You step into an elevator and your friend asks you, โSo whatโs this I hear about your new business?โ Can you answer before the doors reopen on the next floor?
A good โelevator speechโ can be a powerful tool for virtually any business or service. The goal of an elevator speech is to make the listener want to know more, and to make them remember you. Ultimately it is a tool to start a relationship, and itโs often the first impression you make.
Bill Nordbrock, a member of SCORE โ a nonprofit that works with small businesses โ and president of the Tucson Business Club, shares these insights to getting a good elevator speech:
- Communicate loudly, clearly, confidently and with passion. People will sense the passion in your voice. It creates a feeling of trust.
- Be prepared. Practice different versions of your elevator speech; do not wing it. Make it good.
- Capture attention as soon as possible. Make them want to hear the whole thing. If they tune you out, there is no chance of building a relationship.
- No selling. People will tune you out as soon as they think you are selling them anything. Remember, itโs about building relationships. The business will come.
- Be very clear on exactly what you are looking for. Make it easy for your audience to help you. The easier you make it, the more likely you will get what you want.
- Use props. If you can use a prop related to your business or slogan, it will make you memorable. If you are a pool company, bring a beach ball. If you are a printer, bring a sample of your work.
- Tell a story. A good story will capture everyoneโs attention right away. Remember, you only have a short time, not enough for a lot of details. Tell a story of how you helped someone solve a problem, displayed honesty or integrity, made a difference in someoneโs life, etc. People like listening to stories, and they remember them.
