sample elevator pitch business plan

4. Don't under-emphasize the problem you're solving.

It's possible that you may run into issues when putting reports together for your boss. For instance, things may go awry every once in a while, such as disappearing data or disagreeing sources. With AnswerASAP, you can lay those worries to rest. We have a few features that will help you with those issues if you ever run into them.

• It treats a customer problem as a possibility and not an urgent reality.
• It's vague ("things may go awry") and doesn't emphasize how those issues can hurt the prospect.
• It doesn't specify the product features that will solve the prospect's challenges.
• Because it never goes into detail, it shows little research and care.

Remember, an elevator pitch should only come at someone else's prompting. If you're spontaneously reciting it to random people, you're not doing yourself any favors. But if they ask, you want to be prepared with an interesting, well-crafted pitch.

Elevator Speech Best Practices

1. Keep it brief.

The purpose of an elevator speech is to be as brief as possible while capturing a prospect's attention. Try to stay under sixty seconds — including your introduction. Even if you're delivering your elevator speech during a formal presentation, where you have time to elaborate if needed, keep the bulk of your pitch under sixty seconds.

If you don't, you won't be able to use your pitch when you're chatting with prospects in situations with tighter time constraints — such as a tradeshow or a chance meeting.

2. Practice multiple times beforehand.

You may have written the most incredible elevator speech for your product, but if you hamper the delivery by misremembering or even forgetting parts of your pitch, it won't be an effective tool. Be sure to practice by yourself, with your manager, and with your colleagues.

The goal isn't just to memorize it, but to practice your tone, pace, and overall delivery.

3. Come prepared with additional materials.

When you're delivering your elevator pitch, be prepared to provide your prospect with what they need to continue the conversation. Whether that's a business card, a brochure, or a short demo, carry all that you might need with you.

The elevator speech is your opportunity to begin a deal on the right foot and speed the nurturing process. Typically, you might take weeks emailing a prospect before they're ready to schedule a meeting with you, but an elevator pitch speeds that work. You want to have the materials you need to keep the conversation going.

4. Be positive and enthusiastic.

It's essential to show your personality during your elevator pitch, but whether you're a quiet, calm introvert or a charming, excitable extrovert, you should still convey positivity and enthusiasm.

You can use your body language and expression to keep things positive, even if your tone is quiet and calm. You might highlight the amazing benefits your prospect will enjoy if they sign up, or tell a positive story from one of your previous clients.

Most importantly, you should make it obvious that you want to help your prospect more than anything — which will make you sound positive by default.

5. Vary the tone of your voice.

As you deliver your pitch, vary your tone and modulation to keep your listener engaged. This will help you emphasize the most important parts of your speech — such as the benefits — while keeping your prospect's attention. The pitch may be short, but you'll be surprised at how easily people can tune out based on your tone alone. We don't want to risk it! Especially if it's a prospect you've never spoken with.

Reel in Clients with an Effective Elevator Pitch

While a short speech may seem insignificant, those first conversations can hold some weight. With a well-crafted pitch, you can turn a single conversation with a prospect into a long-lasting customer, or even into a business partner. We hope you found these examples helpful and are inspired to craft your own effective elevator pitch.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

& /p>

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

The 13 Best Networking Apps Every Sales Professional Needs

7 Expert Tips to Improve Your Networking Skills

The Complete Guide to Business Networking [+8 Key Tips You Should Leverage]

Why Networking is Important [+ How to Get it Right]

Making the Most of Virtual Networking [+How to Get it Right]

How to Network Remotely in Sales [+ Tips]

How to Make the Most of Sales Networking – Tips, Mistakes, and Examples

The Best Networking Email Subject Lines, According to HubSpot Reps

How to Use Your Networking Skills to Win Back Lost Customers

15 Social Media Sales Groups to Build Your Network In

All fields are required.

