Are you hoping for a promotion, looking to change careers, eager to boost your business, or seeking a mentor? Whatever your goals, the key to success is networking, and at the heart of networking is the elevator pitch!

When someone asks what you do for a living, do you freeze, mumble, or attempt to change the subject? If so, you might be missing out on valuable opportunities. But don’t worry—many people struggle to talk about themselves. What’s important is to recognise this challenge and develop your elevator pitch!

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a short, engaging summary of who you are, what you do, and the value you bring, delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator—typically 30 to 60 seconds. It’s a powerful tool for capturing attention and sparking interest, whether you’re networking, looking for a job, or even presenting a new idea.

Making a good first impression is crucial in professional settings. Your elevator pitch sets the tone for how others perceive you, offering a glimpse of your expertise and enthusiasm. A well-crafted pitch can create connections and open doors to new and exciting opportunities.

In this blog, we provide practical tips to help you craft a compelling elevator pitch that highlights your strengths and delivers your message clearly and confidently. Equipped with these tools, you’ll be ready to seize the day when it comes to any professional opportunity that comes your way.

Writing Your Elevator Pitch

Start with an engaging opening statement or question. Then, highlight what makes what you do unique or valuable. Finally, finish with a call to action, a question or an invitation to keep the conversation going. It’s important to tailor your pitch to different audiences and scenarios.

Tips to Tailoring Your Pitch

Tailoring your elevator pitch makes it more effective and ensures it leaves a lasting impression.

Understand Your Audience

The elevator pitch is often impromptu, but research your audience if you’re attending a conference, other business activity, or event. Consider the interests, needs, and challenges of the people you’ll meet. It’s also important to distinguish whether they’re potential employers, clients, or investors. When you understand your audience, your pitch is more likely to resonate.

Emphasise Relevant Skills or Experience

Adapt your pitch to highlight the areas of your background most relevant to the situation. For example, when networking at an industry event, focus on your professional expertise, while a pitch to an investor might highlight your business’s growth potential.

Use Appropriate Language and Tone

Match the language and tone of your pitch to the audience. Keep it professional for formal settings, but use more casual conversation or industry-specific jargon when appropriate.

Highlight Benefits for the Audience

Think about how you can solve the person’s problem or add value to them professionally. So, if you pitch to a hiring manager, emphasise how your skills can meet their specific organisational needs.

Be Prepared to Pivot

Pay attention to the listener’s body language and feedback. Make sure you are flexible and prepared to adjust your pitch on the spot to meet their interests or clarify any questions they might have.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember these three common mistakes when crafting your elevator pitch, and you can’t go wrong!

Don’t:

• Overload your pitch with jargon or unnecessary details.
• Sound overly sales-driven instead of authentic and engaging.
• Neglect to personalise the pitch for your audience.

Elevator Pitch Template

Use the following template to create your elevator pitch using the BEST strategy:

Hi, I’m __(name)__, and I help/work with __(your ideal client)__ who want __(their biggest pain point)__ so they can __(the outcome after you’ve solved their problem)__. Because __(tell them why you care or are passionate)__.

 

The Elevator Pitch Examples (Entirely Made Up)

Here are some examples of well-written elevator pitches that are succinct, professional, and effective. Yours doesn’t have to follow this exact format as long as you stick to a winning formula!

Hi, I’m Alex Carter. I work with small businesses that want to grow their online presence but struggle to create engaging content to attract customers and build relationships. I’m passionate about helping them tell their unique stories and connect authentically with their audience.

 

Hi, I’m Jessica Jones. I help professionals who feel stuck in their careers to gain clarity, build confidence, and achieve their goals. I believe everyone deserves to feel fulfilled and empowered in their professional journey.

 

Write, Repeat, Rehearse

Once you create and practise your elevator pitch, you’ll feel calmer and more confident in social and business situations. This will open you up to greater opportunities. So, what are you waiting for? Each of us can offer value—identify your point of difference and perfect your pitch! You’ll discover not only how you can help yourself but also how you can assist others.

All That’s Left is the Delivery!

You’ve written a punchy yet eloquent elevator pitch, so it’s time to practice your delivery. Consider your body language, such as eye contact and a relaxed, engaged posture. Make sure your tone is genuine. There’s nothing worse than sounding like you’re reading off a script.

 

Now that you understand the foundations of a strong elevator pitch, it’s time to create your own. Start by summarising who you are, what you do, and the value you bring. Focus on clarity and tailor your pitch for different audiences. Practice delivering it confidently and authentically until it feels natural.

Remember, clear and confident communication is crucial for advancing your career. A well-prepared elevator pitch can open doors to new opportunities, so take the time to perfect yours!

 

If you’d like help with your elevator pitch, consider taking a professional development course focusing on communication and networking skills. These courses provide valuable knowledge and skills to help you refine your pitch. Contact a Career Consultant today at 1300 76 2221 or via Live Chat to explore your options.