Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you only have a few seconds to make a lasting impression on someone? Whether you're at a networking event, a job fair, or even just in an elevator with someone, having a great elevator pitch can make all the difference. An elevator pitch is a concise, compelling introduction of yourself and your business or career that can be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator. 

Here are some tips to help you nail your elevator pitch and make a lasting impression:

Step 1: Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is the one thing that sets you apart from others in your industry. It could be a particular skill, an innovative approach to problem-solving, or even your personality. Whatever it is, it needs to be something that will catch the attention of the person you're speaking to and make them want to learn more.

To identify your USP, start by asking yourself:

What are my core strengths?

What do I bring to the table that others don't?

What problem can I solve better than anyone else?

Once you've identified your USP, you can use it as the foundation for your elevator pitch.

Step 2: Know Your Audience 

Before you start crafting your elevator pitch, it's important to know your audience. Who are you trying to impress? What do they care about? What problems can you help them solve? Answering these questions will help you tailor your pitch to the specific needs and interests of your audience. For example, if you're pitching to a potential employer, focus on the skills and experiences that make you a perfect fit for the job. If you're pitching to a potential client, focus on the value you can offer them and how you can help them achieve their goals.

Step 3: Practice Makes Perfect

Once you've crafted your elevator pitch, it's important to practise it until it becomes second nature. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, and try it out on friends and colleagues to get feedback.

Once you’ve done these, here are some other things to keep in mind when practising: 

Keep it Short and Sweet 

The first key to nailing your elevator pitch is to keep it short and sweet. You only have a few seconds to capture someone's attention, so make every word count. Your pitch should be no more than 30-60 seconds long, and ideally, it should be even shorter. Make sure your pitch is easy to understand and memorable by focusing on your core message and avoiding jargon or technical terms that might confuse your audience.

Start with a Hook

To grab your audience's attention from the get-go, start your pitch with a hook. This could be a surprising fact, a bold statement, a question, or a story. The goal is to make your audience sit up and take notice, so don't be afraid to be creative and unconventional. For example, if you're a freelance graphic designer, you might start your pitch with something like, "Did you know that visual content is 40 times more likely to get shared on social media than other types of content? As a graphic designer, I can help you create the perfect visuals to make your brand stand out."

Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition

One of the most important elements of your elevator pitch is your unique value proposition. What makes you different from everyone else who does what you do? What unique skills, experiences, or qualities do you bring to the table? Make sure you highlight these in your pitch. For example, if you're a marketing consultant, you might say something like, "Unlike other marketing consultants, I specialise in helping small businesses create highly targeted campaigns that get results. With my expertise, you can take your business to the next level."

End with a Clear Call to Action 

Make sure you end your pitch with a clear call to action. What do you want your audience to do next? Whether it's scheduling a follow-up meeting, checking out your portfolio, or connecting on LinkedIn, make sure you have a specific ask that will keep the conversation going. For example, you might say something like, "If you're interested in learning more about how I can help your business grow, let's set up a time to chat. I'd love to hear more about your goals and see how I can help."

To give you a better idea of what an elevator pitch should sound like, here are some examples from the MyOnBiz Team:

Example 1: Marketing Manager

"Hi, my name is Sarah and I'm a marketing manager with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing. My unique selling proposition is my ability to develop and implement data-driven marketing campaigns that drive results. I've helped companies increase their online visibility, generate more leads, and ultimately grow their business. I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can help your company achieve its marketing goals."

Example 2: Web Developer

"Hi, my name is Alex and I'm a web developer with a passion for creating beautiful and functional websites. My unique selling proposition is my ability to blend creativity and technical expertise to deliver projects that exceed client expectations. I specialise in custom WordPress development and have a proven track record of delivering high-quality websites on time and within budget. I'd love to chat about how I can help bring your next project to life."

Final Thoughts

Crafting a compelling elevator pitch takes time and effort, but it's a skill that can pay dividends in your career. By following the steps outlined in this post and practising your pitch, you'll be well on your way to nailing your elevator pitch and impressing potential employers or clients. For more tips, check out our other blogs, like this one about how to follow up a remote job interview.