60+ Elevator Pitch Examples by Type, Scenario, and Industry

By Kate Eby | January 26, 2023

• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn

Link copied

No matter your industry, your goals, or your career level, you should always have an elevator pitch prepared. We’ve worked with experts to assemble the largest collection of elevator pitches to help spark inspiration as you craft your own. 

Included in this article, you’ll find detailed elevator pitches sorted by type, such as a 10-second one-liner pitch and a two-minute pitch ; by scenario, such as a sales pitch and an elevator pitch for students ; and by industry, such as a pitch for project managers and an elevator pitch for an accountant .

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a quick summary of a person, product, or company. A good pitch clearly conveys what you do, while encouraging a connection. Elevator pitches should be engaging, persuasive, and clear. 

The sheer number of strategies and methods for writing an elevator pitch can be daunting. Reviewing elevator pitch examples can be a great way to learn how others pitch their companies or services so that you can adapt their ideas to your own business, product, or service. 

Find everything you need to write an elevator pitch , including how long it should be, common elevator pitch pitfalls, tips from experts, detailed examples of pitches, and more. For additional resources, try one of these downloadable elevator pitch templates .

Elevator Pitch Examples by Type

Elevator pitches can vary in length, from 10-second one-liners to five-minute investor pitches. You can also use different strategies to strengthen your pitch, such as attention-grabbing questions or surprise endings.

Review the following examples to see how you can apply different elevator pitch strategies and structures to your own pitches.

10-Second, One-Liner Elevator Pitch Examples

When you don’t have time for a full 60-second elevator pitch, it can be helpful to prepare a supershort 10-second pitch. Convey the value, advantage, and function of the person, company, or product you are pitching in 10 seconds or fewer.

Elevator pitches that are this short should grab the listener’s attention quickly. Try asking a thought-provoking question or sharing a surprising statistic. 

David Leonhardt, Freelance Writer and Owner of THGM Writing Services , shares his supershort, one-line elevator pitch: “A lot of people are just too busy to write their own articles, press releases, reports, or even books, so I help them get it done.” 

In this pitch, Leonhardt communicates directly and clearly what value he can bring with his writing services, without getting bogged down in details. This pitch opens up the possibility of a longer discussion down the road. 

Josh Pies, Executive Producer at C47 Film Associates , uses this pitch when selling his digital marketing services: “I don't want to waste your time. Do you have a strategy to distribute the video you want us to create for you?  'Cuz if you just have a plan, it's not gonna work.”

This pitch, explains Pies, “sets up a conversation about how strategy must precede creativity.” In less than 10 seconds, he’s caught the listener’s attention, asked a thought-provoking question, and kindled interest in his expertise.

30-Second Elevator Pitch Examples

Thirty seconds is a standard length for a short elevator pitch. In half a minute, a speaker should be able to provide just enough information to pique listener interest. Try including statistics, thoughtful questions, quick jokes, or other attention-grabbing strategies. 

Here are two examples of effective 30-second elevator pitches: 

• “Did you know that 70 percent of the waste produced by the global beauty industry comes from packaging materials? That’s billions of tons of rigid plastic. We think this is a serious problem, which is why we’ve made a commitment to doing better. In just the last two years, we’ve increased the amount of biodegradable materials in our packaging from 40 to 60 percent.”
• “I’ve worked with parents who are so anxious about getting their children into private schools that they’re losing sleep. And it’s understandable. Every school has different standards, essays to write, tests to take, and high-pressure interviews. I simplify the whole process. I do the heavy lifting so that my clients can relax, while knowing that they’re doing everything possible to get their children the education they deserve.”

Take a look at this chart to see how these examples pack in lots of information in a few short sentences.

One-Minute Elevator Pitch Example

Sixty seconds is another common length for an elevator pitch. In one minute, a speaker can provide compelling data, show personality, and more. Practice a one-minute elevator pitch often to make sure you are using the time wisely. 

