Need-To-Know Components Of An Elevator Pitch

The ideal elevator pitch is around thirty seconds to one minute. Time and attention spans are limited so be sure to keep it short, sweet, and to the point. However, avoid any vagueness. Start with a strong handshake and introduce yourself, first and last name. Say it confidently and clearly. Sometimes we tend to mumble our own names.

From there, give specifics about who you are, what you do, and skills or qualifications that set you above the rest. What are you and/or your business striving to achieve? Be specific about any personal or company goals you have set. However, keep it brief - you don’t have time to go into the depths of what you’ve been doing to hit your goals.

Your attitude and body language will be on display, as well. Remember to smile. It can be nerve wracking talking about oneself to others, but maintain a positive attitude and it will come easier. There’s a line between confidence and cockiness, so tread lightly when discussing yourself and your accomplishments. Avoid crossed arms or standing with your hands on your hips, as these are signs of cutting people off and not seeming approachable or agreeable.

Practice, practice, practice. It will be obvious to others if you’re stumbling over your words and seemingly unprepared. You don’t need to stick to the same elevator pitch every single time. Feel free to create new variations that can be used for different reasons. Try your pitch out loud while driving in the car or while getting ready in the morning.

Let’s not forget business cards! Before attending any event, make sure to grab a stack of business cards to pass out to people you meet.

Mastering the elevator pitch takes time, practice, and many rough drafts! It’s a balancing act of giving enough detail, but not overtalking. Join us for our monthly B2B Mixers to put your elevator pitch to work, meet professionals in various industries, and make connections that could change your career. Contact Skynar Bookkeeping if you have any questions.