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How To Prepare Your Elevator Pitch For Networking Events

When attending business networking events, you need a brief introductory statement to let others know who you are, what you do and what you intend to get out of the event. This brief introduction is commonly known as an “elevator pitch”, and having a well rehearsed, short and sweet elevator pitch can open many doors in the business world.

In this article we’ll look at exactly what an elevator pitch is, why you need one and how to create the perfect elevator pitch to get you noticed for all the right reasons.

What Is An Elevator Pitch?

Let’s start with what an elevator pitch is and why it’s called elevator pitch. As we said earlier, an elevator pitch is a brief introductory statement that introduces you to other event attendees in just a few short sentences.

This allows others to understand; 

• Who you are
• Your position in your company
• What you do
• What you hope to achieve

Why Is It Called An Elevator Pitch?

It’s called an elevator pitch because it’s designed to be a brief introduction that lasts roughly as long as a ride in a lift (elevator). An average ride in a lift lasts anywhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.

The idea is to give your fellow attendees a short introduction about you and start a conversation.

How Does An Elevator Pitch Work To Your Advantage?

A well rehearsed elevator pitch helps build your confidence and alleviates nerves because you already know what you’re going to say and won’t leave awkward pauses while you formulate what to say.

It helps you to sound professional and makes you less likely to fumble your words. This helps you to make a good impression with new contacts and associates.

A strong elevator pitch helps you to make a lasting good impression on other attendees and makes it easy for potential clients to remember you, your company and the services you provide.

It also allows you to stand out from the crowd in a room full of people all looking for attention. It also helps to establish you as an expert in your field and highlights the potential benefits of working with you on future projects.

How To Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

The perfect elevator pitch needs to convey all of your important information in as short a time as possible. Let’s look at the steps needed to craft a great elevator pitch, they include;

Your Personal Introduction

You can be flexible with your introduction but it should include information about 

• Your area of expertise
• Where and what you studied
• Where you work
• What research you’ve done
• Interesting projects you’re working on

You can also briefly mention any people you’re collaborating with or are business connections of yours.

State Your Goals

Identifying your goals and ambitions clearly, will help others direct you in the right direction to further your ambitions. If you’re not clear in what you want, they won’t be able to help you.

Give A Few Examples Of Your Experience

By describing one or two of your business related experiences that will help others see exactly where you are coming from. However, it’s important that you don’t repeat any of the information from your personal introduction.

Tie It All Together

Make a brief but interesting closing statement to tie it all together. Try to keep this closing statement brief (one or two sentences). This will clearly define exactly what you’re looking for and allow others to point you in the right direction.

Don’t Forget To Ask Questions

Once you’re done with your elevator pitch, ask questions of others, examples include;

• What do you do?
• How did you get started in this industry?
• What’s the best part for you?
• What advice would you give someone who’s just starting out?

These open ended questions encourage replies and form the basis of a two way conversation.

Follow Up On Useful Conversations

While engaged in conversation with anyone who sounds like they might be helpful contacts, ask for ways to reconnect after the event. Ask if you can connect on LinkedIn or ask for their business card or e-mail address. 

While you’re at it, make notes related to each person so your follow up conversation remains relevant.

Practice Your Elevator Pitch Regularly

Once you’re happy with your elevator pitch, write it down and then keep practising your pitch and refining it by using focused language peculiar to your field of expertise. But be sure not to use industry specific jargon that outsiders wouldn’t necessarily understand.

Practice your pitch until you have it down pat, work on making it sound natural and not contrived or over rehearsed.

Extra Tips For A More Effective Elevator Pitch

Here are a few more tips to make your elevator pitch stand out from the crowd;

Adapt Your Elevator Pitch For Different Audiences

Your pitch should be flexible enough to suit different audiences. Whether you’re speaking to investors, potential clients, recruiters, or collaborators, alter your message to highlight what’s most relevant to them.

