Beyond the Elevator.

Almost, and without exception, you will hear the term “elevator pitch” on a daily basis. The elevator pitch is defined as “a succinct and persuasive sales pitch.”- Dictionary.com

We tend to use this ‘pitch’ when in initial conversations with people we meet at networking events or other social settings. The intent is to keep it short and sweet yet hitting the mark on what we do. We are not here to coach you on your elevator pitch or help you write it, although we can do that. We want you to think beyond it.

Step out of the elevator.

Every salesperson and business owner wants to grow their business. We attend meetings, luncheons, and events hoping to find a new client or perhaps a collaborative resource. We are so excited that we just start talking and that 20-30 second elevator pitch becomes 3-5 minutes of sales talk.

Take a moment to step off that elevator and ask the person in front of you a few questions to stimulate conversation. An exchange of information will result, and we can assure you that within that exchange, you will deliver your elevator pitch without ever using the words “I” or “we.”

Beyond the elevator.

You have enjoyed a great conversation and you are moving on to meet someone else or take a seat for the presentation. You leave behind your business card. When that prospect returns to their office and Googles you and your business, are you just as prepared as you were with that elevator pitch?

• How is your LinkedIn profile? Does it line up with the experiences you spoke of with that person?
• Does your website reflect all of the products and services you offered to that prospect?
• Is your web presence, including social media outlets, properly branded and easily identifiable?

The pitch is only a part of the process. The internet allows buyers to ‘know’ you before they actually spend time with you. The sale can be made or lost without ever meeting them face to face again.

Why is the elevator pitch such a problem for so many of us?

Good question! Our guess is that we overthink it. There are a number of professionals that can assist with this and we would be happy to refer you to them. At Put Another Way, we work in conjunction with coaches and marketing gurus to support their efforts to grow your brand and your business. We know the written word is powerful and we are here to find your voice!

I want help with my elevator pitch!

Content is and always should be as unique to your business as your fingerprint. Websites present the images and visual persona of your business, but it is the written word that tells your story. Whether it is your website content, blog posts, resume, or LinkedIn profile, collaborating with a professional writer makes a difference. If you need help with your content, reach out to us at Put Another Way.

Looking for a specific marketing piece such as sales materials for a trade show or a new product press release? Help with blog posts and social media on an ongoing basis? We have an affordable plan for you. Contact us or call (518) 280-6650.