Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch

What is an Elevator Pitch?

“The purpose of an elevator pitch is to describe a situation or solution so compelling that the person you’re with wants to hear more even after the elevator ride is over.” – Seth Godin

An elevator pitch gives you a ready-to-go introduction of you or even an idea you may have. With a well-practiced elevator pitch, you will be able to present yourself as more confident and self-assured.

The goal of creating an elevator pitch is to craft a short explanation of what you do, how you do it, and who you do it for. It should be straightforward and easy to understand.

Creating an Elevator Pitch

The process of creating an elevator pitch gives you a focus, but also give you an opportunity to self-analysis. Even if you do not use it often, creating it can make you think about who you are, what you want do, and what you want others to know about you. This is a great way look back at your past accomplishments, and allows you to look at your future by highlighting your goals. It also keeps you centered on what you’re trying to achieve while you are networking.

Here is a guideline you can use as a basis to create your elevator pitch:

1. Introduce yourself and say what you currently do (school, relevant job/club, etc. -- be brief).

2. Explain your skills - what you do well as proven by professional accomplishments such as awards, recognitions, certifications, etc. or work/skills trajectory you’ve strengthened in roles you have been. 

• If you have never worked before talk about your major(s), minor(s), extracurriculars/orgs.

3. Be confident (shows the other person why he or she should be confident in you, too), by showing your greatest strength in the skill/area you identified. 

• Share a compliment you received – in context; (must be professional, not from a parent or friend) OR
• Anecdote (a short interesting [plot: beginning, middle, end] true story about your talent)

4. Share your goals: say what you would like to gain (e.g. a job/internship/networking/volunteer time/advice/mentee opportunity/etc.).

5. Share your motivation for wanting it “because I want to …” help/inspire/benefit/contribute/etc.).

6. Your call to action 

• “...so, I’m looking forward to our meeting later.”
• ”...so, can I buy you a cup of coffee and chat with you?”
• ”...so, do you have any openings at your firm?” etc.
•  And/or presentation of your business card.

Don't forget to PRACTICE!

There are many other ways to create an elevator pitch. No matter what format you use, the most important part of an elevator pitch is making sure you know it well. Practice it so it becomes more natural to you. It will become more effective at creating new opportunities for you!