a doubt that our software was the best at connecting goals with the work needed to achieve them.

Example 14: Social introduction

Now, more than ever, professionals are choosing to meet virtually rather than face-to-face. Whether you’re chatting over LinkedIn or have a virtual meeting set up, it’s important to make your pitch personal and use clear visuals to help sell your point. Here’s a great example of a social media pitch. 

Thanks for connecting! I noticed that your competitors are outperforming you when it comes to year-over-year growth. I took the liberty of doing a competitive analysis and didn’t find any outlying problems. I’m wondering if it could be an issue with productivity. How has the transition to remote work been? If you’re interested, I could run you through some productivity figures if you were to add project management tools to your current processes. 

Example 15: Entrepreneurs and business owners

Pitching to a business owner is much different than pitching to an executive. They can be harder to sell because they are often hesitant about new investments. The most important tip is to use examples as they pertain to the business when explaining a problem and solution.  

I love your products at Apollo Enterprises. I’m a huge proponent of your mission. I did realize that there may be some opportunities to improve productivity and collaboration internally. Have you ever considered project management software? I think it could have a big impact on business growth now or even down the road. 

4 tips to perfect your elevator pitch

In addition to creating the perfect elevator pitch, you should also work on sprucing up your delivery. There’s nothing worse than sitting through a boring speech, so make sure yours is anything but. From posture to tone, there’s a lot you can practice to make sure you look professional and knowledgeable. Consider these four tips when trying to nail a successful elevator pitch. 

1. Stick to your outline

To prevent getting off-topic, it’s important to stick to your outline at least to some extent. While you don’t need to recite it word for word, it’s best to memorize the majority of your pitch. That way you won’t need to worry about checking your notes. 

2. Speak slowly and clearly

Many professionals tend to talk quickly when they’re nervous—hey, we’re only human. But it’s important to enunciate and speak slowly so the audience can understand you. This is especially important when presenting over video chat. But try not to slow yourself down too much or you’ll go over your allotted time. 

3. Record your pitch

Record yourself reciting the pitch to work on any areas that need improvement. Practice your pitch a handful of times by playing the recording back and working out any pain points. A couple of key areas to focus on are speed and tone. It’s better to sound overly energized rather than monotone. 

4. Practice, practice, practice!

There’s nothing more effective than practicing your pitch until you’re able to recite it in your sleep. If possible, practice in front of friends and family to get constructive feedback on how you can make your pitch even better. Even if you have years of experience, you can never go wrong with being overly prepared. 

Common elevator pitch mistakes to avoid

Even with the best elevator pitch examples at your disposal, it's easy to fall into common pitfalls. Here are four mistakes to avoid when crafting your pitch:

1. Rambling and using too much jargon

One of the biggest mistakes in delivering an elevator pitch is exceeding the optimal amount of time and filling it with industry jargon. Remember, the best elevator pitch is concise and easily understood. Avoid technical terms that might confuse your audience, whether they're hiring managers, potential clients, or fellow professionals at a networking event.

2. Not communicating your value proposition in a compelling way

Your elevator speech should quickly and effectively convey your unique value. Whether you're job hunting or pitching a new business, clearly articulate what sets you apart. This is especially crucial when addressing a potential employer or investors. Your value proposition should be one of the key points that stick with your audience long after the conversation ends.

3. Not tailoring your pitch to your target audience

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for an elevator pitch. Tailor your message to your specific audience, whether you're at a career fair, a networking event, or even crafting cover letters. For instance, if you're pitching to a nonprofit, focus on impact and mission alignment rather than just profitability.

4. Forgetting to include a call to action

An effective elevator pitch should end with a clear next step. Whether it's exchanging business cards, setting up a follow-up meeting, or inviting them to subscribe to your newsletter, always include a call to action. This gives your audience a concrete way to continue the conversation and build your network.

Elevate your first impression with an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a chance to show off your strengths and pitch your solutions. While it may sound nerve-wracking, using the 15 elevator pitch examples above will help you develop your own method using personal tidbits that tie into your innovative solutions.

While your pitch is an important part of leveling up your business, there are many avenues you can take to achieve growth. One of those ways is by determining whether project management vs. work management tools are right for your team. Not only will they help connect your team members, but the right tools and software can also help your organization set strategic goals. That means more time spent on bigger projects to help your business reach next-level growth.

FAQ: Writing the perfect elevator pitch

What should an elevator pitch say? 

An effective elevator pitch should concisely communicate who you are, what you do, and your unique value proposition. It should highlight your skills, experience, or product offering in a compelling way. For those in a job search, your pitch should answer the interview question "Tell me about yourself" while focusing on career goals that resonate with your target audience.

What are the three C's for an elevator pitch? 

The three C's for an elevator pitch are Clear, Concise, and Compelling. A clear pitch uses simple language without jargon. Concise means keeping it brief, ideally 30 seconds or less. A compelling pitch is interesting and relevant, encouraging further conversation, whether you're networking or in a job search.

How can I improve my elevator pitch? 

To improve your elevator pitch, practice in front of a mirror to refine your delivery and body language. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement. Seek feedback from others and continuously refine your pitch. Tailor it for different scenarios, from job interviews to networking events. Regular practice will make your pitch more natural and effective in your job search or business endeavors.

How do I prepare for unexpected elevator pitch opportunities? 

To prepare for unexpected elevator pitch opportunities, have a basic pitch ready that you can adapt on the spot. Keep business cards handy and stay informed about your industry. Practice regularly so your pitch feels natural, even during a short elevator ride. Aim for an authentic conversation tailored to your audience, whether at a networking event or during an unexpected professional encounter. For product or service pitches, focus on quickly capturing interest to turn listeners into subscribers or leads.

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60+ Elevator Pitch Examples by Type, Scenario, and Industry

By Kate Eby | January 26, 2023

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No matter your industry, your goals, or your career level, you should always have an elevator pitch prepared. We’ve worked with experts to assemble the largest collection of elevator pitches to help spark inspiration as you craft your own. 

Included in this article, you’ll find detailed elevator pitches sorted by type, such as a 10-second one-liner pitch and a two-minute pitch ; by scenario, such as a sales pitch and an elevator pitch for students ; and by industry, such as a pitch for project managers and an elevator pitch for an accountant .

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a quick summary of a person, product, or company. A good pitch clearly conveys what you do, while encouraging a connection. Elevator pitches should be engaging, persuasive, and clear. 

The sheer number of strategies and methods for writing an elevator pitch can be daunting. Reviewing elevator pitch examples can be a great way to learn how others pitch their companies or services so that you can adapt their ideas to your own business, product, or service. 

Find everything you need to write an elevator pitch , including how long it should be, common elevator pitch pitfalls, tips from experts, detailed examples of pitches, and more. For additional resources, try one of these downloadable elevator pitch templates .