Lucy Hurst, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sherbet Donkey Media , shares her company’s one-minute elevator pitch: “Sherbet Donkey Media was set up with the intention to disrupt the digital marketing industry by being honest and clear with clients from the get-go and producing tangible results. We’ve put together a team with exceptional and complementary expertise, and every member of our staff keeps their finger on the pulse as well. From the start of your marketing campaign, all our departments will work together to ensure that the marketing strategy succeeds on every level. It’s then consistently monitored and tweaked accordingly to ensure that you get results. We have multiplied a business’s e-commerce sales tenfold in 12 months. While we can’t guarantee this for every customer, we can promise that we will deliver results like no other.”

In this elevator pitch, Hurst uses the additional time to clearly explain what Sherbet Donkey Media does and how it can add value. She cites specific evidence of the company’s past success and paints a colorful portrait of its culture and team makeup.

Two-Minute Elevator Pitch Example

Two minutes is an uncommon length for an elevator pitch. Take advantage of this stretch of time to pitch your product or service by telling compelling stories, establishing credibility, and asking engaging questions. Always rehearse your talking points. 

Longer pitches are appropriate for situations where you already have a captive audience, such as in a presentation or an interview. Divide your pitch into sections to keep your information organized and concise.

Here is an example of a two-minute pitch a candidate might use to introduce themselves in a job interview : 

In two minutes, you should be able to demonstrate that you know industry lingo, show relevant experience, and have goals that align with the role you want. 

Tip: Any time you pitch a potential client, employer, investor, or other person, do your research ahead of time and tailor your pitch to your audience.

Five-Minute Elevator Pitch Examples

Once an elevator pitch is five minutes long, it’s not really an elevator pitch. In five minutes, you can offer a fully fleshed-out pitch to present to investors, potential clients, or executives within your company. 

For example, you might pitch your services to a new client. Ask them questions to identify their specific needs and explain how you are uniquely positioned to address them. 

Here are some questions you might ask: 

• How are you currently supporting your system?
• When was the last time you completed a project, and how did it go?
• How did you find the resources for that project? 
• What are some of the attributes you look for in a resource?
• What are some reasons you’re looking at different options for your next project?
• Which of those is most important? 
• Which of those have you had the most trouble finding?

Tip: For five-minute pitches, visual tools such as a PowerPoint presentation will help you stay organized and help your audience follow along. Remember to ask a lot of questions, which helps with engagement as you present your idea.

Elevator Pitch Deck Template for PowerPoint

Download the Elevator Pitch Deck Template for PowerPoint

Try this elevator pitch deck template for help structuring a longer presentation. The template organizes a pitch in a simple, six-part structure, which includes a problem statement, solution statement, expertise, competition, justification, and call to action.

Attention-Grabbing Question Examples of Elevator Pitches

Want to make your pitch stand out? Start with an attention-grabbing question. A thoughtful or surprising question can engage and excite listeners as you deliver the rest of your elevator pitch. 

Shane Hampson , an experienced SEO consultant, uses an attention-grabbing question to pitch his services: “Are you capitalizing on the estimated one-third of Americans who search for a local business every day? My clients have generated millions of dollars in revenue by making their websites reflect the expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness that are needed to succeed online.”

This pitch uses a common strategy of combining an attention-grabbing question with a surprising statistic .

Question Everything Pitch Example

One way to establish credibility and capture a listener’s attention is to challenge their most basic assumptions by using the question everything tactic. Start your pitch with information you could only have gotten with your specific experience or expertise.

Pies from C47 Film Associates uses this tactic in this longer elevator pitch: “I've had videos go viral — viewership from around the world — and not made a dime. It actually cost us. I've had videos with 10 views that make us a small fortune. After 20 years of doing this work, you learn a thing or two. If we made you a video that had one view, but it was Warren Buffett and he signed a billion-dollar contract with you, would you be worried about the view count not being higher? Here's what I'd prefer to do with you. Let's hatch a plan. Let's follow that plan and get the right attention, from the right people, in the right way, and then we'll get the right response. I want you to get results. Can I show you how to do that?”

