Every entrepreneur needs to learn how to speak about their business to other people.
The elevator pitch - which should take no longer than a minute - is a short summary of what services or products company offers. Here are some pointers to ensure that you succeed in attracting interest and action.

Know What You're Trying to achieve and Start off Strong
"Eighty percent 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 prospects will follow you, wanting more." - Bert Martinez, founder and president of Bert Martinez Communications.

Know Your Subject
First impression happens once. Respect your audience enough to prepare well.

Know Your Audience:
"When crafting your elevator pitch, you first need to think about who you'll be in the elevator with. A good pitch will shift depending on the audience you're trying to reach. Lead with the information that the recipient will care most about, and the rest will follow." - Andrew Cross, senior account director at Walker Sands Communications.

Keep it Real and Specific
Use plain language when describing the problem your product or service solves. Concentrate on actual examples of your product or service.

It's not about you
Tell what you do, not what you are. 'I'm an accountant', 'I'm a marketer'. "There's nothing about this kind of answer that is going to set you apart from the hundreds or thousands of other people doing the same thing. Plus, it can be boring! And no one wants to be boring." -Jennifer Martin, founder of Zest Business Consulting.

Keep it Conversational.
You want to stand out and generate excitement. Don't sound like a radio advertisement.

Let Your Passion Show, Be Authentic and Realistic
Let your listener hear the commitment in your voice, your words and your confident body language.

Practice
Even if your pitch is one you use often, get some feedback on how to improve it from a mentor.

KISS
KISS is an acronym for "Keep it simple, stupid".

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 and unforgettable story that draws your audience in. When it comes to pitching your start up, my advice is to tell, not sell your story." - Sue McGill, co-founder and executive
Director of JOLT.

Repeat Key Information.
"Repetition is important. That's why you hear the website address or phone number several times in a radio ad -- it helps it sink in!" - Steve Schwartz, owner of PD-go! Web Solutions.

Start a Conversation
"Finish your pitch by asking the other person what they do. It starts an actual conversation and allows you to actually connect, even after the elevator ride is over." - Stacey Hawley, founder of Credo. Have your business card on hand.


stephanie@superfecta.info
www.superfecta.co.za