Elevator Pitch Examples by Type

Elevator pitches can vary in length, from 10-second one-liners to five-minute investor pitches. You can also use different strategies to strengthen your pitch, such as attention-grabbing questions or surprise endings.

Review the following examples to see how you can apply different elevator pitch strategies and structures to your own pitches.

10-Second, One-Liner Elevator Pitch Examples

When you don’t have time for a full 60-second elevator pitch, it can be helpful to prepare a supershort 10-second pitch. Convey the value, advantage, and function of the person, company, or product you are pitching in 10 seconds or fewer.

Elevator pitches that are this short should grab the listener’s attention quickly. Try asking a thought-provoking question or sharing a surprising statistic. 

David Leonhardt, Freelance Writer and Owner of THGM Writing Services , shares his supershort, one-line elevator pitch: “A lot of people are just too busy to write their own articles, press releases, reports, or even books, so I help them get it done.” 

In this pitch, Leonhardt communicates directly and clearly what value he can bring with his writing services, without getting bogged down in details. This pitch opens up the possibility of a longer discussion down the road. 

Josh Pies, Executive Producer at C47 Film Associates , uses this pitch when selling his digital marketing services: “I don't want to waste your time. Do you have a strategy to distribute the video you want us to create for you?  'Cuz if you just have a plan, it's not gonna work.”

This pitch, explains Pies, “sets up a conversation about how strategy must precede creativity.” In less than 10 seconds, he’s caught the listener’s attention, asked a thought-provoking question, and kindled interest in his expertise.

30-Second Elevator Pitch Examples

Thirty seconds is a standard length for a short elevator pitch. In half a minute, a speaker should be able to provide just enough information to pique listener interest. Try including statistics, thoughtful questions, quick jokes, or other attention-grabbing strategies. 

Here are two examples of effective 30-second elevator pitches: 

• “Did you know that 70 percent of the waste produced by the global beauty industry comes from packaging materials? That’s billions of tons of rigid plastic. We think this is a serious problem, which is why we’ve made a commitment to doing better. In just the last two years, we’ve increased the amount of biodegradable materials in our packaging from 40 to 60 percent.”
• “I’ve worked with parents who are so anxious about getting their children into private schools that they’re losing sleep. And it’s understandable. Every school has different standards, essays to write, tests to take, and high-pressure interviews. I simplify the whole process. I do the heavy lifting so that my clients can relax, while knowing that they’re doing everything possible to get their children the education they deserve.”

Take a look at this chart to see how these examples pack in lots of information in a few short sentences.

One-Minute Elevator Pitch Example

Sixty seconds is another common length for an elevator pitch. In one minute, a speaker can provide compelling data, show personality, and more. Practice a one-minute elevator pitch often to make sure you are using the time wisely. 

Lucy Hurst, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sherbet Donkey Media , shares her company’s one-minute elevator pitch: “Sherbet Donkey Media was set up with the intention to disrupt the digital marketing industry by being honest and clear with clients from the get-go and producing tangible results. We’ve put together a team with exceptional and complementary expertise, and every member of our staff keeps their finger on the pulse as well. From the start of your marketing campaign, all our departments will work together to ensure that the marketing strategy succeeds on every level. It’s then consistently monitored and tweaked accordingly to ensure that you get results. We have multiplied a business’s e-commerce sales tenfold in 12 months. While we can’t guarantee this for every customer, we can promise that we will deliver results like no other.”

In this elevator pitch, Hurst uses the additional time to clearly explain what Sherbet Donkey Media does and how it can add value. She cites specific evidence of the company’s past success and paints a colorful portrait of its culture and team makeup.

Two-Minute Elevator Pitch Example

Two minutes is an uncommon length for an elevator pitch. Take advantage of this stretch of time to pitch your product or service by telling compelling stories, establishing credibility, and asking engaging questions. Always rehearse your talking points. 

Longer pitches are appropriate for situations where you already have a captive audience, such as in a presentation or an interview. Divide your pitch into sections to keep your information organized and concise.

Here is an example of a two-minute pitch a candidate might use to introduce themselves in a job interview : 

In two minutes, you should be able to demonstrate that you know industry lingo, show relevant experience, and have goals that align with the role you want. 

Tip: Any time you pitch a potential client, employer, investor, or other person, do your research ahead of time and tailor your pitch to your audience.

Five-Minute Elevator Pitch Examples

Once an elevator pitch is five minutes long, it’s not really an elevator pitch. In five minutes, you can offer a fully fleshed-out pitch to present to investors, potential clients, or executives within your company. 

For example, you might pitch your services to a new client. Ask them questions to identify their specific needs and explain how you are uniquely positioned to address them. 

Here are some questions you might ask: 

• How are you currently supporting your system?
• When was the last time you completed a project, and how did it go?
• How did you find the resources for that project? 
• What are some of the attributes you look for in a resource?
• What are some reasons you’re looking at different options for your next project?
• Which of those is most important? 
• Which of those have you had the most trouble finding?

Tip: For five-minute pitches, visual tools such as a PowerPoint presentation will help you stay organized and help your audience follow along. Remember to ask a lot of questions, which helps with engagement as you present your idea.

Elevator Pitch Deck Template for PowerPoint

Download the Elevator Pitch Deck Template for PowerPoint

Try this elevator pitch deck template for help structuring a longer presentation. The template organizes a pitch in a simple, six-part structure, which includes a problem statement, solution statement, expertise, competition, justification, and call to action.

Attention-Grabbing Question Examples of Elevator Pitches

Want to make your pitch stand out? Start with an attention-grabbing question. A thoughtful or surprising question can engage and excite listeners as you deliver the rest of your elevator pitch. 

Shane Hampson , an experienced SEO consultant, uses an attention-grabbing question to pitch his services: “Are you capitalizing on the estimated one-third of Americans who search for a local business every day? My clients have generated millions of dollars in revenue by making their websites reflect the expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness that are needed to succeed online.”

This pitch uses a common strategy of combining an attention-grabbing question with a surprising statistic .

Question Everything Pitch Example

One way to establish credibility and capture a listener’s attention is to challenge their most basic assumptions by using the question everything tactic. Start your pitch with information you could only have gotten with your specific experience or expertise.

Pies from C47 Film Associates uses this tactic in this longer elevator pitch: “I've had videos go viral — viewership from around the world — and not made a dime. It actually cost us. I've had videos with 10 views that make us a small fortune. After 20 years of doing this work, you learn a thing or two. If we made you a video that had one view, but it was Warren Buffett and he signed a billion-dollar contract with you, would you be worried about the view count not being higher? Here's what I'd prefer to do with you. Let's hatch a plan. Let's follow that plan and get the right attention, from the right people, in the right way, and then we'll get the right response. I want you to get results. Can I show you how to do that?”

In this example, Pies asks the listener to rethink the way they measure the success of online videos. He’s piqued their interest by having them question what their goals really are and how they might meet them. Additionally, he’s established credibility and demonstrated the value of his years of experience.

