Elevator Pitch

You’re in an Elevator and suddenly your role model, whom you are following on LinkedIn since few years, enters the elevator. He wants to go on top floor, you have 30 secs to talk to him. How you will make most of it? This is where elevator pitch helps.

What is Elevator Pitch ?

An elevator Pitch is crisp, quick, short summary of yourself. You can also use it to create interest in a project, idea, or product or in yourself. It should be 30-60 seconds, approximately 75 words. It should be interesting, memorable and unique.

How to design Elevator Pitch ?

Follow below steps to create a great pitch content :-

• Introduce yourself
• What you do ?
• What is your ask?
• Exchange contact details to begin further conversation.

The pitch should include your unique strengths. End of speech should conclude with call to action. For e.g. You can get contact number or email ID of the person, whom you have interacted which helps you to begin conversation with that person. You can keep multiple elevator pitches ready. Based on with whom you are talking, you can always make slight modifications. Elevator Pitch should be quick introduction. It should not be too fast or over time. Always make it conversational. Avoid technical jargons. It should be confident conversation. It may loose its effectiveness if you lack confidence. Practice with your collegues, family or friend to get a feedback.

How to prepare for an Elevator Pitch 

1. Write down an elevator pitch on paper, review and refine it.
2. Practice it with paper and without paper. 
3. Practice it in front of mirror. You can record, listen and improve it.
4. The more you practice, the more natural your pitch will become.
5. Make sure that you’re aware of your body language as you talk, which conveys just as much information to the listener as your words do.

Elevator Pitch Example

Context: Seeking a mentor

Job Title: Lead Software Engineer

“Hi, I’m Monika, so nice to meet you! I’m a Lead Software Engineer at XYZ Inc., where I’m passionate about designing security products for our top-tier clients. Before that, I have completed bachelor's degree in Computer Science. I’m looking for experiences to learn more about career paths and ways to grow into Security Architect role in the next few years. Your work with ABC brand has inspired the ways I think about design—I would love to talk more about a potential mentorship with you. Let me know if you have time. Is that something you would be interested in.”

An elevator pitch can be used in any professional situation. We come across many situations, where it can be helpful and can make an impact. You can use it at networking event or in the interview. Your elevator pitch could be the beginning of a new opportunity, so draft, review, practice, refine and deliver it with confidence.