How to write an elevator speech?

Last week post we talked about  What is an elevator Speech?.

Now you understand what it is and today we would like to show you how to write one so you can use it for your next business network function.

An Elevator Speech is definitely not a “sales pitch.”  Don’t get caught up in using the entire speech to tell people how great your product or service is. The objective of an elevator speech is to capture your audience’s attention and to get them to engage in a conversation and finding out more about your business and what you do.

 Here’s something to consider when you write your own “Elevator Pitch”

1.  Who are you & your business?
   Tell people a little about you and your team. Brief about your team background and achievements.
2.  What is your product or service?
   Briefly describe what it is you are selling and the service that you are offering. Keep it brief and concise.
3. Who is your target market?
   Briefly discuss who you are selling the product or service to.  What industry is it?  How large of a market do they represent?
4. Who are your competitors?
   Briefly discuss who they are and what they have accomplished.  Successful competitors are advantages, they are proving your business model is working.
5. What is your quirk or niche?
   You need to effectively communicate how your business is different and why you have an advantage over your competitiors.  A better distribution channel?  Signature style?  Unique Products? etc.
6. Is your speech fresh and up to date?
   Every business grows and changes, and your speech also needs to reflect that too. You can have the most creative logo, the most dazzling brochures, and the most cutting-edge Web site, but if your elevator speech is stale and obsolete, you’re missing one of your most important opportunities to promote and brand your business.
7.  Are you prepared and ready??
   Continually perfecting the elevator speech ensures that you are always able to put your best foot forward as your business grows and changes and your client base expands. Do your homework on your potential clients and adjust your elevator speech to match and how you can add value to their business.  Also make sure you change the way you speak and present about your business. Your language, your approach, and what you choose to highlight for a particular audience has got to change accordingly too.
8. When was the last time you reviewed your speech?

You are the best person for your business so you know your business better than anyone else. Remember these questions when your time comes to review your Elevator Speech.