Credibility Boost Pitch Example

Establishing credibility is essential for any elevator pitch. When listeners think you are credible, they will be more open to your ideas. Incorporate evidence, statistics, or stories that will boost credibility with your listeners. 

Ravi Davda, CEO of Rockstar Marketing , demonstrates an effective credibility boost by saying, “As someone with six years of experience as an entrepreneur, I've made every mistake when it comes to marketing your business. That's the reason why I started Rockstar Marketing — so you wouldn't have to make the same, expensive mistakes I did.”

In this example, Davda draws on his years of experience to show that he has the knowhow to avoid costly mistakes.

Relatable-over-Reliable Elevator Pitch Example

Sometimes the best strategy for an elevator pitch is to focus on making a personal connection. Tell a story that shows your audience that you can relate to them, while still offering a solution to their problem. 

Here is an example of a relatable-over-reliable elevator pitch: “When I started my first management position, I didn’t know what I was doing, but I also didn’t want it to seem like I couldn’t handle my new responsibilities. Instead of asking for help, getting feedback, or reflecting on my management style, I just plowed ahead. It took three team members suddenly walking out on me before I realized that I had to consult an expert, learn what I was doing wrong, and change. Now I have over 20 years of managerial experience and a successful management consulting firm of my own.”

Surprise Ending Pitch Example

Use a surprise ending elevator pitch to help a listener visualize your solution. Start with a situation your listener can relate to, then show how the outcome might be different with your product or service. 

Here is a surprise ending elevator pitch for a mobile app: “Let’s say your employer has just switched insurance companies, and your primary care provider is no longer in network. You could spend hours researching in-network doctors, asking friends for referrals, or navigating your insurance website to find a new doctor. But there’s another possibility. Imagine you had access to reviews, insurance information, availability, specialties, and more, all in one user-friendly location. That’s what you have if you download this app.”

Unbelievable Statistic Elevator Pitch Examples

An unbelievable statistic is a great way to capture a listener’s attention and stress the importance of your product or service. Look for numbers that are significantly higher or lower than you might expect, and add them to your pitch. 

Here are some unbelievable statistics that would work well as elevator pitch openers:

• “One fast food burger patty can contain meat from as many as 100 different cows. With our burgers, we guarantee that one burger equals one cow.” 
• “For every 1,470 resumes the average employer receives, they will hire just one candidate. That’s why job seekers need all the help they can get to make their resumes stand out.”
• “In the next five years, the U.S. workforce will be 75 percent millennials. That’s why it’s vital to stay up to date on millennial workforce trends.”
• “On average, an office work desk contains 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. You need to hire cleaners you can trust to keep your workplace safe and clean.”

Outlandish Start Pitch Example

An outlandish start elevator pitch can make your pitch extra memorable. Use creativity to add humor, playfulness, and color to your pitch, while still being clear and specific about the problem you can solve.

Pies created this example for a commercial advertising a snow plowing company, where the speaker is dressed up like a cowboy: “There's only one cowboy in this town who can ride 501 horses at the same time and leave no snow, or manure, behind — and that's me. Mind if I tell ya how?”

Start with a Stat Pitch Example

Beginning an elevator pitch with a surprising statistic shows that you are prepared and knowledgeable about a subject. Start with a stat to bolster credibility and demonstrate why your services are necessary. 

Dean Kaplan, CEO of The Kaplan Group , uses an unbelievable statistic to begin the elevator pitch for his company: “Did you know that the industry success rate for collecting business debts falls to 50 percent at only seven months past the due date? This is why it is worth considering engaging an experienced business debt collection company. At our company, each collector has at least 10 years of experience across multiple companies and industries. We are proud to say we have an industry-leading 85 percent success rate for recovering debts.”

Kaplan’s example shows how you can use a surprising statistic at the top of your pitch to make your company or product description more persuasive. In addition, it incorporates credibility-boosting evidence .

Storyteller Elevator Pitch Example

Thinking of your elevator pitch as a story provides structure, while engaging an audience. A storyteller elevator pitch builds on common narrative structures to convey information in a memorable way. 

For example: “When I first started the company, I was the only employee. I had tens of thousands of dollars worth of student debt and zero professional experience. Fifteen years later, we have 200 employees and are one of the top outdoor equipment retailers in North America. Do you want to know how we did that?”

A Customer Story Pitch Example

A customer story elevator pitch demonstrates your past successes with clients. These pitches help you build a connection to the listener, who might be facing a similar problem to the one you’ve already solved.

Here is Davda’s example of a successful elevator pitch that incorporates a customer story: “We have a client with a fitness business, similar to yours. Before they started working with us, they weren't appearing on page one for any keywords. In the last six months, they've started showing up for 13 different keywords and increased their organic traffic by 329 percent.”

Reality Check Pitch Example

In elevator pitches, a reality check is a short statement or question that helps the listener realize they have a problem or stokes their frustration. A reality check can be a helpful way to make your product or service appear more urgent and necessary. 

Hurst shares a reality check example in this pitch for Sherbet Donkey Media: “Let me guess — your current digital marketing agency either doesn't keep you updated or doesn't produce results for you.” 

By starting her pitch with “let me guess,” Hurst highlights that this is a common problem. It sparks frustration in the listener, who can surmise there is an easy solution that they’re missing. 

When she continues with the rest of her pitch, she presents the listener with that solution: “This is exactly why Sherbet Donkey Media was set up. We’ll be honest and clear with you from the get-go as to what exactly we can do for you and what you can expect. We’re driven by ensuring that our customers are kept happy and with all the clients that we currently have on our books, I’m confident that we can exceed your expectations.”

Comedic Spin Example of an Elevator Pitch

When appropriate, put a comedic spin on your elevator pitch to make it more fun and interesting. Use humor to break the ice at a networking or to lighten the mood during a presentation. 

For Sherbet Donkey Media, Hurst uses this quick, funny elevator pitch: “Hey, we’re specialists in all things digital marketing. Why not let us do the donkey work? Here’s my card.” Hurst’s example is a light, fun way to play on a company’s name in a pitch. Not only does this make the pitch feel more friendly, it also makes the company name more memorable.

The Joke Elevator Pitch Example

A quick joke in an elevator pitch can lighten the mood, making the speaker appear more likable. Prepare a light joke or two about your company or service to make your elevator pitch more engaging. 

For example: “Researchers have found knowing that something bad is about to happen is actually less stressful than not knowing what’s about to happen. That’s why we employ top-of-the-line psychics to anticipate financial problems. I’m just kidding, we don’t hire psychics. But our market analysts are so experienced, knowledgeable, and thorough that they’re the next best thing.”

Tip: When using humor in your elevator pitch, remember that your priority is to clearly and convincingly communicate the problem that you can solve.

Emotional or Sentimental Appeal Pitch Example

Empathy is an important component in an elevator pitch. In some cases, especially services such as counseling or life coaching, making a direct emotional or sentimental appeal can be a useful way to build trust and make a connection. 