In this example, Pies asks the listener to rethink the way they measure the success of online videos. He’s piqued their interest by having them question what their goals really are and how they might meet them. Additionally, he’s established credibility and demonstrated the value of his years of experience.

Credibility Boost Pitch Example

Establishing credibility is essential for any elevator pitch. When listeners think you are credible, they will be more open to your ideas. Incorporate evidence, statistics, or stories that will boost credibility with your listeners. 

Ravi Davda, CEO of Rockstar Marketing , demonstrates an effective credibility boost by saying, “As someone with six years of experience as an entrepreneur, I've made every mistake when it comes to marketing your business. That's the reason why I started Rockstar Marketing — so you wouldn't have to make the same, expensive mistakes I did.”

In this example, Davda draws on his years of experience to show that he has the knowhow to avoid costly mistakes.

Relatable-over-Reliable Elevator Pitch Example

Sometimes the best strategy for an elevator pitch is to focus on making a personal connection. Tell a story that shows your audience that you can relate to them, while still offering a solution to their problem. 

Here is an example of a relatable-over-reliable elevator pitch: “When I started my first management position, I didn’t know what I was doing, but I also didn’t want it to seem like I couldn’t handle my new responsibilities. Instead of asking for help, getting feedback, or reflecting on my management style, I just plowed ahead. It took three team members suddenly walking out on me before I realized that I had to consult an expert, learn what I was doing wrong, and change. Now I have over 20 years of managerial experience and a successful management consulting firm of my own.”

Surprise Ending Pitch Example

Use a surprise ending elevator pitch to help a listener visualize your solution. Start with a situation your listener can relate to, then show how the outcome might be different with your product or service. 

Here is a surprise ending elevator pitch for a mobile app: “Let’s say your employer has just switched insurance companies, and your primary care provider is no longer in network. You could spend hours researching in-network doctors, asking friends for referrals, or navigating your insurance website to find a new doctor. But there’s another possibility. Imagine you had access to reviews, insurance information, availability, specialties, and more, all in one user-friendly location. That’s what you have if you download this app.”

Unbelievable Statistic Elevator Pitch Examples

An unbelievable statistic is a great way to capture a listener’s attention and stress the importance of your product or service. Look for numbers that are significantly higher or lower than you might expect, and add them to your pitch. 

Here are some unbelievable statistics that would work well as elevator pitch openers:

• “One fast food burger patty can contain meat from as many as 100 different cows. With our burgers, we guarantee that one burger equals one cow.” 
• “For every 1,470 resumes the average employer receives, they will hire just one candidate. That’s why job seekers need all the help they can get to make their resumes stand out.”
• “In the next five years, the U.S. workforce will be 75 percent millennials. That’s why it’s vital to stay up to date on millennial workforce trends.”
• “On average, an office work desk contains 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. You need to hire cleaners you can trust to keep your workplace safe and clean.”

Outlandish Start Pitch Example

An outlandish start elevator pitch can make your pitch extra memorable. Use creativity to add humor, playfulness, and color to your pitch, while still being clear and specific about the problem you can solve.

Pies created this example for a commercial advertising a snow plowing company, where the speaker is dressed up like a cowboy: “There's only one cowboy in this town who can ride 501 horses at the same time and leave no snow, or manure, behind — and that's me. Mind if I tell ya how?”

Start with a Stat Pitch Example

Beginning an elevator pitch with a surprising statistic shows that you are prepared and knowledgeable about a subject. Start with a stat to bolster credibility and demonstrate why your services are necessary. 

Dean Kaplan, CEO of The Kaplan Group , uses an unbelievable statistic to begin the elevator pitch for his company: “Did you know that the industry success rate for collecting business debts falls to 50 percent at only seven months past the due date? This is why it is worth considering engaging an experienced business debt collection company. At our company, each collector has at least 10 years of experience across multiple companies and industries. We are proud to say we have an industry-leading 85 percent success rate for recovering debts.”

