The One-liner

Have you ever been to a networking event and the host asks you to introduce yourself or business and you blank out about what to say? If the answer is yes, then that’s probably because you haven’t created your elevator pitch.

What is an elevator pitch? It is a way to introduce yourself or your business to others that piques their interest and leaves them wanting to learn more. It’s sort of like your sales pitch. It really should be no more than one or two lines because you have to remember the pitch to ensure a smooth delivery. The last thing you want to do is to stumble over your words while delivering an elevator pitch in a room full of strangers. You want to appear confident and self-assured.

A good business pitch or one-liner should consist of three elements: 1. The problem you solve, 2. How you or your business is the solution to that problem, 3. What success looks like for your clients if they do business with you. Your business pitch should be clear and concise. It does not need to include minor details of all your business has to offer. It just needs to provide a high level overview of your business with the most impressive highlights.
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If you are having a hard time coming up with your elevator pitch, consider working on it by writing it down. It may take multiple iterations of your pitch before you develop the one that works for you. Also, be sure to practice your pitch with family or friends that don’t know what you do. Ask them for feedback by requesting that they tell you what they heard you say and if they understand your business. If they can’t tell you about your business in their own words, then your elevator pitch needs to be refined. Rule of thumb is if an 8 year old can’t understand your business pitch, then it is likely that it will go over most people’s heads. Oftentimes, we assume that most people understand what we do until we actually ask them and realize that they really don’t, which is a problem.

Another reason why it is good to develop our elevator pitch is because you can use your pitch everywhere you showcase your business. It can go on business cards, social media account bios, pitch contests, grant applications, etc.. Your business pitch can be repurposed in multiple scenarios. It can give others a clear idea of what they are getting when they do business with you by setting the right expectations. It can also act a lead magnet for future business prospects and create a call to action.
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Don’t underestimate the value of a one-liner in helping you grow your business and gain more visibility. A good elevator pitch will set you and your business apart from the rest in your industry. Be sure to make developing your elevator pitch a priority!