Elevator Pitch
Teena Hughes discusses the importance of coming up with
a 30 second "elevator pitch" for quick networking
opportunities. Learn how a quick pitch can turn into a new
project, job or career.
30 Second Elevator Pitch :: do you have
one?
What's an "elevator pitch"?
As you start your new business, you'll be asked many, many (did
I say "many"?) times, "What do you DO for a living?",
"What business are you in?". I'm sure you have passion
about your new enterprise, you're highly skilled, extremely qualified
... but you stammer and stutter and can't quite come up with a
blurb that sounds professional as well as showing your great enthusiasm
for your business.
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Being able to clearly state your profile
is often called an "elevator" pitch (it has to
be able to be stated when you're in an elevator before the
doors open!), a "sales" pitch, a "30 second"
or "3 minute" speech or spiel ...
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What's the secret of the elevator pitch?
Well, it helps if you can clearly and concisely explain
what your business does - in a maximum of 3 minutes. Remember
- NO negative words, only positive words! Fill in the form
on the page, show it to friends & associates, revise
it, say it over and over until it comes easily off the tongue
... and won't that impress new people you meet!
................................................
What are the benefits?
................................................
It costs you nothing, it helps clarify WHO you are and
WHAT you do, it attracts new customers, and shows how professional
you are in regard to your business.
"I'm shy!" I hear you say ... If you're trying
to find new customers, you have to learn to be confident
- you don't have time to be shy ... follow the steps listed
below and fine-tune your pitch, repeat it often until you
sound great! Test it on friends, family, business associates
- listen to their suggestions and rewrite until it's just
right.
Suggestion :: type it or write it on the back of business
card or something small to keep in your wallet, where you
can see it often and practice it.
................
SAMPLE
................
Good morning, I'm Debbie Goodie-TwoShoes and I am the owner
of Tappitty Tap Tap Shoes. I provide the smallest tap dancing
shoes in the country. I've reached a new audience of pet
actors and people from all walks of life. My tap shoes for
pets provide hours of fun for audiences in theatres and
in movies.
................ end sample ................
Think you can do better than this? Give it a shot ...
................................................
Let's get started!
................................................
1. Who are you?
Example answer: I'm Teena Hughes, Director of BuildAWebsiteTonight.com,
Author of "Writing a 3 Minute Pitch".
Write or type your answer:
................................................
2. What do you do?
Example answer: I provide techniques to help business people
write a successful 3 minute business profile.
Write or type your answer:
................................................
3. Who do you do it for? (... why do you do it, who are
your customers?)
Example answer : I work with everyone who wants to be confident
when providing their first contact pitch regarding their
business and/or service.
Write or type your answer:
................................................
4. What are the benefits of someone using your product/service?
Example answer: My customers have increased confidence
when using their pitch or profile whether one-on-one or
in large groups, speaking with great ease. It eliminates
hesitation when asked, "What do you do?", and
gets to the point immediately, leaving the other person
in no doubt whatsoever about your business.
Write or type your answer:
................................................
Words and phrases to *avoid*.
Don't limit yourself!
.................................................
I only ...
I could possibly ...
Maybe ...
If only I could ...
Soon I will ...
Possibly
It should be ok
I'll do my best ...
No problem ... (avoid this negative one!)
Q : Can you come up with a strong, positive alternative
to any of these?
Q : Have you caught yourself saying any of these words
or phrases above? Time for change!
...............
TIPS
...............
* Sound confident - your new pitch will impress everyone.
* Your words are important - use the right ones to always
sound positive and excited about your business.
* Try not to sound too giggly or immature - you can easily
make yourself sound professional and friendly by carefully
choosing your words.
* Using weak words (as shown above) makes you come across
as being indecisive, not quite in control, unable to be
positive about what you're doing and when you plan to do
it.
* Pay more attention to the way you answer the phone, talk
with a prospective client, follow up a lead ... and be brave
enough to change your words if you need to!
.....................................
Think you can now write about YOUR business, product or
service? Take a deep breath, and start getting your thoughts
on paper or computer.
It may take a few goes to get it just right, but keep at
it - a fabulous 30 second pitch is worth its weight in gold!
About the Author
© Teena Hughes
Teena Hughes is the Director of BuildAWebsiteTonight.com,
a website where you can build your own site online - with
no skill - no fear - with no additional costs to update
your site. Teena has been involved in the I.T. industry
for over twenty years and has written many articles and
ebooks, and loves to help people get their business started.
http://www.BuildAWebsiteTonight.com
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