Kathy Streb, Life Coach and Owner of Kathy Streb Coaching , LLC, advertises her life coaching services by opening up and being vulnerable about her own experiences: “The last few years have been one of the hardest times of my life. Working in healthcare as a nurse practitioner during a pandemic made me realize that I was doing too much and I was anxious all the time. I knew that I needed to make changes and just didn’t know where to turn for help. Someone suggested I hire a coach. At first, I didn’t believe it would be helpful, but the last few months we went through an eye-opening process that changed my life.

“What I now know to be true is that I can love my job and still have time for me. I can take time to enjoy my family without guilt or regret. I can heal myself. It’s okay to reinvent myself at any age. It’s okay to not love my life even though I think I should. Change takes courage, but I don’t have to do it alone. After my own transformation, I want to help others the way that I have been helped. I learned the tools in my life coaching program to do just that. Could you use clarity in some area of your life? Would you like to see how coaching can help you?”

Elevator Pitch Examples by Scenario

From informal meet-ups to job interviews, customize your elevator pitch to fit any scenario. For example, when attending an informal networking event, practice a friendly, conversation-starting pitch. For a job interview, prepare a concise summary of your experience and goals.

Remember that in any scenario, an elevator pitch is simply a way to open the door for further connection. “I don't ask for people's business on first meeting them,” explains Leonhardt. “If this interests them, they'll engage. That prompts me to say more and learn about their needs; when someone reacts to my elevator pitch, it gives me permission to explore how I might help them, without me coming across as an aggressive huckster.”

Pitching a C-Level Executive or Business Owner Example

When pitching a C-level executive or a business owner, remember that you don’t have much time to make an impression. C-level executives and business owners hear more pitches than most people. Get to the bottom line quickly. 

Here is an example of a pitch that an IT recruitment professional might make to a company’s COO: “Based on what you told me about your plans to expand the business into new markets, I think a CRM system that better fits your overall sales process and business model would increase user acceptance and adoption from your sales team and get rid of bottlenecks that can impede your overall efficiency. I have a technical architect who recently solved this exact problem for one of your competitors and just became available for a new project. When would you be free to speak with him?”

Job Interview Pitch Example

During a job interview interviewers usually say, “Tell me about yourself.” Your response is your elevator pitch. Prepare a concise statement that includes your professional experience, goals, and view of how you’ll succeed in the role.

Here is an example job interview pitch from a lawyer applying to a new firm: “My name is Laura Smith, and I’m a lawyer with four years of experience at a major law firm. I specialize in intellectual property law, and I’m looking to join a smaller firm where I will be able to work more closely with small production companies.”

This pitch is short and sweet. Laura will have plenty of time later to answer specific questions about her qualifications, experience, and strengths. For now, she makes her background and goals crystal clear.

Networking Event Pitch Example

Always arrive at a networking event with a rehearsed elevator pitch ready to go. Networking events might include job fairs, happy hour meetups, conferences, trade shows, or more. Networking event pitches should be friendly and open a path for further discussion.

SEO consultant Hampson describes his services with this fun, friendly elevator pitch: “You might not know my name yet, but you are likely familiar with my work. I have helped hundreds of websites rank at the top of search engines.”

Formal Meeting Pitch Example

If you’ve landed a formal meeting with a potential client or employer, you’ll need to quickly explain to them who you are and what you do. Whether you’re meeting in person or virtually, introduce yourself and summarize what you do. 

Hampson recommends an elevator pitch like this one: “My name is Shane Hampson, and I am a search engine optimization professional. I can provide you leads that close 14 percent more often than outbound lead generation. Would you like your website to be seen as the solution to searchers’ pain points?”

Virtual Introduction Elevator Pitch Example

Virtual networking can be a terrific way to make connections and find opportunities, but it can also be intimidating. Prepare and practice a short pitch that communicates your background, your goals, and what you’re looking for in a connection. 

Here is an example of an elevator pitch for a networking event: “My name is Claire. I’m an assistant producer at a health insurance marketing company. I have some personal creative projects that I’ve recently received funding for, and I’m looking for some collaborators with experience in mixing and sound design.”

Tip: Even though you’re at home in front of your computer, dress as if you’re going to an in-person event. By looking polished and professional, you will not only send the right message, you will boost your confidence when delivering your pitch.

Sales Pitch Example

An effective sales pitch identifies pain points and offers unique solutions. In a sales pitch, the speaker should conduct ample research beforehand and ask lots of questions. Be sure to listen carefully to how your audience responds.

Here are two examples of sales elevator pitches:

• “I understand that you’re having trouble with your current CMS. That can be so frustrating, especially in a company that produces as much content as yours. We have a highly trained staff that can help transition you over to a new system with minimal interruption to your processes. Can you tell me what you’re most concerned about with switching solutions?”
• “Most contractors care about getting work done quickly and cheaply. That might be important for some projects, but I know your art gallery has other priorities. We can work with you and your schedule to make sure that every piece of art in this installation is treated with the care it deserves.”

Elevator Pitch for a Social Introduction

Social events can help expand your network and grow your business. Arrive at any event with an elevator pitch that communicates who you are, what you do, and how you’re unique. 

Jami Yazdani, Founder and Chief Consultant at Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation , uses the following pitch in social introductions during networking events: “I work in project management consulting, where I’m best known for helping my clients deliver more successful, collaborative, and impactful projects. I most often serve leaders and managers in mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, educational institutions, and libraries. When they need help to better manage their own projects, I can offer training or project coaching. If they want more hands-on support to successfully deliver on project outcomes, I offer expert management at any or every phase of their project. I can also help leaders develop and implement processes and workflows to ensure continued success across projects.”

In this pitch, Yazdani clearly explains what she does while also communicating her passions and interests.

Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Elevator Pitch Example

Entrepreneurs and business owners need to be experts in elevator pitching. Whatever your business, you should be able to summarize what you do in one or two sentences. Once you’ve piqued the listener’s interest, you can elaborate.

Megan Tatge, Owner of Eastwood Professionals, LLC , shares her elevator pitch for her small business: “Hi. I’m Megan, a ninja of words and coordinator of chaos. With experience supporting businesses of all sizes, I have mastered the ability to multitask, shift priorities, and seize every opportunity for growth. Most recently I left the recruiting industry and plunged headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship. My company, Eastwood Professionals, LLC, is focused on taking the suck out of the job search process by providing affordable resume and job seeker services to individuals across all levels and all industries. Whether you are actively on the hunt for your next career or simply exploring, I would love to help.”

Tatge uses a fun, playful introduction, shares her background, and clearly communicates what her business does.

Mutual Connection Pitch Example

If you have a mutual connection with a potential client, employer, or investor, be sure to mention it early in your elevator pitch. Having friends, colleagues, or companies in common will implicitly increase trust and encourage connection. 

