Have you ever fantasized being in an elevator with an influential investor, pitching your startup idea so brilliantly that they instantly offer you a fat check? Well, Let’s face it, that exact situation is not very likely to occur. But it could.
Every startup founder imagines that perfect moment when they can present their business idea to a potential investor, client, or employer. Having a compelling elevator pitch prepared in advance should be baked into your memory, in anticipation of that eventuality.
An elevator pitch is a concise summary of your business plan that may be delivered in the time it takes to ride a few floors in an elevator. The analogy is supposed to demonstrate a go-to ‘quick pitch’ that can be unleashed when the opportunity presents itself.
Whether you’re seeking venture capital for your startup or trying to acquire new clients, a well-crafted pitch can be the difference between success and failure.
While crafting a quick elevator pitch isn’t particularly challenging, there is an art to it. Through this article, we are going to explore a few tips, tricks, and templates that will help fine-tune your pitch and impress your recipient effortlessly, and with graceful composure.
What Is An Elevator Pitch?
Have you ever been at a loss for words when someone asked, “So, what do you do?” You may be at networking event or in line for coffee, and you’re suddenly feeliing very nervous because you can’t describe your expertise or services precisely and with charm. Does this sound familiar? If so, rest assured that an elevator pitch will ease this type of situation.
So what, precisely, is an elevator pitch? A good elevator pitch is like a superpower for startup founders, job seekers, and anybody trying to create a favorable first impression. Your elevator pitch is a concise, compelling summary of who you are, what you do, and why you are so exceptional at what you do.
The “elevator pitch” term originates from the idea that one’s pitch should be brief enough to be delivered during an elevator ride, which typically lasts no longer than a minute. The purpose is to capture your listener’s interest and end up leaving them wanting more, all in the time it takes to ride an elevator.
Imagine your elevator pitch as a film trailer. Your elevator pitch should offer your audience a feel of your unique value proposition and leave them wanting to learn more about you, just like a trailer gives you a taste of what the movie is about and gets you interested to see more.
Keep in mind that your elevator pitch is a technique to help you stand out from the crowd and leave a memorable impression. Invest the time and effort necessary to create a compelling pitch. In the time it requires to travel an elevator, you may get your ideal job or acquire your first business deal.
How Long Should An Elevator Pitch Be?
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t go beyond 30 seconds. Owing to a variety of reasons relating to the modern age, humans have shorter attention spans (about eight seconds) these days.
You need to deliver something short, punchy, and engaging, without taking up too much time or, indeed, without boring anyone to death in the process.
In those 30 seconds, you need to introduce yourself, your company’s core competency, and what distinguishes you from the competitors. Try to be brief, concise, and to the point.
Picture yourself conveying your idea to a five-year-old (without the playful tone of voice, of course), keeping things nice and simple – easy to grasp, is the term to bear in mind.
But do you really have only 30 seconds to pitch your business idea?
There are, obviously, exceptions to this rule. No one will be there with a stopwatch to time how long your elevator pitch is, and a 31-second elevator pitch will not negate your chances. However, a great deal of information may be conveyed in 30 seconds.
You may have more time to elaborate on your sales pitch if you’re speaking to someone who has previously shown an interest in your field. But, even then, try to restrict it to under one minute; much longer, and you are liable to lose their interest.
Conversely, if you are pitching to someone who is unfamiliar with your field, you will need to keep your speech even shorter. This is where a “micro-pitch” comes in useful – a brief explanation of what your company does and why it’s relevant.
It’s essential to tailor the duration of your “elevator pitch” to the specific audience and context in which you’ll deliver it. However, if you keep it brief, concise, and to the point, you will be able to leave a lasting impression.
Why Is An Elevator Pitch Important?
An elevator pitch is a wonderful technique to help you deliver your idea quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the reasons why an elevator pitch is essential:
It Helps You Refine Your Message
Creating a persuasive elevator pitch involves a comprehensive understanding of your business model, value proposition, and intended audience. Throughout the process of crafting your pitch, you’ll learn to simplify your ideas and express them in the clearest, most concise manner possible.
