How to Write Your Elevator Pitch

An “elevator pitch” is a value statement that communicates what you do and how you do it differently than anyone else in your field.  What makes YOU you?  That is your competitive advantage.  The barriers to entry are removed when you can succinctly describe your differentiator, one which separates you from the pack, the clutter; the disingenuous charmers.

Typically, your elevator pitch is going to be <30 seconds.  This time frame is roughly the time it takes to ride an elevator.

So, is this really to be delivered in an elevator?  No, it can be delivered anywhere.  The idea is that less is more; and, to provide the listener with enough encapsulated knowledge to let them chew on your value-add.  However, I did have one client who encountered the CEO of his company within the elevator, AND, he happened to have crafted his elevator pitch the day before in his meeting with me, so he put it to good use!  This left him feeling proud and the CEO impressed…Who doesn’t want more of those types of occurrences happening?  Success = Being prepared  + when the opportunity presents itself.

 

Crafting Your Pitch – 3 Phases

Phase 1: Position Yourself

1. Specify what you do.

EXAMPLE:  I am Director of Global Organization Effectiveness.

2.  Select a particular area of focus/expertise.

EXAMPLE:   Diversity of Thought and Inclusion.  World cultures.

3.  Provide some context.  What type(s) of environment tees you up for success?

EXAMPLE:   Aligning teams with their leaders.  Facilitating dialogue and feedback.

4.  Identify what makes you stand out/unique.  THIS IS THE BIGGY!

EXAMPLE: Clients typically arrive stressed and leave appreciative from learning how to reframe the situation.  Participants say it helps that I’m calm, intense, a GREAT listener, sincere, passionate, I can extrapolate meaning well, and all of that helps them trust me.

Phase 2: Reduce/Simplify

How can you say all of Phase 1 in fewer words?  Two sentences max.  Let them ask questions, if they’re interested.  Your job is to pique curiosity.

EXAMPLE:   I align diverse and international teams with their leaders, and facilitate dialogue and feedback.  My ability to convert abstract meaning into action plans, my intensity of listening, and calm demeanor enable my clients to confide in me.

Phase 3: Repeat

• Pilot Test.  Run your elevator pitch to your friends and family to gain their input.  Return to Phase 1 &/or 2 for re-design, if necessary.
• Mantra.  Tell yourself your pitch first thing in the morning and last thing at night.  It’s healthy and helpful to remind yourself of who you are.

This is the heart of your personal brand.

Going up?

 

Rossina Gil, MSOD, MAIS, is a Leadership and Organization Development Practitioner who aligns diverse and international teams with their leaders, and facilitates dialogue and feedback.  Her ability to convert abstract meaning into action plans, intensity of listening, and calm demeanor enables her clients to confide in her.  CorporateLookingGlass.com. 

Resource:

Life

©Rossina Gil, 2014

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