Sell Your Idea in a Snap

The Power of the Elevator Speech for Entrepreneurs & Creative Pros

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

I think Eminem said it best:

Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted, one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?

Those opening lyrics punch hard squarely on the nose of your career. Can you seize opportunities when they arise or let them pass you by?

Enter the elevator speech.

An elevator speech is a short, persuasive speech that is designed to sell an idea, product, or service. The concept is simple: communicate the key points of your proposal in the time it would take to ride an elevator, hence the name. Maybe now they could be called Tweet Speech.

Anyway, elevator speeches communicate a message or pitch to a potential client, investor, or partner in a quick fashion that’s memorable and leaves your audience wanting to hear more.

So, how do you craft the perfect elevator speech? Here are some tips to help you get started.

1 Keep it brief: Aim for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This may seem like a short amount of time, but trust us, it's plenty. Any longer and you risk losing the listener's attention.

2 Focus on the benefits: What value does your idea, product, or service provide? This is the most important part of your elevator speech, so make sure to highlight the benefits with clear and concise delivery.

3 Use storytelling: Engage the listener by painting a picture with your words. A well-told story can help bring your idea to life and make it more memorable.

4 Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your elevator speech until it feels natural. The more you practice, the more confident you'll be when it's time to deliver.

Now, let's take a look at some examples of successful elevator speeches:

Example 1

Our new software allows small businesses to streamline their accounting processes, saving them time and money. Imagine never having to spend hours manually inputting data or chasing down receipts again. That's what our software does. It's like having an extra employee on your team, without the cost.

This elevator speech does a great job of highlighting the benefits of the software and using storytelling to bring the idea to life. The listener can easily visualize the time and money they could save by using the product.

Example 2

Our service connects freelancers with businesses in need of their skills. Think of it like a dating app, but for work. It's a win-win situation: businesses get access to top talent, and freelancers get steady work. Plus, with our platform, everything is handled online, so it's convenient for both parties.

This elevator speech uses humor and an unconventional comparison to make the pitch more memorable. It also clearly explains the value of the service and how it benefits both businesses and freelancers.

As you can see, an effective elevator speech should be brief, clear, and to the point. It should be well-organized and delivered in a confident and enthusiastic manner. The goal is to pique the listener's interest and leave them wanting to know more about you and your idea, product, or service.

In summary, an effective elevator speech should be concise, clearly communicate the value of your idea, product, or service, and be delivered with confidence and enthusiasm. By following these tips and practicing your elevator speech, you will be well-equipped to capture the listener's attention and leave them wanting to know more.

Want help developing your elevator speech (professional or personal)? Let me know. This sort of stuff is in my wheelhouse.