Whether you are meeting someone for the first time, explaining your company's product or service, or preparing for an important interview, it is important to be able to get your points across quickly and succinctly. An "elevator pitch" is so named because it should be able to give your audience a reason to want to know more with a speech that will complete by the time the "elevator" reaches the top floor.

1. Pamela Hilliard Owens
I am the CEO, Head Writer and Editor,
and Marketing Consultant for my three
companies: Writing It Right For You, Detroit
Ink Publishing, and 5 Easy Pages Essential
Marketing System.
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2. The Elevator Pitch

3. The Elevator Pitch
A 25-35 word description of you, your company, and your products or services.
You should be able to make your pitch in the time it takes the elevator to reach the
top floor.

4. The Elevator Pitch
Answers 5 basic questions and encourages your
listeners to request: "Tell me more."

5. The Elevator Pitch
Designed to relay just enough information to move your
listener to the next step: an appointment to hear more.

6. There are 3 Steps to
Developing a Great Elevator Pitch:
1. List the 5 "W's".
2. Iterate to 35 words or less.
3. Adjust to your audience.

7. Step 1: The 5 "W's"
Develop answers to these questions:
What does your company do? (Example: "We provide...")
For Whom does your company do what it does? (Example:
"Small and mid-sized healthcare providers.")
What's in it for your clients/customers? (Example: "so they can"
"who need to"...)
Why is your company different or better? (Example: "as opposed
to..." "...in a challenging economic environment...")
What is your company? (Example: "my company is a way to..."

8. Step 2: Iterating
Harder than it seems: editing your pitch to 35 words or less.
Practice your elevator pitch in front of volunteer listeners so
that they "get it".
Smile as you answer the inevitable additional questions: "Does
this mean..." "What do you mean by..." Remember your goal: to
get an appointment.
Keep practicing until you have your elevator pitch memorized
and can present it smoothly.

9. Step 3: Adjust your Elevator Pitch
to your Audience
Although your pitch is memorized, you
should still be ready to adjust your
terminology and your acronyms to fit your
audience.
Keep your pitch current and relevant.

10. Elevator Pitch Opportunities:
All company employees can describe the company with the same words.
Personal elevator pitches can be used for job interviews.
As introductions at networking events or meeting new business acquaintances.
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The Goal: to encourage the listener to say
"Tell Me More."

11. Pamela Hilliard Owens
My three related companies provide a comprehensive set of
academic and business-focused writing, editing, publishing,
and small business marketing services to clients around the
globe, helping them to optimize their communication profiles
and online presence.
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