The more you go through this process, the more refined and clear your message and ideas will become, making it simpler to convey your business idea to others in any setting.
It’s An Excellent Networking Tool
Whether you’re at a business event or simply meeting someone for the first time, having an elevator pitch may help you introduce yourself in a way that compels others to want to learn more.
In addition, it may help you guide the conversation toward your business ideas, professional objectives and aspirations and confidently highlight your skills.
It Captures Investor Attention
Catching the eye of potential investors is a crucial step in the process of getting funding for your startup. Investors are extremely busy people who are continually bombarded with pitches from entrepreneurs seeking funding.
A well-crafted elevator pitch may make all the difference in gaining their attention and distinguishing out from the crowd.
With a concise and persuasive elevator pitch, you can swiftly express your business idea and value proposition, presenting a convincing argument for why your startup is worthy of investment.
It Helps In Recruiting Talent
For a business to expand and achieve success, it is crucial to hire talented employees. By effectively conveying the vision, goals, and core values of your startup, a well-crafted elevator pitch may assist you in attracting the most talented individuals.
When potential employees fully understand your business model and the problem you’re attempting to solve, they are more likely to connect with your goal and desire to join your team.
Its An Opportunity For Feedback
An elevator pitch is an excellent method for obtaining feedback on a business idea. By delivering your pitch to investors, mentors, or even potential clients, you may obtain useful insights and comments that will assist you in refining your company concept and strategy.
This feedback is essential for identifying areas for development, refining your strategy, and making your business more compelling and appealing to investors and customers.
How To Craft An Elevator Pitch As A Startup Founder?
Elevator pitches come in a variety of shapes and sizes according to the circumstances, and you’ll see a wide range of them in the templates and examples later in this article. Yet, for the most part, here is a basic framework:
Note: As we go through the steps involved in creating an elevator pitch, we’ll use the example of a small startup consultancy firm comprising of startup specialists and consultants. This should give you a better understanding of what to include and how to arrange your pitch for maximum effect.
Step 1: Establish Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is the defining characteristic that sets your startup apart from the competition. That is what makes your company unique, distinctive, and valuable. Your USP might be your best selling product, services, approach, accomplishments, or other distinguishing characteristics. Ask yourself the following questions to determine your startup’s USP:
- What makes my startup unique?
- What are our capabilities?
- What are our most significant accomplishments?
- What issues can we help with?
Let’s imagine you own a small startup consultancy firm comprised of startup specialists and consultants. Your company’s unique selling proposition (USP) as a startup consultancy is what makes you stand out from the competition. That is what makes you valued and distinctive to your clientele.
Your company’s unique selling proposition could be its experience working with early-stage startups, competence in establishing go-to-market strategies, capacity to guide on fundraising and growth methodologies, or any other distinguishing characteristic.
Step 2: Choose The Relevant Key Points You Want To Emphasize
After identifying your startup’s USP, you must pick the critical aspects of your startup that you will emphasize in your elevator pitch. These essential aspects should be related to your USP and relevant to your target audience. Just ask yourself:
- What are the most significant facts about my startup that I want my audience to know?
- What problems does my startup solve for my target audience?
- What are the most significant features of my product or service?
If you are the startup consultancy firm we discussed previously, you might want to emphasize the following in your pitch:
- Your company’s past experience working with early-stage startups.
- Your company’s capability to build a persuasive value proposition
- Your company’s expertise in fundraising and scaling tactics
- Your company’s proficiency in performing market research
- Your company’s ability to assist startups in achieving rapid growth
Step 3: Structure The Pitch
Your elevator pitch should be designed such that it is simple to comprehend and remember. It should have three components:
- The Introduction: This should be a concise statement that captures the audience’s attention and introduces your startup or business idea.