Here are some examples of mutual connections that you can use in an elevator pitch: 

• “An associate producer on your team is actually someone I played rugby with in college!”
• “I saw on LinkedIn that you also went to [UNIVERSITY]. I graduated a year after you!”
• “I heard you mention that you worked several years at [COMPANY]. That’s where I got my first job out of college.”
• “I’ve actually heard about you through my friend, [NAME]. She had nothing but good things to say about your firm.”

Tip: Make sure that you actually know and are in good standing with anyone you namedrop. Never exaggerate or mischaracterize your relationship. You don’t want to find yourself in an awkward situation down the road.

Personal Elevator Pitch Example

A personal elevator pitch is an opportunity to quickly share who you are, what you do, and your passion. Always be prepared with a personal elevator pitch for networking events, interviews, or chance encounters.

For example: “I am a husband, a parent, and a cancer survivor. I’ve learned from experience how important it is, especially in a crisis, to take the time to be compassionate with yourself and the people you love. I’ve dedicated my entire life and career to helping people through personal and family emergencies.”

Use these questions to help you brainstorm for your personal elevator pitch:

• What is your background?
• What experience do you have?
• What are you passionate about?
• What inspires you?
• What are your career goals?
• What have you achieved?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What special skills do you have?

Student Elevator Pitch Example

Students might not have many — or any — professional experience to include in an elevator pitch. However, they can still craft a persuasive pitch. Students should focus on coursework, interests, extracurriculars, and career goals for the future. 

Wendy Toth, Founder of PowerSuiting and Co-Founder of Great Pet Care, provides two examples of elevator pitches. The first is a pitch she used during her career as a journalist, while the second is adjusted to show how it might look for a college student or recent graduate:

• Early Career: “I’m a writer and editor with over five years of experience producing content that’s razor-focused on the female head of the household. From consulting experts on ways that busy professionals can save time to researching the best summer sandals, my aim is to make life easier for women.”
• Student: “I’m a nonfiction writing major with two years of experience covering arts and leisure for my college newspaper. From interviewing visiting artists for our spring exhibition to reviewing our production of Cabaret , my aim is to make appreciation of the arts accessible through my writing.”

In Toth’s student elevator pitch example, she highlights a relevant extracurricular activity and communicates her interests and goals.

Tip: “As a career coach, I encourage my clients to break their elevator pitch into two sentences,” says Toth. “Sentence one covers who you are and your level of experience. Sentence two covers a specific example of something you have done that you're proud of and why you're proud of it.”

Example Elevator Pitch for Internship Example

In your elevator pitch for an internship, provide evidence that you will succeed in this role. It is important to be specific about your career goals and explain how this internship will help you meet them. Demonstrate that you are excited and eager to learn. 

Here is an example of an elevator pitch from someone with limited experience, who might be trying to land their first internship: “I’m a sophomore history and English double major at X University. I want to pursue a career in book publishing after I graduate. I have a strong academic record, and I’m looking to expand my experience into the professional world. I’ve always been an avid reader, and I’ve kept up with current publishing trends, but there’s still so much about the nuts and bolts of book publishing that is mysterious to me. I’d love an opportunity to intern at your imprint and learn as much as I can.”

Startup Business Idea Pitch Example

Every business starts as an idea. If you have a startup business idea, prepare an exciting, focused elevator pitch that you are ready to present to potential investors and collaborators. Introduce a problem and show how your idea is the best solution to address it. 

While a longer pitch is more appropriate for a formal meeting with investors, a quick elevator pitch might be what lands you that meeting in the first place. A surprising statistic or a thoughtful question are excellent tactics for a startup elevator pitch.

For example: “Did you know ridesharing apps have been responsible for an increase in traffic-related deaths? I can help bring that number back down by connecting drivers with the safety resources and technologies they need.”

Elevator Pitch Examples by Industry

The tone, content, and style of a successful elevator pitch differs among industries. For example, in IT or engineering, an elevator pitch should demonstrate technical expertise. In marketing or sales, it should showcase personality and a track record of success. 

On company websites, many About Us pages include descriptions that work well as elevator pitches. These pitches have to be concise and informative, while piquing enough interest in website visitors that they choose to visit more pages and seek their products or services. 

For example, on the Why Smartsheet page, you’ll find an elevator pitch that provides a compelling statistic and a brief overview of its services and clients:

General Business Elevator Pitch Examples

In a general business elevator pitch, communicate what your company does and how it stands out from your competitors. By the end of your pitch, the listener should feel that they understand exactly what you do and how you do it.

Here are two examples of general business elevator pitches:

• “Hi, my name is Lexi Freeman, and I’m the Founder and CEO of The Local Restaurant. It’s lovely to meet you! I saw that you are opening up a new fast casual restaurant. When so much care goes into crafting beautiful food and experiences, it can be hard to also make sure your business is profitable. That’s why we partner with local, family-owned restaurants to help them connect with community members, expand their reach, and stay in business longer. Can you tell me a little bit about the vision for this restaurant?”
• “I am fascinated by the research you’re doing at Marketexecs. You’ve been on the cutting edge of market research for almost a decade now. Have you considered partnering with a recruiting firm like ours to help connect you with the most sought-after talent in the industry? In the last year alone, we’ve developed partnerships with 12 leading research universities and have connected over 200 award-winning Ph.D. recipients with companies like yours.”

Elevator Pitch Examples Healthcare Examples

In the healthcare space, elevator pitches need to show that a company or individual is trustworthy and qualified. Healthcare providers should use their pitches to communicate their values as well as their expertise and experience. 

Headspace is a meditation app and digital health platform that brings at-home mindfulness practices to your digital devices. Headspace's About Us page includes a company description that follows a common format for elevator pitches. They establish who they are, what they do, and why they do it:

Another example comes from NYU Family Health Centers at NYU Langone . On their website, they provide a thorough organization description, which is also an excellent elevator pitch for their healthcare services: 

Just like an in-person elevator pitch, an online pitch should open up a conversation or spark new questions. Notice how they provide a link at the end of the description, so that website visitors can access more information if they wish. 

A third example comes from Edwards Lifesciences , a leading medical device company. Here is a company video featured on their site, which is an excellent elevator pitch that captures its history, ethos, and current projects:

Elevator Pitch for Consulting Example

In their elevator pitches, consultants should show how they will add value for their clients. They should foreground their professional experience and successes, and ask questions that help them identify a client’s specific needs. 

This is how Yazdani pitches her project management consulting company on the Our Story section of her company website:

Yazdani covers what she does and what she can bring to a company, before providing a link where users can access more information or contact her.

Accountant Elevator Pitch Example

Accountants need to communicate authority and experience in an elevator pitch. Components such as humor will be less persuasive. Focus instead on evidence of your success and trustworthiness, specific knowledge, and experience.