Kaplan’s example shows how you can use a surprising statistic at the top of your pitch to make your company or product description more persuasive. In addition, it incorporates credibility-boosting evidence .

Storyteller Elevator Pitch Example

Thinking of your elevator pitch as a story provides structure, while engaging an audience. A storyteller elevator pitch builds on common narrative structures to convey information in a memorable way. 

For example: “When I first started the company, I was the only employee. I had tens of thousands of dollars worth of student debt and zero professional experience. Fifteen years later, we have 200 employees and are one of the top outdoor equipment retailers in North America. Do you want to know how we did that?”

A Customer Story Pitch Example

A customer story elevator pitch demonstrates your past successes with clients. These pitches help you build a connection to the listener, who might be facing a similar problem to the one you’ve already solved.

Here is Davda’s example of a successful elevator pitch that incorporates a customer story: “We have a client with a fitness business, similar to yours. Before they started working with us, they weren't appearing on page one for any keywords. In the last six months, they've started showing up for 13 different keywords and increased their organic traffic by 329 percent.”

Reality Check Pitch Example

In elevator pitches, a reality check is a short statement or question that helps the listener realize they have a problem or stokes their frustration. A reality check can be a helpful way to make your product or service appear more urgent and necessary. 

Hurst shares a reality check example in this pitch for Sherbet Donkey Media: “Let me guess — your current digital marketing agency either doesn't keep you updated or doesn't produce results for you.” 

By starting her pitch with “let me guess,” Hurst highlights that this is a common problem. It sparks frustration in the listener, who can surmise there is an easy solution that they’re missing. 

When she continues with the rest of her pitch, she presents the listener with that solution: “This is exactly why Sherbet Donkey Media was set up. We’ll be honest and clear with you from the get-go as to what exactly we can do for you and what you can expect. We’re driven by ensuring that our customers are kept happy and with all the clients that we currently have on our books, I’m confident that we can exceed your expectations.”

Comedic Spin Example of an Elevator Pitch

When appropriate, put a comedic spin on your elevator pitch to make it more fun and interesting. Use humor to break the ice at a networking or to lighten the mood during a presentation. 

For Sherbet Donkey Media, Hurst uses this quick, funny elevator pitch: “Hey, we’re specialists in all things digital marketing. Why not let us do the donkey work? Here’s my card.” Hurst’s example is a light, fun way to play on a company’s name in a pitch. Not only does this make the pitch feel more friendly, it also makes the company name more memorable.

The Joke Elevator Pitch Example

A quick joke in an elevator pitch can lighten the mood, making the speaker appear more likable. Prepare a light joke or two about your company or service to make your elevator pitch more engaging. 

For example: “Researchers have found knowing that something bad is about to happen is actually less stressful than not knowing what’s about to happen. That’s why we employ top-of-the-line psychics to anticipate financial problems. I’m just kidding, we don’t hire psychics. But our market analysts are so experienced, knowledgeable, and thorough that they’re the next best thing.”

Tip: When using humor in your elevator pitch, remember that your priority is to clearly and convincingly communicate the problem that you can solve.

Emotional or Sentimental Appeal Pitch Example

Empathy is an important component in an elevator pitch. In some cases, especially services such as counseling or life coaching, making a direct emotional or sentimental appeal can be a useful way to build trust and make a connection. 

Kathy Streb, Life Coach and Owner of Kathy Streb Coaching , LLC, advertises her life coaching services by opening up and being vulnerable about her own experiences: “The last few years have been one of the hardest times of my life. Working in healthcare as a nurse practitioner during a pandemic made me realize that I was doing too much and I was anxious all the time. I knew that I needed to make changes and just didn’t know where to turn for help. Someone suggested I hire a coach. At first, I didn’t believe it would be helpful, but the last few months we went through an eye-opening process that changed my life.