- The Body: The body is where you describe your company’s unique selling proposition and the essential aspects of your startup you wish to emphasize.
- The Conclusion: The conclusion should be a compelling call to action that encourages your listeners to take the next step.
Taking the startup consultancy firm as an example, here is an elevator pitch format you may use. And let’s assume StartupGeek as the startup consultancy firm to better understand the concept.
Introduction: Hi, We are a StartupGeek, a startup consultancy firm, comprising of qualified startup specialists and consultants, with over ten years of experience advising early-stage startups in launching and growing their businesses.
Body: We specialize in creating go-to-market strategies that assist startups in achieving rapid expansion. We have helped dozens of startups in a variety of sectors establish a strong value proposition, acquire funding, and grow their businesses. Our expertise involves the following:
- Performing market research.
- Consulting on funding and scaling strategies.
- Offering strategic plans to assist startups in reaching their specific goals.
Conclusion: Let’s connect if you’re an early-stage startup looking to start or scale your company. We would love to learn more about your vision and how we can assist you in reaching your business goals.
Step 4: Improve And Practice Your Pitch
Once you’ve developed your elevator pitch, the next step is to perfect it. You should try refining your pitch in front of a mirror, with a friend, colleagues or your staff. Encourage your employees to memorize the pitch and deliver it whenever necessary.
Record yourself presenting the pitch, then review it to determine where you can make improvements. The best way to perfect your pitch is to get feedback from others and utilize it to make adjustments.
Tips For Making Your Pitch Engaging And Memorable
An elevator pitch is an effective method for making a lasting impression on prospective clients, partners, or investors. But how can you generate an intriguing and memorable pitch? Here are a few tips for making your elevator pitch shine:
Begin With A Hook
Engage your audience with a hook, such as an intriguing stat, a thought-provoking question, or a relatable event. Your hook should be something that quickly captures the attention of your audience and draws them in.
This is an example of a hook: “Imagine waking up each day feeling energetic and prepared to take on the day. With our our new wellness program, you will discover simple yet powerful strategies to enhance your physical and mental health, allowing you to enjoy the energy and excitement you deserve.”
Keep It Simple
Don’t use a bunch of complicated jargon or technical terms that your listener probably wouldn’t understand. Use easy-to-understand language. For example, Instead of expressing something like, “our product employs advanced machine learning algorithms,” consider saying something like, “our product uses smart technology to help you make better decisions.”
Concentrate On The Benefits
Rather than merely listing the features of your product or service, your pitch should highlight the ways in which your target audience would benefit from purchasing it. Specify the difficulties your target market now has and how your product or service might help alleviate those issues.
For example, instead of “our product has an integrated CRM system,” say, “our product helps you create deeper customer connections.“
Use Stories
People are more likely to recall stories than facts and data. For example, you can describe how your product assisted a client in resolving an issue or achieving a goal. This will increase the relatability and meaningfulness of your pitch.
Be Passionate
Show enthusiasm for your products or services. Talk from the heart and allow your excitement to shine. For example, you may say, “I am really enthusiastic about our product because I believe it can make a significant impact in people’s lives.“
Add A Call To Action At The End
The elevator pitch is just the beginning; it is not an end in itself. So, your elevator pitch must conclude with a clear call to action.
Invite the listener to do something further, such as set up a meeting, try the product, or sign up for your mailing list. For example, you can say something like, “Let’s set up a meeting to talk about it further if you’re interested in hearing more about our product.“
Avoid The Following Mistakes:
- Being Very Pushy or Assertive: Remember that your goal is to build a relationship, not to make a deal. Be polite and pleasant, and prioritize connection building.
- Speaking Too Much About Yourself: Your elevator pitch should focus on how you can benefit the person you’re speaking with, not on your own greatness. Avoid coming out as arrogant or narcissistic.
- Forgetting to Request a Follow-Up: If you’ve made a favorable impression, be sure to request a business card or contact info so you can follow up later. This indicates that you are interested in developing a relationship, as opposed to merely delivering a quick pitch and leaving.
