I hate networking events.
If they weren’t bad enough on their own, they’re even worse when you have to deliver an elevator pitch.
If you’re unsure what that is, an elevator pitch is a short summary that quickly tells your audience what your company can do for them.
It has to be short, snappy, to the point and memorable.
That’s quite a tall order.
Now most people think “OK, I’ve got 30 seconds to talk about my business,” and then go on to bore the pants of everyone by telling them what they do.
Granted, that does give them an idea about your company, but it won’t tell them what they really want to know.
What your elevator pitch should say about you
What do they really want to know?
Simple – how you are going to help them.
Just telling them what you do makes them think, “great, another web designer.”
But if you take the time to tailor your pitch to your audience, showing them how you will be of benefit to them, they’re more likely to sit up and take notice.
Why?
Because it shows them you are focused on your clients. It’s your mission to make their life easier by taking away their pain (whatever that might be).
So you should structure your pitch like this:
- Identify the problem your audience is facing
- Show them the solution you can offer to take their pain away
- Tell them how you do it better than your competitors
- Tell them how about financial or other benefits they’ll enjoy as a result of working with you
Of course, the amount of detail you can go into will depend on the length of the pitch you give.
Most are about 30 seconds, but I’m attending an event later today that gives only 10 seconds per pitch.
Before the event, write it down, read it out loud and refine it. Make sure you don’t include any jargon or industry/marketing speak. Stick to plain English.
This is your one chance to shine.
Make the most of it. Don’t give a full out sales pitch; tailor it to your audience and show them what you will do for them.