“What I now know to be true is that I can love my job and still have time for me. I can take time to enjoy my family without guilt or regret. I can heal myself. It’s okay to reinvent myself at any age. It’s okay to not love my life even though I think I should. Change takes courage, but I don’t have to do it alone. After my own transformation, I want to help others the way that I have been helped. I learned the tools in my life coaching program to do just that. Could you use clarity in some area of your life? Would you like to see how coaching can help you?”

Elevator Pitch Examples by Scenario

From informal meet-ups to job interviews, customize your elevator pitch to fit any scenario. For example, when attending an informal networking event, practice a friendly, conversation-starting pitch. For a job interview, prepare a concise summary of your experience and goals.

Remember that in any scenario, an elevator pitch is simply a way to open the door for further connection. “I don't ask for people's business on first meeting them,” explains Leonhardt. “If this interests them, they'll engage. That prompts me to say more and learn about their needs; when someone reacts to my elevator pitch, it gives me permission to explore how I might help them, without me coming across as an aggressive huckster.”

Pitching a C-Level Executive or Business Owner Example

When pitching a C-level executive or a business owner, remember that you don’t have much time to make an impression. C-level executives and business owners hear more pitches than most people. Get to the bottom line quickly. 

Here is an example of a pitch that an IT recruitment professional might make to a company’s COO: “Based on what you told me about your plans to expand the business into new markets, I think a CRM system that better fits your overall sales process and business model would increase user acceptance and adoption from your sales team and get rid of bottlenecks that can impede your overall efficiency. I have a technical architect who recently solved this exact problem for one of your competitors and just became available for a new project. When would you be free to speak with him?”

Job Interview Pitch Example

During a job interview interviewers usually say, “Tell me about yourself.” Your response is your elevator pitch. Prepare a concise statement that includes your professional experience, goals, and view of how you’ll succeed in the role.

Here is an example job interview pitch from a lawyer applying to a new firm: “My name is Laura Smith, and I’m a lawyer with four years of experience at a major law firm. I specialize in intellectual property law, and I’m looking to join a smaller firm where I will be able to work more closely with small production companies.”

This pitch is short and sweet. Laura will have plenty of time later to answer specific questions about her qualifications, experience, and strengths. For now, she makes her background and goals crystal clear.

Networking Event Pitch Example

Always arrive at a networking event with a rehearsed elevator pitch ready to go. Networking events might include job fairs, happy hour meetups, conferences, trade shows, or more. Networking event pitches should be friendly and open a path for further discussion.

SEO consultant Hampson describes his services with this fun, friendly elevator pitch: “You might not know my name yet, but you are likely familiar with my work. I have helped hundreds of websites rank at the top of search engines.”

Formal Meeting Pitch Example

If you’ve landed a formal meeting with a potential client or employer, you’ll need to quickly explain to them who you are and what you do. Whether you’re meeting in person or virtually, introduce yourself and summarize what you do. 

Hampson recommends an elevator pitch like this one: “My name is Shane Hampson, and I am a search engine optimization professional. I can provide you leads that close 14 percent more often than outbound lead generation. Would you like your website to be seen as the solution to searchers’ pain points?”

Virtual Introduction Elevator Pitch Example

Virtual networking can be a terrific way to make connections and find opportunities, but it can also be intimidating. Prepare and practice a short pitch that communicates your background, your goals, and what you’re looking for in a connection. 

Here is an example of an elevator pitch for a networking event: “My name is Claire. I’m an assistant producer at a health insurance marketing company. I have some personal creative projects that I’ve recently received funding for, and I’m looking for some collaborators with experience in mixing and sound design.”

Tip: Even though you’re at home in front of your computer, dress as if you’re going to an in-person event. By looking polished and professional, you will not only send the right message, you will boost your confidence when delivering your pitch.

Sales Pitch Example

An effective sales pitch identifies pain points and offers unique solutions. In a sales pitch, the speaker should conduct ample research beforehand and ask lots of questions. Be sure to listen carefully to how your audience responds.

