Elevator Pitches

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Where the term comes from

• “Getting a meeting” with someone can be hard
• You might instead, without warning, have ~45 seconds to share an important idea
• Like if the two of you are in an elevator together

Standard Uses for Elevator Pitches

• For a product

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• For a project idea

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• For you: A new job, leadership opportunity, etc.

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• Like Shark Tank!!!

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Elevator Pitches are...

• Difficult: 10 seconds is too short, 2 minutes is way too long

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• Important: Can you communicate a key and compelling idea effectively and verbally without too much detail?

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• Something you can prepare for and sharpen
• Even if it’s not natural at first

Elevator Pitch Run-Down

• What: short intro (~45 sec) to share the importance and value of a new idea
• For a product, project proposition, or even yourself (new job, leadership opportunity, etc)
• Who: anyone, but especially for people with lots of power and not a lot of time
• Where: elevators… interviews, networking situations, anywhere
• Why: hook a person’s interest, quickly communicate that something is worth consideration, make people want to learn more
• featured on Shark Tank, the sharks want to see profitability and good ideas!

The activity [see handout]

[This is hard. It’s okay to flounder! But you will improve.]

1. One minute of brainstorming
2. Three minutes of drafting the pitch
3. Partner 1 delivers their elevator pitch
• Partner 2 listens intently, and times the self-introduction
4. Partner 2 provides feedback
• How can partner 1 articulate their strengths more effectively?
5. Partner 2 delivers their elevator pitch
• Partner 1 listens intently, and times the self-introduction
6. Partner 1 provides feedback
• How can partner 2 articulate their strengths more effectively?

periodt

More resources

Again, a good “elevator pitch” takes time and effort.

Practice in front of a mirror!! Continue to iterate and change it!! Think about your personal brand and experiences!!

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One good introduction with specific advice on how to craft one in four parts:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-give-an-elevator-pitch-examples