Quick elevator pitches

In case you are not familiar with the term, "elevator pitch" the concept comes from the line of thought that at any given time, you could get on an elevator with a person who has exactly what you need, and you need to sell them on your idea. Since you are on an elevator, you basically have that person trapped for 30 to 60 seconds, and you need to be able to relay your message in a simple and concise manor.


I am not sure how often business receive capital on elevators, but that is the concept. For a business person, it should be applied every time someone asks you about your idea. Entrepreneurs are dreamers, and having a pre-thought out answer keeps you from rambling on.

A good elevator pitch should cover three basic points: what you are doing, how it meets a need, what you are looking for.


Here is an example:


"Hey there, how are you? I am Mark Zimmer, and I am getting involved on a project that involves climbing peaks across the country. What I am dong is climbing the highest peak in each of the 50 states. Although I am not the first to have done this, I am the first to use it as part of a marketing venture for businesses. We have a number of companies who are getting involved in our climbs, some of who are having a company flag carried to the top of each of these peaks. I would like the chance to talk with you about some different ways we can get you some exposure."


You want the pitch easy to remember (both for you and them) and it should leave the listener wanting to know more. Feed them a little, and then hope they ask for more.