Here are two examples of sales elevator pitches:

• “I understand that you’re having trouble with your current CMS. That can be so frustrating, especially in a company that produces as much content as yours. We have a highly trained staff that can help transition you over to a new system with minimal interruption to your processes. Can you tell me what you’re most concerned about with switching solutions?”
• “Most contractors care about getting work done quickly and cheaply. That might be important for some projects, but I know your art gallery has other priorities. We can work with you and your schedule to make sure that every piece of art in this installation is treated with the care it deserves.”

Elevator Pitch for a Social Introduction

Social events can help expand your network and grow your business. Arrive at any event with an elevator pitch that communicates who you are, what you do, and how you’re unique. 

Jami Yazdani, Founder and Chief Consultant at Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation , uses the following pitch in social introductions during networking events: “I work in project management consulting, where I’m best known for helping my clients deliver more successful, collaborative, and impactful projects. I most often serve leaders and managers in mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, educational institutions, and libraries. When they need help to better manage their own projects, I can offer training or project coaching. If they want more hands-on support to successfully deliver on project outcomes, I offer expert management at any or every phase of their project. I can also help leaders develop and implement processes and workflows to ensure continued success across projects.”

In this pitch, Yazdani clearly explains what she does while also communicating her passions and interests.

Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Elevator Pitch Example

Entrepreneurs and business owners need to be experts in elevator pitching. Whatever your business, you should be able to summarize what you do in one or two sentences. Once you’ve piqued the listener’s interest, you can elaborate.

Megan Tatge, Owner of Eastwood Professionals, LLC , shares her elevator pitch for her small business: “Hi. I’m Megan, a ninja of words and coordinator of chaos. With experience supporting businesses of all sizes, I have mastered the ability to multitask, shift priorities, and seize every opportunity for growth. Most recently I left the recruiting industry and plunged headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship. My company, Eastwood Professionals, LLC, is focused on taking the suck out of the job search process by providing affordable resume and job seeker services to individuals across all levels and all industries. Whether you are actively on the hunt for your next career or simply exploring, I would love to help.”

Tatge uses a fun, playful introduction, shares her background, and clearly communicates what her business does.

Mutual Connection Pitch Example

If you have a mutual connection with a potential client, employer, or investor, be sure to mention it early in your elevator pitch. Having friends, colleagues, or companies in common will implicitly increase trust and encourage connection. 

Here are some examples of mutual connections that you can use in an elevator pitch: 

• “An associate producer on your team is actually someone I played rugby with in college!”
• “I saw on LinkedIn that you also went to [UNIVERSITY]. I graduated a year after you!”
• “I heard you mention that you worked several years at [COMPANY]. That’s where I got my first job out of college.”
• “I’ve actually heard about you through my friend, [NAME]. She had nothing but good things to say about your firm.”

Tip: Make sure that you actually know and are in good standing with anyone you namedrop. Never exaggerate or mischaracterize your relationship. You don’t want to find yourself in an awkward situation down the road.

Personal Elevator Pitch Example

A personal elevator pitch is an opportunity to quickly share who you are, what you do, and your passion. Always be prepared with a personal elevator pitch for networking events, interviews, or chance encounters.

For example: “I am a husband, a parent, and a cancer survivor. I’ve learned from experience how important it is, especially in a crisis, to take the time to be compassionate with yourself and the people you love. I’ve dedicated my entire life and career to helping people through personal and family emergencies.”

Use these questions to help you brainstorm for your personal elevator pitch:

• What is your background?
• What experience do you have?
• What are you passionate about?
• What inspires you?
• What are your career goals?
• What have you achieved?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What special skills do you have?

Student Elevator Pitch Example

Students might not have many — or any — professional experience to include in an elevator pitch. However, they can still craft a persuasive pitch. Students should focus on coursework, interests, extracurriculars, and career goals for the future. 

