How To Create a Rock-Solid Elevator Speech

Posted by George

October 21, 2009

how to create a rock-solid elevator speech Have you given a speech before? I am sure you have; I have given so many, I have lost count. Communication and speaking are key skills to have as a freelancer or just in business. To properly communicate with clients, you have to know how and what to say.

Do you know how to pitch your services to a prospective client? Of course; what if you only had 30 seconds to 5 minutes to make that same pitch? This is where an Elevator Speech comes into play.

What is an Elevator Speech?

An elevator speech is a short version of your pitch to a prospective client. You have it setup and ready to go in chance encounters or networking opportunities.

Your elevator speech should take no longer than a ride in an elevator. In it, you can say who you are, what you do and how that can help their business.

Open Your Ears

I have heard different people use different elevator speeches and there is one thing most of them lack – listening.

Think about it; do you want to hear someone go on and on about their self and how great they are and how they can make you lots of money?

NO! I would rather go jump into the shallow end of a very small pool!

Effective communication starts with listening.

No one wants to hear you blab on and on about you. What about the prospective client? Give them a little taste of you and then ask about them. Listen to them when they talk about their business and what problems they are facing.

Target Your Responses

I know the urge to say something about everything you do is great but do me a big favor – wait. Wait until after you listen to the prospective client’s needs, then you can target your response to them. Give them the services or product that best meets their needs. Look at other services that will add value after you have created a working relationship with the client.

We all want to meet new clients and build working relationships but make sure you create a great first impression. If all they hear is you blabbing about you and more you, they will think you are not listening to them and why should they even think about hiring you.

By giving them just a little taste of you, listening to them and targeting your response, you will be someone they will want to work with.

What are your thoughts?

Have you picked up work with your elevator pitch?