Kevin Liebl is in a Digital Marketing group that I belong to, and he asked this question today.

Kevin’s exact question is “what are some of your favorite examples of elevator speeches?”

An elevator pitch is not easy. It is considered a success if it creates an interest in investing in the business, or creates a new client for the business. This is the first thing to remember, the pitch should be tailored to the audience.

It should also be fresh, and as a small business owner, I know my business and it is important for me to be able to concisely describe it, in it’s current form. All of our companies, clients and projects change. My pitch and what I promote is modified because of these changes.

If your pitch works, you will be asked a few questions. A rehearsed speech means nothing if the first question asked by the audience is met by a blank stare and “uhhhh, I don’t know.” Consider your elevator pitch a dialogue. You should understand what you are pitching or promoting and be eager to expand on the pitch.

The elevator pitch for my company, Arcade Digital is:

Arcade Digital is a web development company that improves businesses through Internet marketing. We develop custom web sites, mobile apps and Internet marketing campaigns that are tailored to our clients business and it’s specific needs.

That by itself is pretty bland, and unimpressive. I welcome a question from the person I am speaking with to elaborate, and if I do not get one, I need to engage one from them. I consider this a launching pad for a dialogue about their business, which will then allow me a chance to brainstorm a way we could help their company improve. Although Arcade is an Internet company, we need to be able to help non Internet companies realize that we can help their business grow.

I admit, I am envious of the simple pitch that describes a eureka product that everyone thinks they thought of. A pitch like:

You may have heard of my company, LinkedIn? LinkedIn is a community website made up of people in business. Members commonly have contacts which are colleagues, clients and entrepreneurs that they may know well, or only know through LinkedIn. The individuals create profiles, and engage each other in groups. It is free to join, and we charge for advertising and premium memberships.

Great elevator pitch Reid Hoffman. This brings me to a closing point. A great idea, makes a great pitch, and ultimately, a potentially great company.

Do you have an example of an elevator pitch or speech you like or use?

Tags: LinkedIn | Category Business, John's Blog Posts