Elevator pitch explained: 11 best elevator pitch examples to land more deals
You’ve got 30 seconds: Say, what problem does your product solve? Let’s practice elevator pitching!
Imagine you step into an elevator and realise that the person next to you is the CEO of a company you've been trying to reach out to.
You only have a few moments to make a lasting impression and convince them that your product is worth their time and money. This is where an elevator pitch comes in handy.
It's essential to have an elevator pitch ready to go at all times, whether you're at a sales or marketing event or during a cold call.
Read on to find out what an elevator pitch is, how to make your own, and 11 great elevator pitch examples to draw inspiration from when you craft your very own elevator pitch.
What is an elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech to spark interest in your product or service.
You may be wondering how long is an elevator pitch?
You should be able to deliver your pitch in the time it takes to ride an elevator with someone — roughly 30 seconds to a minute.
When crafting your elevator pitch, it's essential to focus on the benefits of what your product or service does, rather than just listing features and pricing options.
What problem does it solve? How can you add value to the prospect’s business? These are the questions you should aim to answer in your elevator pitch.
Remember, the goal of your elevator pitch is to grab your prospect’s attention, leave them wanting more, and ideally, lead to a follow-up conversation or meeting. Make sure to end your pitch with a clear call to action, such as asking for their business card or scheduling a follow-up call.
The difference between an elevator sales pitch and a sales presentation
When talking sales, you've got two key weapons: the elevator pitch and the sales presentation. But what’s the difference between the two?
The elevator pitch is your quick-fire teaser, a 30-second power play that screams, "Hey, you need to hear more about this…" It's about sparking curiosity and excitement.
Then, you've got your sales presentation — your all-out showstopper. This is where you dive deep, explaining features, showing off case studies, and laying down the all-important pricing details.
In short, an elevator pitch to grab attention, a sales presentation to seal the deal; the one-two punch combo of a successful sale.
When and how to make an elevator pitch
You can use an elevator pitch in various situations, whether at a networking event or a trade show. The key is to be prepared to deliver it at any moment.
Elevator pitches shine best during spontaneous encounters with potential clients.
It's all about seizing that fleeting moment of opportunity. When identifying the right moment to deliver the elevator pitch, look for…
- Chance meetings with potential clients
- Brief introductions in professional settings
- Networking events where time is of the essence
On the flip side, avoiding giving your elevator pitch when the setting is primed for a more in-depth conversation is crucial. It's a no-go when you're in scheduled sales meetings, or presentations, or when a prospect has shown a clear interest and is ready for the deep dive.
In these cases, your elevator pitch may come off as rushed or unprepared, as your prospect is likely expecting a more detailed discussion.
An elevator pitch is your spark, not the full story.
It’s also important to remember that your elevator pitch is just the beginning of a conversation. It's designed to pique interest and start a dialogue. Be prepared to answer questions and provide more information as needed.
The benefits of an elevator pitch: Why is an elevator pitch important?
The beauty of an elevator pitch lies in its conciseness.
It condenses what to say in your elevator pitch into a compact, robust package, making it an indispensable tool for conveying your business proposition swiftly and succinctly.
💪 What is a good elevator pitch, if not a confidence booster?
Having your business summary at your fingertips, ready to roll, adds an extra layer of confidence to your interactions. It's like carrying around your own elevator pitch template in your back pocket, all prepped and ready to shine.
👀 We can't ignore the networking prowess of the elevator pitch, either
When time is of the essence, your elevator pitch is a lifesaver, making a lasting impression in fleeting moments. It's a snapshot of what to include in your elevator pitch, tailored for those rapid-fire networking scenarios.
🤝 And let's not forget those unexpected encounters
Your elevator pitch can transform chance meetings with prospects into promising business opportunities.
In summary, the benefits of a well-crafted sales elevator pitch are numerous…
- A sales elevator pitch allows for a quick, impactful delivery of your business proposition
- A sales elevator pitch serves as a confidence booster, having your business summary ready at any time
- A sales elevator pitch excels in networking scenarios, providing a snapshot of your business when time is tight
- A sales elevator pitch capitalises on unexpected encounters, turning them into potential leads
Whether you're pondering over how to write an elevator pitch, how to create an elevator pitch, or even how to end an elevator pitch, remember, its benefits are plentiful and can make a substantial difference in your sales.
