Have you ever found yourself in an elevator, engaging in small talk about the weather or games with other passengers? Imagine a different scenario, where that brief elevator ride is an opportunity to deliver a concise presentation about your startup. Have you ever thought about what your elevator pitch would look like?
In a previous blog article, we discussed startup pitches, but today, we’re diving into the world of elevator pitches, a crucial tool for attracting potential investors and partners.
Elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is all about delivering maximum information in minimal time. The term “elevator pitch” refers to a short, few-second presentation about a company, startup, person, service, or product. It should be both convincing and concise. CEOs often use elevator pitches at networking events, where they meet potential partners, investors, or business angels.
The key is to focus on the most vital information about your startup. Start with an engaging introduction, present your main idea, provide a brief, factual description, discuss your target audience, and highlight the advantages of your solution. You can also mention your competition and what sets your startup apart.
Remember that the goal of your elevator pitch is to capture the attention and interest of your listeners. If they’re hooked, be prepared to offer a more detailed presentation.
The 9C Principles of an Exceptional Elevator Pitch
The renowned British statesman and diplomat, Anthony Eden, once outlined the essential elements of a great speech: a captivating introduction, an engaging conclusion, and an ending that echoes the beginning. These insights serve as fundamental guidelines for crafting a compelling elevator pitch. However, brevity alone does not ensure effectiveness. The 9C framework, developed by American Chris O’Leary, elucidates the nine qualities a successful elevator speech should embody. Let’s explore each of these attributes:
- Conciseness: Distill your presentation into just a few, or at most a dozen, sentences without sacrificing its core message. Prioritize specificity to pique your audience’s interest.
- Clarity: Use plain language and avoid excessive jargon that may confuse your listeners. Test your pitch on various audiences, including your grandparents, spouse, and children. If they understand it, you’re on the right track.
- Compelling: Focus on the most crucial aspects of your presentation, as you only have seconds to convey your message. Concentrate on the core content.
- Credibility: Convince your audience why you or your project are the best choice at the moment. Make them confident in your capabilities and actions.
- Conceptual: Direct your pitch toward the rationality of your audience, offering solid facts and substantive arguments concisely.
- Concreteness: Emphasize specificity and avoid overburdening your presentation with extraneous details. If your audience wants more information, they can inquire after your elevator pitch.
- Customization: Tailor your presentation to the specific recipient, accounting for their unique characteristics and requirements. Avoid crafting a one-size-fits-all speech.
- Consistency: While preparing diverse versions of an elevator pitch is recommended, ensure that they convey the same fundamental information. Never fabricate details.
- Conversational: Aim to make your presentation memorable, stimulate discussion, provoke further questions, and instil a sense of curiosity among your audience.
If you have any questions or need guidance on outsourcing, please feel free to reach out. Additionally, consider tuning into our podcast, “Startup Stories,” where we delve into the intricacies of startups and what makes them thrive