If you’ve attended a conference, you most certainly have experienced an elevator pitch. Whether you’re waiting in line for a cab, at a bar, or…yes, in an elevator, someone has most likely approached you to talk about their startup or latest venture. However, pitching is an art, and not everyone has nailed it. So not surprisingly, the ballroom at the Hilton Austin was packed with aspiring entrepreneurs at the “3 Steps to a Killer Elevator Pitch†panel during South by Southwest Interactive.
The elevator pitch is a simple concept: If you were stuck in an elevator with someone, what would you say to promote your company in the time that the elevator closes until the time you get to your floor? In theory you have around 90 seconds to make a successful pitch, but how can you create a cohesive, effective pitch in that short amount of time?
According to Joshua Baer, a startup mentor and director at Capital Factory, there are three simple steps in effective pitching:--Winston Ford
If you’ve attended a conference, you most certainly have experienced an elevator pitch. Whether you’re waiting in line for a cab, at a bar, or…yes, in an elevator, someone has most likely approached you to talk about their startup or latest venture. However, pitching is an art, and not everyone has nailed it. So not surprisingly, the ballroom at the Hilton Austin was packed with aspiring entrepreneurs at the “3 Steps to a Killer Elevator Pitch†panel during South by Southwest Interactive.
The elevator pitch is a simple concept: If you were stuck in an elevator with someone, what would you say to promote your company in the time that the elevator closes until the time you get to your floor? In theory you have around 90 seconds to make a successful pitch, but how can you create a cohesive, effective pitch in that short amount of time?
According to Joshua Baer, a startup mentor and director at Capital Factory, there are three simple steps in effective pitching:--Winston Ford more
Focus on the problem
Rather than addressing a problem a potential user may encounter, many entrepreneurs talk solely about the solutions their product promises to deliver. Your app might offer a great resolution to an issue; however a successful pitcher will draw people in, discussing problems a potential user faces in their daily lives.
Focus on the user’s pains. Why do people care? What is bothering them? What upsets or frustrates them?
A huge chunk of time should be dedicated to addressing the problem. It draws people into the conversation. If you’ve grabbed a potential user’s attention, they will ask you about the solution.
Reminder: Keep it moving if you get stuck. Trust, more people will notice if you freeze.more
Tell a story
People are bored by endless stats and pointless information. Take this opportunity to infuse a story within your pitch—whether it’s a personal anecdote or outlines ways your software has helped a client solve a problem. As Baer says, “our brains are wired for stories,†and most people will tune you out if they are not engaged.
Baer also states that the language should be simple as possible. Avoid using big words and technical jargon. Your pitch should use words that are on a fourth-grade reading level.more
(Image: Thinkstock)
Small business is BIG BUSINESS at the 2012 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide,May 23-26, at the Hilton Chicago Hotel in Chicago, IL. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. Beat the March 30 Early Bird deadline to get a $200 registration discount atarchive2023.blackenterprise.com/ec! And be sure to nominate your company or another business for our Small Business Awards! Want to pitch your business idea and win $10,000? Don’t miss the chance to enter our Elevator Pitch Competitionbefore March 30to qualify for the $10,000 grand prize. To register and find out more, visit archive2023.blackenterprise.com/ec/.more