14 Tips for a winning Elevator Pitch as a good Pitcher

“The purpose of an Elevator Pitch is to describe a problem and your solution so compelling that the person you’re with wants to hear more”

Elevator Pitch Topics: Audience, Prioritize, Strong, Focus, Conversational, End Goal, Connection, Relationship, Tell, don’t Sell, Continue, Take-Away, Competition.

Standing out. If you’ve been to a business Networking event, you’ve probably been bombarded by an Elevator Pitch or 2, 3, 4 + +. At the end of the night, though, only a few will stand out in your mind — and fewer still will result in sought-after Contacts. What sets those pitches apart, and how can you ensure that yours generates interest & conversation are the keys to being a good Pitcher.

Why? Whether you’re looking for Investors or just trying to get people interested in your business, your success as a Pitcher (not Baseball, well yes like BB), depends on your ability to explain what makes your business “unique” and to hook your listener in less than a minute. Entrepreneurs & Business professionals share their best tips for writing and delivering a great Elevator Pitch.

Know your Audience. “When crafting your Elevator Pitch, you first need to think about who you’re talking to. A good Pitcher will adjust depending on the receiver (whoops, Football not Baseball) you’re trying to reach. Lead with the information that the recipient will care most about, and the rest will follow.” – Andrew Cross, Sr Account Director at Walker Sands Communications
Prioritize your Pitch. “Be specific, but use plain language when describing the problem your product or service solves. If it solves several problems, prioritize and stick with the most important 1 or 2. Stick with what problem you are solving, who will benefit the most from your solution & why people should believe that you can do it.” – Andrey Mihailenko, VP of Marketing & Sales at Targetprocess
Start off Strong. “80% of your success will depend on your opening line. It must snag your listener’s interest and make them want to know more. Do this right, and your contact will listen, wanting to hear more.” Peter Cikalo/CXO Wiz4.biz Blog
Focus on what matters. “Avoid generalities – “Telling your listener that you have a ‘Revolutionary idea.’ Words like that can automatically turn Investors off. Instead, be specific. Explain why you’re solving this problem, a few key benefits & why your Startup is the best to implement it.” – Ebong Eka, CPA & Author of “Start Me Up!: The No-Business Plan Business Plan”
Tell what you Do; Not what you Are. Don’t start with: “I’m an Entrepreneur. I’m a Developer. I’m a Founder. At this point, it doesn’t matter that much. Share your idea for something unique, incredible fantastic to peak their interest. Jennifer Martin, founder of Zest Business Consulting
Be Interesting, but be Authentic. “While creating interest & showing value is key, remember to be authentic & realistic. Making outlandish claims about your product or service will eventually be discovered, and your integrity could be destroyed.” – Ed Cederquist, CEO & co-founder of bistroMD
Keep it Conversational. “You want to stand out from other Pitchers and generate a little (or a lot) excitement. Don’t give a memorized Pitch that sounds like it’s scripted. Be spontaneous. Ask questions to get inter-action. When I hear a pitch, I don’t necessarily want to feel like I am being pitched. I would rather have it be more conversational. Start with the problem you are trying to solve, the way the current alternatives aren’t working. Then, briefly describe your solution.” – John Torrens, Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management
Tell, don’t Sell. “A big part of your job is to motivate people to act, whether you’re trying to close Funding, attract Talent or acquire new Customers. To do this, you have to be prepared to tell a compelling, unforgettable story that draws your receiver in (then you can intercept). Whoops, Football season is starting soon. When it comes to pitching your startup, my advice is to “tell”, not “sell” your story.” – Sue McGill, co-founder & Executive Director of JOLT
Think about your Field Goal (whoops) End Goal. “You should have an Exit Strategy (ie, Acquisition). Investors hearing your pitch want to know that you’ve evaluated the opportunity & risk to fully consider your strategy.” – Summer Kramer, founder of SummerSkin
Make a Connection. “An Elevator Pitch is an important networking tool. It should serve as a verbal Business Card (don’t forget to give one), that provides a brief, compelling introduction to one’s products or services and intrigues new acquaintances to seek more information (then hand them your Flyer). Finish your conversation by asking the other person what they do. It starts an bonding situation and allows you to really connect – even after the Elevator Pitch/Ride is over.” – Juana Hart, founder of J-Hart Communications
Building a Relationship. At your earliest opportunity [after giving your Pitch], express an interest in your new acquaintance and learn as much as you can about him or her. The information you gain will provide insight as you proceed with efforts to build a genuine, mutually beneficial relationship.”– Stacey Hawley, founder of Credo
Provide the means to “continue” the Conversation. “Your Elevator Pitch is simply an introduction to your company, not a sale you have to close. End by summarizing your top talking points and offering a way for the prospect to get in touch with you [Business Card & Flyer].” — Alex Membrillo, founder & CEO of Cardinal Web Solutions
The Take-Away. People are bombarded daily with all kinds of information. If they are interested, you want to make it easy for them to contact you. Do a Flyer !!! Create it yourself, then get a specialist to help you to make it look professional. Peter Cikalo/CXO Wiz4.biz Blog
Research your Competition, so you know what they’re doing right & know their weaknesses. Target your market, and be “Better, Faster, Cheaper” than your Competition. Monitor the competitors in your industries, so if they make a move, you will know about it and be able to respond accordingly. – Peter Cikalo/CXO Wiz4.biz Blog

Comments: Do you know of any other Tips for a “winning” Elevator Pitch?

from Business News Daily 30 April 15 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4.biz

For more in Info, click on Elevator Pitch, Finding Funding.