How to deliver an elevator pitch effectively

4 Things that get me MAD at networking meetings and how to deliver an elevator pitch effectively.

Time and again, I experience frustration at the missed opportunities and bodged introductions when people are asked to talk about their businesses at the more formal networking events.

I am not talking here about the many wonderful informal and relaxed conversations people have at networking events, nor the conversations that develop as people get to know each other, like each other and trust each other. I am talking about those events where there is a level of structure and formality, and people are invited to take 60 seconds to share their business. Sometimes known as a Networking Pitch, or the Dreaded elevator pitch.

Knowing how to deliver an elevator pitch effectively, knowing what to say and how to say it with impact are FUNDAMENTAL skills for you as a business leader/owner. And more so if you have built networking into your plan for business.

Maddening Thing #1 – Look at the people

People who don’t look at the people in the group. It’s not just the lack of eye contact but the lack of desire to connect with the group.

Alright. Sometimes the room isn’t an ideal layout to get eye contact but make sure that you take charge of your presentation (even if it is only for 1 minute).

Find a spot to stand where you can see most of the room, and they can see you. Deliberately look out at the human beings in the room. Try looking at everyone, including those that might be in corners! It is no good delivering your presentation to your notepad, while half the room can only see the back of your head.

Some of the best introductions I have seen have involved the speaker standing up and engaging as many people as possible before they start and throughout their talk.

Remember you’re speaking to real human beings – watch this vlog to find out more.

Maddening Thing #2 – Be Clear

People who do not clarify what they do, how this benefits the listener and what sort of business they are looking for. There were a few talks at an event recently where even now, I would struggle to tell you what that business was. And when you think about it, isn’t this what networking is all about? Helping others help you in finding contacts and connections and, ultimately, business?

Have a clear idea of what your business does that helps your customers, and know who your customers are. When you are clear, then your listers will be clear, too, and then they know who to look out for.

I know many people who are so clear about what they do, why they do it and how they help that I am clear about that person’s business. I’ve learned enough in that short talk that I can recommend them to others.

Maddening Thing #3 – What’s your impact?

This one is more subtle.

People who are clear about their business but make the mistake of telling everything they DO. So follows a list of their activities and services.

If you ask yourself what’s wrong with that, think briefly about what engages your attention and what is memorable. It is NOT the activities or services themselves, but the difference they make, and the impact they have on clients and customers. The best introductions focus on and acknowledge the audience’s world and experiences.

Think about your customers, put yourself in their shoes and tell them what you do in a way that resonates with them.

If you think that you waffle, watch this vlog to find out how you can cut the waffle and be impactful.

Maddening Thing #4 – Stand up and speak up

I went to one event where there were 25 businesses. About half of them spoke at that meeting. I know there will have been some good reasons why some did not, but I would guess that for some, it was the fear of speaking out.

But hang on! Isn’t that what we go to networking events in the first place?

To raise the profile of our business, make connections and find suppliers? It will take a long time if you only talk to the people next to you.

Recognise this fear is holding you back and allowing you to miss out on the opportunity to tell people what you do, and share something about yourself. This way, they can know you like you and trust you. Take steps to overcome this fear – learn what to say and how to say it. Be bold. Stand up. Stand out.