How to write an elevator pitch
Now that we've covered what an elevator pitch is and why it's important, let's dive into how to create one. Here are some steps…
Define your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Your USP is what sets your business apart from others in your industry. It's what makes your product or service unique and valuable.
Take some time to think about what makes your company stand out. Is it your experience? Your innovative product? Your approach to customer success?
Once you've defined your USP — you have yourself the foundation for your elevator pitch.
Think about your audience and what they care about
Your elevator pitch should be tailored to the people you deliver it to. Consider what their needs, goals, and pain points are.
What do they care about? What are they looking for? Use this information when figuring out how to craft an elevator pitch that resonates with your customers.
A great tool to use when thinking about what the audience for your elevator pitch will be is a buyer persona. With a detailed buyer persona, you can have a clear picture of the prospects that your elevator pitch will be delivered to.
Create a simple structure for your pitch
Your elevator pitch should be concise and easy to understand.
A simple structure helps you stay on track and deliver your message effectively. Here's a basic structure you can use…
- Start with a brief introduction of yourself and your company.
- Share your unique selling proposition and what sets you apart.
- Explain how your product and service can benefit the person or organisation.
- End with a clear call to action, such as a request for a follow-up meeting.
Practice and refine your delivery
Practicing helps you feel more confident and comfortable when the time comes to use your elevator pitch.
Practice in front of a mirror, with a friend, or in a networking group. Get feedback and make adjustments as needed.
Your elevator pitch is a powerful tool for making a great first impression and opening doors to new opportunities. Make sure you take the time to craft a message that showcases your unique value and resonates with your audience.
If you're a sales manager trying to get your team to use elevator pitches more, you can put them on your sales coaching meetings agenda.
11 elevator pitch examples and templates for your business
Here are 11 real-world examples of elevator pitches that you can use as inspiration or templates when crafting your own…
Data analytics firm elevator pitch example
💬 "Our company transforms raw data into invaluable insights.
We empower businesses to leverage data-driven decisions, optimising operational efficiency and profitability. As a matter of fact, we could help you gain insight into [current challenge].
Let’s arrange a time to talk more about this."
Cybersecurity company elevator pitch example
💬 "We're a cybersecurity firm that's safeguarding your digital assets.
Data leaks could deal a big hit to a company's reputation in the modern world. With our advanced encryption and AI-based threat detection, your business can navigate the digital world securely and confidently.
Let’s exchange details so we can have a chat sometime!"
Learn more about CRM and data protection and how to make sure your CRM data is secure in our article.
Marketing agency elevator pitch example
💬 "Our marketing agency is adept at crafting compelling brand narratives that captivate and convert.
We're amplifying your brand voice across platforms, driving revenue growth and generating leads. As a matter of fact, we once helped launch a campaign for [company] that has helped them achieve [milestone]. And we believe we could do the same for your company regarding [prospects company’s goal].
What’s a good time I could call you and let you know more about how?"
Supply chain management software provider elevator pitch example
💬 "We've developed a supply chain management software that streamlines your operations from procurement to delivery.
Our solution enhances efficiency, reduces waste, and provides the visibility necessary for optimal inventory management. [Company] has cut their shipping time by [X percent] with our help, and we believe that’s something you could also benefit from.
Let’s arrange a time to talk so I can tell you about our work in more detail."
Eco-friendly packaging company elevator pitch example
💬 "We're an eco-friendly packaging solutions provider.
Our mission is to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint whilst appealing to the ever-growing population of eco-conscious consumers. [Company] have reduced their carbon footprint by a whopping [X percent] with the help of our services.
Let’s exchange contacts so I can send you some details as to how we might help you?"
HR consultancy elevator pitch example
💬 "Our HR consultancy is dedicated to attracting, developing and retaining top talent.