Use Storytelling Techniques

People remember stories better than facts. If possible, add a brief anecdote or example of how your work has made a difference. This makes your pitch more memorable.

Handle Different Networking Scenarios

Your elevator pitch should work in various networking settings, from formal events to casual conversations. Prepare different versions, one for structured events and another for more informal gatherings.

Use Social Media

A strong, written version of your elevator pitch can also be used on LinkedIn, in your email signature, or in online networking groups. This increases your visibility and allows others to connect with you digitally.

Have A Powerful Opening Line

The first sentence of your pitch should grab attention. Instead of starting with “I work at — company,” try leading with a question, an intriguing fact, or a problem you solve.

Helpful Tips For Making Your Elevator Pitch

What most people fail to realise is that your elevator pitch is a personal advertisement about you. If it’s not crafted correctly, you won’t get any feedback or work opportunities unless your pitch;

• Sounds professional
• Highlights the benefits of working with you
• Ends with a call to action

There are other points to work on as well which include;

• Body Language
  You need to look others in the eye, smile and don’t fold your arms or look around the room while they’re talking.
• Have A Plan
  Your elevator pitch needs to be carefully planned and rehearsed to show you in your best light.
• Have Multiple Pitches
  If you trundle out exactly the same pitch to everyone it can sound trite and wooden.
• Highlight The Reasons You’re Different
  In a room full of people all connected to the same industry, you need something to make you stand out. Be sure to include reasons why you’re better than your contemporaries.
• Keep It Short
  An elevator pitch should last no longer than one or two minutes so keep things brief.
• Stick To Key Points
  When making your elevator pitch, focus on the key points that will be easy for your listeners to grasp. Don’t get stuck in details that could confuse the message you’re trying to convey.
• Don’t Use Complicated Jargon
  Not everyone in the room will understand the complexities of your chosen vocation. Stick to simple, easy to understand language and don’t use industry specific jargon unless the person you’re talking to is in the same industry and you’re sure they’ll understand what you’re talking about.
• Don’t Be Afraid To Use The Word “Help”
  Most people are only too happy to help you as long as they know that’s what you’re looking for. Saying things like “I would appreciate your help in finding new customers” or “I’m looking for help to find a collaborator on my latest project”.
• Don’t Forget A Call To Action
  If you don’t ask, you won’t get, be sure to include a definite call to action in your elevator pitch. It might be that the person you’re talking to can’t help you, but they might be able to introduce you to someone that can.
• Practice, Practice, Practice
  That old saying “practice makes perfect” was never more appropriate than when  getting your elevator pitch right. It’s your short introduction to the people that can help you further your career. You need it to be word perfect to make the right impression.

Example Templates Of Elevator Pitches

There are any number of ways you can state your elevator pitch but here are a couple of ideas to get you started;

Example One:

 Hello my name is [NAME]

I help people with [WHAT YOU DO] 

And this is beneficial to them because [REASON IT HELPS]

An example of this was when I helped [STORY]

Which worked because it [WHY IT WORKED]

At this event I’m looking to speak to anyone that [YOUR GOAL]

Example Two:

Hello, I am [NAME]

I work for [COMPANY NAME]

I identify problems like [WHAT YOU DO]

Which helps the company by [BENEFIT OF SERVICE]

I once did this [STORY OF ONE OF YOUR SUCCESSES]

I’m looking to speak to [TARGET PEOPLE]

You Need A Decent Elevator Pitch

Making and perfecting your elevator pitch is an essential skill for successful networking. A strong, well rehearsed introduction can set you apart from the crowd, help you build meaningful connections, and open new opportunities in your field. 

By refining your pitch, practicing regularly, and adapting it to different audiences, you increase your chances of making a lasting impression. Remember, networking is a two way street, so be sure to engage, ask questions, and follow up with those you meet. With a well prepared pitch and a proactive approach, you’ll be on your way to expanding your professional network and reaching your goals.

SEE ALSO: 20 Business Networking Event Tips (to sky-rocket your career)

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