For example, on its website, the CPA firm Hunrath, Napolitano, Quigley and Taylor, LLC has crafted an excellent elevator pitch for attracting accounting clients:

Notice how this CPA firm lists specific services and areas of expertise, while also communicating its values and commitment to personalized services.

Elevator Pitch for Data Science Example

Many businesses rely on data science to stay organized and make good decisions. An elevator pitch for a data science company or service should highlight its qualifications, record of success, and technical expertise. 

Matt Hammel is the COO and Co-Founder of AirOps , a software company that helps organizations understand and manage their data. His pitch for AirOps highlights the value that the company can add: “AirOps uses artificial intelligence (AI) to instantly unlock value from your organization's data. Our software makes it so anyone in your organization can safely and easily find, understand, organize, and take action on high quality datasets. Now, your technical teams can spend their time working on the most complex projects and your business teams can quickly get what they need to make your business run fast.”

Elevator Pitch for Engineers Example 

When looking for or applying to engineering roles, technical expertise is key. Be specific in your elevator pitch about your skills, knowledge, and experience. Demonstrate that you know the lingo in your particular field of engineering. 

For example: “Right now, I’m a mechanical engineer at Microsoft, where I’ve worked for three years designing and testing hardware. I’ve been the technical lead for several multidisciplinary teams that deploy high-quality IT equipment. I’ve been really interested in the work your company is doing with robotics and saw that you are hiring a mechanical engineer. What kind of skills are you looking for in that role?”

Similarly, engineering companies should foreground their successes and capabilities. P2S Inc. is one of the top engineering firms in the United States. The elevator pitch featured on their website establishes credibility by citing their longevity, clearly stating their mission, and providing visitors with an option to explore more information with links:

Elevator Pitch for Human Resources Example

An elevator pitch for a human resources professional needs to convey reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work well with others. Incorporate strategies that show personality, values, and a record of consistency. 

Max Wesman, COO of GoodHire , uses the relatable-over-reliable strategy at the top of his pitch for GoodHire: “Tired of waiting weeks to hear back from a background check? So were we. GoodHire offers 90 percent of nationwide criminal checks in under a minute, and with an industry-leading rate of accuracy, so you never risk losing the dream candidate. All of this is contained within a mobile-optimized dashboard, ensuring that results and status updates are comprehensive, transparent, and visible to both yourself and the candidate.”

In this example, Wesman reminds listeners how frustrated they are with a problem he and his company can solve, which means his listeners will be more engaged as he goes into more detail.

Elevator Pitch for Recruiters Example

In a competitive, global job market, recruiters are key. An elevator pitch for a recruiter or recruitment company needs to show how they are uniquely positioned to face the challenges of that market for their clients.

Aquent Talent is a leading creative staffing company. Aquent Talent's About page includes a friendly, accessible elevator pitch:

Elevator Pitch for a Business Analyst Example

In their elevator pitches, business analysts should showcase their skills and experience. Highlight past successes, areas of expertise, and qualifications. Share what you’ve accomplished, how you did it, and why you’re confident you can do it again. 

For example: “I stay up to date on modern methods of business analysis so that you can get and stay ahead of competitors in a quickly evolving market. In five years, I’ve saved businesses like yours $6.5 million with my innovative approach to process audits.”

Elevator Pitch for Teachers Example

All parents want to know that their children are getting the best education possible. Teachers and other education professionals should use their elevator pitches to communicate their values, reliability, and previous successes.

Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool , uses this pitch to advertise the company’s tutoring services: “How many times, when you were a student, have you sat in front of your homework and not had the faintest idea where to start? School is challenging, and for some people who need additional help and resources, school can be debilitating. Enter Studypool, an online resource that partners dedicated tutors and educators with students who need their assistance. The commitment is flexible, and the rewards are high. For the child in your life who could benefit exceedingly from additional schoolwork help, try Studypool today!”

Portillo makes the smart move of ensuring his pitch is relatable and sympathizing with potential clients. His elevator pitch makes the listener feel secure.

Elevator Pitch for Information Technology (IT) Examples

IT professionals, such as software developers, IT project managers, or computer systems analysts, should highlight their technical skills in their elevator pitches. IT companies should show that they are mission-driven and have a record of success. 

The tech startup, People.ai, is a company that leverages AI in order to support sales, marketing, and customer service teams. Since its founding in 2016, People.ai has quickly grown to be one of the most influential IT companies. Here is the brief overview offered on the page, which functions well as a quick, effective elevator pitch for the company:

Another example of a good IT elevator pitch is from Arthena , a fintech company that helps clients make informed, strategic art investments. Here is the elevator pitch the company features on its landing page: 

This example also includes a Reach Out button, which encourages visitors to continue the conversation and find more information.

Elevator Pitch for Project Management Example

Project managers need to be organized collaborators with great critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Elevator pitches for project managers should show how one’s experience reflects those requirements. 

Ilam Padmanabhan, an experienced program manager and the Founder of ilampadman.com , shares an example of a sample project pitch that a project manager might use: “I believe this project could offer great value for our organization for three reasons: 1) The business case is sound, if we execute well. We'll gain the promised benefits. 2) The investments will be paid X times over in Y time even in the worst-case scenario. 3) We have the ability and interest to execute as a team, and we can get started right away. The market context needs us to execute this change right now, we don't want to be left behind. The window of opportunity in the market is right now — a delayed start will diminish the returns.”

Elevator Pitch for Marketing Example

Marketing is about more than hard skills or experience; it’s also about personality, charisma, and the ability to connect with an audience. Elevator pitches for marketing should showcase creativity, as well as experience and professionalism. 

Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls , uses this simple, clear, and effective pitch for her company: “Are you looking to find more customers and accelerate your sales cycle? We love helping organizations find the right words and pictures to get their story out there both online and offline as a virtual marketing department that acts as an extension of your team.”

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The Best Elevator Pitch Examples, Templates, and Tactics

The ultimate guide to writing an unforgettable elevator speech.

Author’s Note: I am astounded that this page receives thousands of readers each month . That number tells me that there are a lot of people looking for solid advice on how to craft a simple, compelling, and persuasive pitch. Most of the pitches I have seen have not been very good. It wasn’t because the product or the team were poor, but rather the pitch structure and story weren’t well thought out. But with just a little planning and strategy, this can be corrected. If you are looking for the best ways to structure, present, and amplify your elevator speech, this article is for you. I wrote this based on my experiences in coaching hundreds of companies to present, with the highlight being to prep five companies to star in a Dragon’s Den pitch (the American equivalent is Shark Tank ).

The first thing, the absolute first thing, that anyone “buys” from you is your big idea embedded in story form. If people don’t “buy” into the big idea and story, they won’t buy anything else. [Read that again.]

Do you believe my statement above? If so, great! Even an article like the one you are about to read on elevator pitches needs an elevator pitch!! Your big idea and story are the beginning of your elevator pitch.