15 Best Elevator Pitch Templates And Examples
Now that you understand the basic premise of writing a compelling elevator pitch, it’s time to push your skills to the next level with our 15 finest elevator pitch templates and examples. These templates will provide you with a better idea of how to craft a brief and appealing elevator pitch.
Our elevator pitch examples cover a wide range of businesses, so you can easily choose one that speaks to you and modify it to meet your own unique value proposition.
It’s up to you to test out a few or perhaps all of them to see which one works best for you. Add some customized greetings and relevant data, and your elevator pitch will come to life.
Remember that the purpose of a great elevator pitch is to leave an unforgettable impression in a brief time frame, so don’t be hesitant to check out more elevator pitch examples or to modify your elevator pitch template depending on the audience or circumstance.
1. The “Classic” Elevator Pitch Template
[Name/Title] is a [product/service] that [unique value proposition]. Our team has [background/experience], and we are proud to offer [product/service] to [target audience].
Our [product/service] has already [achievement/benefit], and we are excited to continue [growth/expansion plan]. Are you interested in [product/service]? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Hello, my name is John, and I am the founder of “HealthyBites,” a meal delivery service that specializes in healthy, organic meals. Our team consists of professional chefs and nutritionists, and we are very proud to provide our service to health-conscious people.
HealthyBites has already helped over 2000 people achieve their weight loss objectives and keep up a healthy lifestyle. We are now excited to extend our services to more cities across the country. Are you interested in tasting our delicious, healthy meals? Visit our website for further queries.
2. The “Problem-Solution” Elevator Pitch Template
Are you fed up with [Problem]? Our [product/service] can help you [solution]. We have [unique feature/benefit], which sets us apart from other [product/service] on the market.
Our [product/service] has already [achievement/benefit], and we are confident that it can [future benefit]. Are you ready to [action]? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Are you fed up with spending hours cleaning your house every week? Our new robot vacuum cleaner can help you save much of your time and effort. With its AI technology-based navigation system, it can clean every corner of your house, even under the bed.
Our robot vacuum has already helped thousands of busy homeowners keep their houses clean, and we are constantly upgrading our technology to provide even better cleaning performance. Are you ready to have a cleaner, stress-free home? Order our robot vacuum today.
3. The “Personal Story” Elevator Pitch Template
As a [personal experience related to Problem]? That’s why I created [product/service], which [benefit]. With [unique feature], we [result]. I’ve already helped [X number of people] overcome [Problem] and [achieve benefit]. Want to be one of them? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
As a new mother, I struggled with finding baby clothes that were both stylish and sustainable. That’s why I created my own baby clothing line, which offers environmentally friendly clothes that are also fashionable. With our affordable subscription plans, we make it easy for parents to dress their babies in style without breaking the bank.
I’ve already helped hundreds of families reduce their carbon footprint while keeping their babies trendy. Want to join the movement? Visit our website or one of our physical stores to check out our collection.
4. The “Testimonial” Elevator Pitch Template
[Problem] can be very challenging for [target audience]. Our [product/service] has already helped [X number of people] [benefit]. One satisfied customer said [testimonial], proving our effectiveness. With [unique feature], we [result]. Want to see how we can help you too? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Finding time to work out can be very challenging for busy professionals. Our online fitness coaching program has already helped over 500 clients lose body weight and get in shape. One satisfied customer said, “I never thought I could enjoy exercising, but with [product], it’s become my favorite part of the day.”
With personalized workout plans and 24/7 support from our coaches, we make fitness accessible and fun. Want to transform your body and your mindset? Sign up for our program now.
5. The “Benefit-Driven” Elevator Pitch Template
Our [product/service] can [benefit 1], [benefit 2], and [benefit 3]. Unlike other [product/service], we [unique feature/benefit].