By implementing strategies that enhance your company culture and increase employee satisfaction. We're boosting performance across your organisation. We helped [company] cut their churn [in half], whilst increasing their company's efficiency greatly.
When would be a good time for you to have a call? Since you just expanded your company's operations, I think we can help you staff your newly opened vacancies."
➡️ Find out how a HRM vendor, HURMA, managed to build separate pipelines for different markets and boost their business worldwide with the help of NetHunt CRM.
B2B event planner elevator pitch example
💬 "We specialise in planning and executing industry-specific B2B events. By connecting businesses and facilitating knowledge sharing, we're creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration and partnerships. When would be a good time for you to have a call?"
AI solutions provider elevator pitch example
💬 "We provide AI solutions that automate repetitive tasks, improve customer service and uncover new insights.
With our bespoke AI solutions, we're propelling your business into the future. Some of our clients achieved results such as [results], and we believe you could achieve similar results.
Let’s arrange a time to have a call so I can explain further."
➡️ Learn more about AI-powered tools and how a CRM integrated with ChatGPT boost your business in our article.
Corporate training provider elevator pitch example
💬 "We provide custom corporate training programmes that equip your team with the skills needed in today's dynamic business environment.
Our approach is focused on empowering your employees to drive your business success.
Let’s talk and i'll let you know how we could help your company"
➡️ Find the list of the best sales training programs for sales reps and the best sales training programs for managers in our articles!
Sustainable energy solutions elevator pitch example
💬 “We provide sustainable energy solutions that reduce your company's environmental impact and cut energy costs.
We believe that going green should benefit both the planet and your bottom line. As a matter of fact, we helped [company that works in the same industry] cut the electricity costs at their offices [in half]! We think that’s something you’d be interested in, as you could use the freed-up funds towards [current goal of the company].
Let’s talk further and discuss this more!”
Digital transformation consultancy elevator pitch example
💬 "We're a digital transformation consultancy helping traditional businesses transition into the digital era.
Our comprehensive strategies improve your digital presence, streamline operations and enhance the customer experience. [Company] has [doubled] their sales since we helped them establish their digital presence.
What’s a good time for me to call you to discuss how we can help your company achieve similar results?"
How to turn elevator pitches into sales, and what does CRM have to do with it?
While an elevator pitch is a great way to make a solid first impression, it's only the beginning of the sales process.
To turn an elevator pitch into a sale, you need to have a solid understanding of your prospect's needs and pain points and be able to tailor your pitch accordingly.
This is where a CRM suite can be helpful…
Customer data organisation
By tracking customer interactions and storing valuable data, CRM software can help you personalise your approach and increase the chances of converting a prospect into a paying customer.
In NetHunt CRM this data is stored neatly in the timeline feed right in the customer card.
➡️ Learn how to structure data in CRM to maximise its impact in our article.
Customer interaction tracking
Another thing you might gain from NetHunt CRM is the insight into the milestones that your existing clients have achieved with the help of your product or service. As your account managers keep in touch with the clients, they will record relevant details shared with them about the customer's achievements.
With this data, you could add some social proof when building your elevator pitch.
Integrations
NetHunt CRM integration with LinkedIn also allows you to create your prospect's client card directly from their LinkedIn profile. Know you’ll bump into the CEO of that one company at that one event? Don’t worry because now you can have the publicly available information from their LinkedIn profile pulled into an automatically-created customer record in the database.
With this information, you could further tailor and personalise your elevator pitch to that specific CEO’s company.
In conclusion, an elevator pitch is a vital instrument in your sales kit, designed to captivate and intrigue potential clients in a succinct, impactful manner.
From comprehending what an elevator pitch is to crafting and perfecting your own, it revolves around articulating your USP, addressing the prospect's needs, and concluding with a compelling call to action.
Whether you're a data analytics firm, an eco-friendly packaging company, or a digital transformation consultancy, tailoring your pitch to resonate with your audience is paramount.
Utilising a CRM suite like NetHunt CRM can offer invaluable insights to help personalise your approach and successfully turn those elevator pitches into sales.
Arm yourself with an unbeatable elevator pitch, seize every opportunity, and let your business shine.