By definition, an elevator pitch is a quick persuasive speech that is used to create interest in a project, a concept, or people. It distills your ideas into the simplest, clearest points of value, what makes you different, and instills enough curiosity to make the prospect want to hear more. Theoretically, it should be no longer than the time it takes to ride an elevator to the top floor in a building. (e.g. between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.)

… luck happens when opportunity meets with preparedness …

As is often the case, most opportunities to meet with influential people happen spontaneously and unpredictably: the rising screenwriter who collides with a Hollywood producer while waiting in line for a taxi, or the hopeful new employee who finds himself in the elevator with the company CEO. The adage luck happens when opportunity meets with preparedness is very true.

There are many different types of pitches, which serve different purposes. While elevator pitches are meant to instill enough intrigue to get the prospect to ask you to tell them more, they do not have the persuasive horsepower of a full-fledged sales or investor pitch. Because these purposes are different, they require different lengths of time and stages of delivery.

Pitching is a skill, and just like all skills, there are ways to perfect it. Once you understand the principles of a pitch structure, your elevator pitch, sales pitch, boardroom presentation, or investor pitch will improve dramatically.

I recently partnered with the NABI business accelerator’s Managing Director, Dar Schwanbeck, to run one of their clients through a crash course for a pitch on the nationally televised show Dragon’s Den (the American equivalent is Shark Tank.) In fact, this was the 4th client that I have worked with to make an investment pitch in the den, and I have compiled the following takeaways on the structure and psychology of enticing the Dragons to invest. (Not pitching an investor anytime soon? Not to worry! These techniques will also help you get what you want from bosses, spouses, customers, and small children.)

Start Creating Your Laser-Sharp Pitch (career or business)

Elevator Pitch Basics

Let’s start with two elevator speech templates, an all-purpose generic template, and a sales pitch template. For these examples, we will use the fictional company Hydrolyzier, a manufacturer of commercial-grade water purification systems.

Generic Elevator Pitch Example

The following is a standard pitch format that can be applied to almost any situation.

My name is <<NAME>>, the CEO of <<COMPANY>>. Our company manufactures <<PRODUCT>> for <<TARGET CUSTOMER>> that allows them to <<YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION>>. Unlike <<OUR COMPETITION>>, we <<PRIMARY COMPETITIVE POINTS OF DIFFERENCE>>. <<CALL to ACTION>>

Using this format, here is a Hydrolyzier elevator pitch example:

Hi, my name is Bob Smith, and I am the CEO of Hydrolyzier Water Company. We manufacture the Hydrolyzier MaxLite, a commercial-grade water purification system that uses a tri-plane osmotic process that dramatically reduces the content of impurities in drinking water. Unlike competing systems, our patented osmotic process uses one-third of the power of a traditional water purifier while reducing the installation space to half. Our modular construction takes less than 36 hours to install, and best of all its price is less than 60% of similar systems. If you go to our YouTube channel, you can watch a video showing the Hydrolyzier in operation in a remote village in Ghana, West Africa

A Sales Pitch Example

If you are pitching in a sales situation, here is a format you could use:

Have you ever <<THE SITUATION THAT THE PROSPECT FACES>>? <<COMPANY NAME>> manufactures <<PRODUCT LINE>> for <<TARGET MARKET>> so that you can <<PRIMARY VALUE PROPOSITION / BENEFIT>>. Unlike <<TRADITIONAL ALTERNATIVES/COMPETITIVE OFFERINGS>>, <<OUR PRODUCT>> is <<COMPETITIVE POINT OF DIFFERENCE>>. <<CALL TO ACTION>>.

Using this format, here is Hydrolyzier’s elevator pitch:

Have you ever had a situation that required a low power, small footprint, water purification system for a remote settlement? Hydrolyzier Water Company manufactures the Hydrolyzier MaxLite, a commercial-grade water purification system that uses a tri-plane osmotic process that dramatically reduces the content of impurities in drinking water. Unlike competing systems, our patented osmotic process uses one-third of the power of a traditional water purifier while reducing the installation space to half. Our modular construction takes less than 36 hours to install, and best of all its price is less than 60% of similar systems. We have successfully installed the system in many remote communities. They have found it to be easy to install, reliable, and inexpensive to operate. Our most recent installation is in a remote village in Ghana, West Africa which we have documented in a 5 minute YouTube video. May I send you the link?

Six More Elevator Pitch Types

Beyond these standard elevator pitches, Daniel Pink, in his book To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others gives us six other types of pitches.

The One-Word Pitch

Can you distill your entire presentation into a single word?

• For Google, it might be “search.”
• For an Alfred Hitchcock horror movie, it might be “scream.”
• The word “inbound” belongs to Hubspot.
• While “invent” is closely associated with Thomas Edison.

For Hydrolyzier it is “purified water.”

Okay, you caught me. That’s two words, … but that’s okay.

(… continued below)

Here’s a portion from the book’s intro: Charismatic leaders seem to possess an effortless ability to influence, captivate, charm, and inspire people to action. Whether it is through grace, passion, or unshakable confidence, charismatic people can rouse the sentiments and energies of the people they touch. While not everyone can master charisma, there is one charismatic tool that any leader can learn — the power of storytelling; specifically, how to communicate a strategic narrative. A strategic narrative is a compelling story that weaves together existential concepts like who you are, your origin, your big idea, what you fight for and why, and offers a bold vision of a future that your people can rally behind. When charismatic leaders wield captivating strategic narratives, their power is unstoppable. 

Your elevator pitch is just the beginning. To really put your big idea into play, you must master strategic narratives. This book will show you how. Click here to get your copy.

The Question Pitch

Ask yourself, ‘Are you better off now than you were four years ago?

If your presentation’s central idea is already understood by your audience, a question pitch may be ideal. In the 1980 US presidential election campaign between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, Reagan asked a simple question, “Ask yourself, ‘Are you better off now than you were four years ago?’” Most people immediately understood the question and its context. Reagan became the 40 th President of the United States.

For Hydrolyzier it might be, “How can you supply a rural village in Ghana, West Africa with clean drinking water in under 36 hours, and at less than 60% of the cost of other water purification systems?”

The Rhyming Pitch

It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

Rhymes are easy to mentally process and remember. Also, some scientific studies have found that rhymes are perceived to be more accurate and believable than non-rhymes when pitching the same concept.

• Teeth whitening toothpaste Pepsodent used the following rhyme in its 1960’s and 70’s commercials, “You’ll wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent!”
• To emphasize its timepieces’ durability, watch manufacturer Timex said, “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”

For Hydrolyzier it might be,

• “Get wet.” or
• A Pure, Clean, Water Stream

(This was hard. How did I do?)

The Subject Line Pitch

Every email subject line that you write is a pitch inviting the recipient to open it. Daniel Pink advises that your subject line pitch should offer utility value, curiosity, and specificity. However, he cautions that while specificity should be in all subject lines, you should choose to use either utility value or curiosity for any single subject line

Here are some examples:

• Drugstore: “Your prescription is expiring.”
• Mortgage Broker: “How Much House Can You Afford?”
• Credit Card Company: “You’re missing out on reward points.”