Our [product/service] has already helped [number of people] [solve problem/benefit], and we are confident that it can do the same for you. Are you ready to [action]? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Our fitness program can help you lose weight, tone your muscles, and improve your overall health. Unlike other programs, we provide personalized workout plans based on your fitness level and goals.
Our program has already helped thousands of people achieve their dream bodies and live healthier lives. Are you ready to transform your body and your health? Sign up for our program today.
6. The “Shock And Awe” Elevator Pitch Template
Did you know that [shocking fact]? Our [product/service] is the solution that [benefits]. Unlike our competitors, we [unique selling point]. In fact, [testimonial/statistic] proves our effectiveness.
Don’t miss out on the chance to [achieve benefit] and [solve Problem] with our [product/service]. Ready to be amazed? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Did you know that the average person spends 3 hours a day on their phone? Our screen time management app is the solution that helps you take control of your digital life. Unlike our competitors, we use advanced AI technology to personalize your usage habits and provide real-time insights.
In fact, 8 out of 10 users report increased productivity and decreased screen addiction. Don’t let your phone control your life. Download our app and start taking back control.
7. The “Storytelling” Elevator Pitch Template:
Picture this: [descriptive scenario related to Problem]. Our [product/service] is the solution that [benefits]. With [unique feature], we [result]. We’ve already helped [X number of people] [achieve benefit]. Join us and [achieve benefit]. [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Picture this: You’re at the airport, and your flight has been delayed for hours. You’re hungry, but all the food options are unhealthy and overpriced.
Our healthy vending machines are the solution that offers nutritious snacks and drinks at affordable prices. With our unique touchscreen interface, you can customize your order and track your nutritional intake.
We’ve already helped thousands of travelers avoid junk food and stay energized on the go. Want to join the healthy snacking revolution? Find our vending machines at airports nationwide.
8. The “Impact” Elevator Pitch Template
Our [product/service] can [impact/benefit] not only [target audience] but also [related industry]. With [unique feature/benefit], we already have [achievement/benefit], and we are excited to continue [future plan]. Would you like to be a part of our mission to [goal]? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Our sustainable fashion brand can reduce the carbon footprint of the fashion industry and promote ethical manufacturing practices. With our use of eco-friendly materials and fair trade production, we have already saved over 10,000 gallons of water and reduced the emission of greenhouse gases.
We are committed to creating a more sustainable fashion industry, and we invite you to join us on this mission. Visit our website to learn more.
9. The “Comparison” Elevator Pitch Template
[Problem] is a common issue for [target audience]. Our [product/service] offers a better solution than [competitor] because we [unique selling point]. In fact, [testimonial/statistic] proves our effectiveness. Don’t settle for less. Choose [product/service] and [achieve benefit]. [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Tired of using a clunky, outdated website builder? Our website builder offers a better solution than our competitor because we use a drag-and-drop interface that is intuitive and user-friendly. In fact, 9 out of 10 users report increased satisfaction with our builder compared to the competition.
Don’t settle for a mediocre website. Choose our builder and stand out online. Ready to upgrade your website? Sign up now.
10. The “Value Proposition” Elevator Pitch Template
Our [product/service] offers [value proposition] for [target audience]. With [unique feature], we [result].
We understand how valuable your time and money are, which is why we created [product/service] to maximize your [value proposition]. Ready to [achieve the desired outcome]? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Our financial planning service offers customized investment strategies for busy professionals. With our unique portfolio optimization software, we have been able to achieve a 10% higher return on investment compared to traditional investment firms.
We understand how valuable your time and money are, which is why we created this service to help you maximize your investments with minimal effort. Ready to secure your financial future? Schedule a consultation with us today.
11. The “Future Vision” Template
Imagine a world where [Problem] no longer exists. Our [product/service] can make that vision a reality. With [unique feature/benefit], we already have [achievement/benefit], and we are excited to continue [future plan].
