A strong elevator pitch allows you to express what you’re all about and why you do what you do, all while simply introducing yourself. And it won’t sound awkward or unnatural if done right. This one brief statement will be memorable and accurately reflect your author brand. Below I’ll walk you through the process so you create your elevator pitch.
What is an Elevator Pitch and Why Do You Need One?
Your elevator pitch is your quick and to the point 30-second explanation of what you do and why people should care. And for the record, this is not your book pitch—this is the answer you give when someone asks you: “So, what do you do?”
A strong elevator pitch also clearly presents your unique value proposition (or unique writer proposition) and makes a lasting impression on those you meet. It can be used in many scenarios where you might introduce yourself. That’s why it’s good to have one at the ready.
To Create a Strong Elevator Pitch You Need to Know What’s Behind it
You can go ahead and take a stab at your elevator pitch now. But to create a strong elevator pitch that is memorable and accurately reflects your author brand, you’ll need to know what’s behind it. I’ve written some posts on these processes and you’ll find the links to those below.
Before going into this you may want to discover your:
I included the above links because knowing things like your unique value/writer proposition and discovering your core values will help you craft a strong elevator pitch that is true to you as well as impactful. And like your mission statement, your elevator pitch is a succinct reminder of why you do what you do.
Try These Steps First to Create Your Pitch
It’s time to do some thinking. Consider the what and then the why. What do you do? How does this benefit others? Consider the reasons why you’ve taken the time to develop your brand—the thing that makes you unique and sets you apart from your competition. Think of it as a mini-bio that can be worked into conversations.
The basic template for a strong elevator pitch is something like this:
- Who you are. A simple intro. Your name.
- What you do and why. Include what you bring to the table and your passion here. AKA your unique value proposition and your mission.
- Your ask or CTA. This can include a request to stay in contact, a way they can help, or simply state what you’re hoping to get from being there. You can even ask them a question. This opens the door for conversation, or opportunity!
Here’s an example of how an elevator pitch may look on paper:
Hi, I’m Jane Doe. I’m an author and speaker who specializes in helping women in the workforce grow their influence by establishing their personal brands. I recently published a book, _________, which teaches actionable and sustainable strategies for how women can use the power of a personal brand to stand out in their field. I’m looking for women-led organizations who would benefit from a keynote speech on the topic. Would you like to hear more about what my presentations can offer your team?
Obviously, this can be fine tuned. But you get the idea. You can also omit your Ask or CTA if you simply need a powerful and memorable introduction. You may never use your elevator pitch, but it’s still something that adds to the story of who you are and cements it in your mind. It brings confidence to your interactions, whether they are planned or not. Remember, this simple statement reflects and supports your brand, kind of like your mission statement and your core values.
Now Fine-Tune and Strengthen Your Elevator Pitch
Once you’ve written your pitch, try it out. Read it out loud to yourself. Read it to yourself in the mirror. Record yourself and play it back to yourself. Try it out on a few friends, colleagues, and maybe even a few strangers. Is it smooth? Does it roll off your tongue? Can you recite it effortlessly, or do you struggle to remember it? Do you find that you have to explain what you mean, or do people get it right away? If you have to explain it, it’s not quite there, but that’s okay, you’ll get there.
Here’s another trick: As you are trying it out on friends, ask them to tell you in their own words what they heard. You’ll know real quick if you have a strong elevator pitch that is clear and concise or if it still needs work.
Lastly, pay attention to how other people introduce you—do they understand your brand? This is typically the best way to determine if your pitch is not clear.
Remember, this is a work in progress. So allow yourself to check in often and make changes as needed. It’s worth putting in the effort whether you’ll be using it often or not because a strong elevator pitch builds your confidence. In situations where you need it you won’t be left stumbling to clearly express who you are and why you do what you do. Your brand and your mission will be obvious and you can rest easy knowing you are sending the right message.