For Hydrolyzier it might be, “How Remote Communities Can Install On-Site Purified Drinking Water Systems in Under 36 hours.”

The Twitter Pitch

Can you get your pitch down to 140 characters? Or less? Here are a couple of funny ones for Twitter itself:

• “Twitter. The only place you get excited when a stranger follows you.” or
• “Twitter. Get the news before it happens.”

For Hydrolyzier it might be, “Clean Drinking Water for 300 African Villagers in Under 36 hours.”

The Pixar Pitch

Animation studio Pixar has produced a string of hits, including Wal-E, Finding Nemo, Toy Story, Incredibles, and many, many others. The standard plot structure for each of these stories fall into the following format:

Once upon a time <<INTRODUCE CHARACTER AND CONTEXT>> Every day, <<ESTABLISH THE WAY THINGS WERE>>. One day <<INTRODUCE PROBLEM/INCITING INCIDENT>>. Because of that <<CHALLENGE>>. Because of that <<SEARCH FOR SOLUTION>> Until finally <<FINDS SOLUTION>> Now, <<ESTABLISH THE WAY THINGS ARE BETTER NOW>>

For Hydrolyzier it might be:

In Africa, village water wells are vital to the sustainability of the rural population. In one community, we counted over 300 people who relied on a single well as their only source of daily drinking water, often walking from miles around to obtain it. Last year, the well was found to be contaminated by waterborne parasites. Hydrolyzier was one of three companies contacted by the regional government to remedy the situation. We were selected to install our new water purification system, the Hydrolyzier MaxLite, primarily due to the speed which we could deploy it (in less than 36 hours), and its cost (less than 60% of its competitors). Today, the people of this village can safely drink from their well again.

Amplifiers for Your Pitch

If you are in a full-fledged pitch like those on Dragon’s Den or Shark Tank, these pitch amplifiers will come in very handy. Beyond profiling a great product or service, your pitch should also contain the following:

Shock, Fascination, or Intrigue – The Dragons’ minds are wandering during your entrance. Their brains are actively searching for WHY they should care. Give them a simple statement that startles them into rapt attention. Here’s an example if you are pitching a water purifying device. In the introduction, you can either say:

• “Our device is called the Hydrolyzier, and it uses a tri-plane osmotic process that dramatically reduces the content of impurities in drinking water.”
• “Water is life, yet 768 million people do not have access to safe, clean drinking water, and 2.5 billion people live without proper sanitation. When water is unsafe and sanitation non-existent, water can kill.”  (Unicef Clean Water Campaign)

The 2nd statement allows a fluid transition into a description of your product WITH the Dragons’ full attention.

… a “space western”.

Metaphor  – Because people absorb new information by relating it to an existing reference point they understand, you should create a metaphor that allows them to associate, compare, and draw relations easily. When Gene Roddenberry was pitching the original Star Trek series to NBC in 1964, the concept of a racially mixed crew with women and aliens on the bridge travelling to distant planets was so foreign that it was initially dismissed because NBC brass didn’t think anyone would watch. To sell the idea, Roddenberry used the metaphor of a “space western.” Because western movies and TV shows were something everyone was familiar with, this bought him the time and funding to develop not just one, but two pilots for the popular series.

Hydrolyzier’s primary differentiating value propositions are its low cost, small size, and rapid deployment capability. We could use the following metaphor to convey these central ideas:

“Hydrolyzier: We are the IKEA of Commercial Water Plants.”

Clarity – As a minimum, the elevator pitch has to have clarity on the attributes of:

• The primary problem the product solves
• The way it solves it
• Alternatives to the product, but emphasizing how you are better
• How big the market is
• The cost of the solution
• The price you can charge
• How much investment capital you need and for what purpose
• What the Dragons will receive for their money

Emotional Appeal  – To get people moving fast and with purpose, you must infuse your pitch with emotion. Confidence, fear, anger, amazement, joy, indignation, love, disgust, envy, or dozens of other emotions can energize your pitch. Choose the ones most relevant to the story you are telling.

Tangible Demonstration – Nothing shows people what your product can do better than a physical demonstration. Imagination and understanding are stoked further when something is taken in hand. Get the audience involved in a demo.

Risk Reduction – Every new investment involves risk. Show the Dragons you understand what the risks are, and how you will quell them. By the way, nothing makes investment risk in a startup go away faster than showing you have sales. Show the Dragons your sales pipeline to get a deal done fast.

Authority – Authority commands attention, respect, and intrigue. Show the Dragons you are an authority on the market, its pain, your solution, and the competitive alternatives. Authority can come in many forms but always includes the primary elements of knowledge, experience, credentials, and public recognition. Demonstrate all four in the pitch.

Scarcity  – If it’s valuable, it’s probably scarce. Show the Dragons that the opportunity to invest is (truthfully) fleeting. Some common reasons why include:

• Sales are coming in so fast you will soon be able to self-fund out of cash-flow
• Because sales are increasing, the valuation they can invest at will continue to rise the longer they wait
• You have another strategic partner that has indicated they want to invest in you

Repetition – Repetition drives the message deeper. What is the central unifying message of your elevator speech? Repeat it three times in the presentation. For the UNICEF Clean Water Campaign, it might be “Water is life.”

Contrast – Something is “hot” only in relation to something that is “cold.” The Dragons’ brains are actively looking for a contrast to help them analyze and categorize the data for a decision. In the Hydrolyzier example, the easiest way to employ contrast is to show a before and after comparison of the water. Dirty, polluted water before filtration, clean, clear water after.

Story – Now, wrap it all up in a story. Humans have been gathering in groups to tell stories for millennia. Stories have the ability to draw and keep attention, fascinate, intrigue, and engage all our mental and emotional energies. Great brands are about great stories. Create a powerful narrative to tell.

Time  – Finally, keep the pitch short, just long enough to get all of the above out, but no longer.

By using these structures, and embedding these psychological persuasion tactics in your pitch, you will have a dramatically improved chance of making a memorable impact!

About Kurian Tharakan

Kurian Mathew Tharakan is the founder of sales and marketing strategy firm StrategyPeak Sales & Marketing Advisors, a 27 year veteran of the sales and marketing industry, and the author of the Amazon bestseller, The Seven Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell. He has consulted for companies in numerous sectors, including Retail, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Distribution, High Technology, Software, Non-Profit, and Life Sciences. In addition to his consulting practice, he has also been an Executive in Residence at the business accelerators TEC Edmonton and NABI where he has assisted clients with their go-to-market strategy. Prior to StrategyPeak, Mr. Tharakan was a vice president of sales & marketing for an Alberta-based software firm where his team achieved notable wins with several members of the US Fortune 500.

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