We believe that our [product/service] can [impact/benefit] the world and create a better future for [target audience]. Are you ready to be a part of the change? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Imagine a world where plastic waste no longer pollutes our oceans and harms marine life. Our biodegradable packaging solution can make that vision a reality. With its unique feature of decomposing in just a few weeks, our packaging has already saved over 1 million tons of plastic waste.
We are committed to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices in the packaging industry. Are you ready to join us on this mission? Visit our website to learn more.
12. The “Emotional Connection” Template
Our [product/service] can [benefit] and [emotion]. We understand how [emotion] it can be to [Problem], and that’s why we created [product/service].
With [unique feature/benefit], we already have [achievement/benefit], and we are dedicated to helping [target audience] [future benefit]. Would you like to [action]? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Our mental health app can improve your mood and provide emotional support whenever you need it. We understand how overwhelming and isolating it can be to struggle with anxiety or depression, and that’s why we created our app.
With our unique feature of AI-powered chatbot therapy, we have already helped thousands of users cope with their mental health challenges and feel better.
We are committed to making mental health care more accessible and affordable for everyone. Are you ready to take care of your mental health? Download our app today.
13. The “Expertise-Driven” Elevator Pitch Template
At [company name], we are the experts in [niche focus]. Our [product/service] is the solution that [benefits] for [target audience]. With [unique feature], we [result].
Our team of experienced professionals has [testimonial/statistic] proving our expertise and effectiveness. Trust us to [achieve benefit]. [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
At LawPro, we are experts in immigration law. Our legal services are the solution that helps you navigate the complex immigration process and achieve your goals. With our unique approach, we offer personalized guidance and support throughout the entire process.
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers has a 99% success rate in obtaining visas and residency permits for our clients. Trust us to handle your immigration case and achieve your dreams. Want to start your immigration journey? Schedule a consultation with us today.
14. The “Trendsetting” Elevator Pitch Template
Are you tired of [the old way of doing things]? Our [product/service] is the innovative solution that [benefit] and sets a new trend. With [unique feature], we [result].
We’re disrupting the industry with our forward-thinking approach, and our [testimonial/statistic] proves our effectiveness. Ready to join the revolution? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Are you tired of traditional gym memberships? Our virtual fitness platform is an innovative solution that offers on-demand workouts and live classes, all from the comfort of your home. With our unique social features, we make it easy to connect with like-minded fitness enthusiasts and get personalized feedback from our coaches.
We’re disrupting the fitness industry with our digital approach, and our 4.9-star ratings prove our effectiveness. Ready to join the future of fitness? Sign up for our platform now.
15. The “Unsolved Problem” Template
Do you wish there was a [product/service] that could solve [unsolved Problem]? Our [product/service] can do just that. With [unique feature/benefit], we are the first and only [product/service] that can [solution].
Our [product/service] has already [achievement/benefit], and we are committed to solving [unsolved Problem] and improving [target audience’s] lives. Are you ready to try something new? [CTA] or [thought-provoking question].
Example:
Do you wish there was a cure for baldness? Our hair growth serum can help you regrow your hair and boost your confidence. With its unique formula of natural ingredients and growth stimulants, we are the first and only hair growth serum that can provide visible results in just 30 days.
Our serum has already helped hundreds of people regain their hair and confidence, and we are committed to solving the Problem of baldness for good. Are you ready to regrow your hair and feel great again? Try our serum now.
Wrap Up
Crafting a perfect elevator pitch is like composing a beautiful melody. You begin with a powerful opening note, bring the melody to a crescendo, and close with an unforgettable note. Likewise, the melody of your elevator pitch must captivate the listener’s attention, generate momentum, and leave them wanting more.
In this article, we have equipped you with 15 distinct melodies to pick from – our sample elevator pitches and examples – as well as tips for composing your own. We’ve got you covered in every way, from striking the perfect chord with your target audience to harmonizing your unique selling proposition.
So go ahead and use one of these best elevator pitch examples right now, and see how your listener responds to your pitch. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you will have an excellent and unforgettable pitch. And who knows, you might just end up composing the next chart-topping hit!