Wendy Toth, Founder of PowerSuiting and Co-Founder of Great Pet Care, provides two examples of elevator pitches. The first is a pitch she used during her career as a journalist, while the second is adjusted to show how it might look for a college student or recent graduate:

• Early Career: “I’m a writer and editor with over five years of experience producing content that’s razor-focused on the female head of the household. From consulting experts on ways that busy professionals can save time to researching the best summer sandals, my aim is to make life easier for women.”
• Student: “I’m a nonfiction writing major with two years of experience covering arts and leisure for my college newspaper. From interviewing visiting artists for our spring exhibition to reviewing our production of Cabaret , my aim is to make appreciation of the arts accessible through my writing.”

In Toth’s student elevator pitch example, she highlights a relevant extracurricular activity and communicates her interests and goals.

Tip: “As a career coach, I encourage my clients to break their elevator pitch into two sentences,” says Toth. “Sentence one covers who you are and your level of experience. Sentence two covers a specific example of something you have done that you're proud of and why you're proud of it.”

Example Elevator Pitch for Internship Example

In your elevator pitch for an internship, provide evidence that you will succeed in this role. It is important to be specific about your career goals and explain how this internship will help you meet them. Demonstrate that you are excited and eager to learn. 

Here is an example of an elevator pitch from someone with limited experience, who might be trying to land their first internship: “I’m a sophomore history and English double major at X University. I want to pursue a career in book publishing after I graduate. I have a strong academic record, and I’m looking to expand my experience into the professional world. I’ve always been an avid reader, and I’ve kept up with current publishing trends, but there’s still so much about the nuts and bolts of book publishing that is mysterious to me. I’d love an opportunity to intern at your imprint and learn as much as I can.”

Startup Business Idea Pitch Example

Every business starts as an idea. If you have a startup business idea, prepare an exciting, focused elevator pitch that you are ready to present to potential investors and collaborators. Introduce a problem and show how your idea is the best solution to address it. 

While a longer pitch is more appropriate for a formal meeting with investors, a quick elevator pitch might be what lands you that meeting in the first place. A surprising statistic or a thoughtful question are excellent tactics for a startup elevator pitch.

For example: “Did you know ridesharing apps have been responsible for an increase in traffic-related deaths? I can help bring that number back down by connecting drivers with the safety resources and technologies they need.”

Elevator Pitch Examples by Industry

The tone, content, and style of a successful elevator pitch differs among industries. For example, in IT or engineering, an elevator pitch should demonstrate technical expertise. In marketing or sales, it should showcase personality and a track record of success. 

On company websites, many About Us pages include descriptions that work well as elevator pitches. These pitches have to be concise and informative, while piquing enough interest in website visitors that they choose to visit more pages and seek their products or services. 

For example, on the Why Smartsheet page, you’ll find an elevator pitch that provides a compelling statistic and a brief overview of its services and clients:

General Business Elevator Pitch Examples

In a general business elevator pitch, communicate what your company does and how it stands out from your competitors. By the end of your pitch, the listener should feel that they understand exactly what you do and how you do it.

Here are two examples of general business elevator pitches:

• “Hi, my name is Lexi Freeman, and I’m the Founder and CEO of The Local Restaurant. It’s lovely to meet you! I saw that you are opening up a new fast casual restaurant. When so much care goes into crafting beautiful food and experiences, it can be hard to also make sure your business is profitable. That’s why we partner with local, family-owned restaurants to help them connect with community members, expand their reach, and stay in business longer. Can you tell me a little bit about the vision for this restaurant?”
• “I am fascinated by the research you’re doing at Marketexecs. You’ve been on the cutting edge of market research for almost a decade now. Have you considered partnering with a recruiting firm like ours to help connect you with the most sought-after talent in the industry? In the last year alone, we’ve developed partnerships with 12 leading research universities and have connected over 200 award-winning Ph.D. recipients with companies like yours.”

Elevator Pitch Examples Healthcare Examples

In the healthcare space, elevator pitches need to show that a company or individual is trustworthy and qualified. Healthcare providers should use their pitches to communicate their values as well as their expertise and experience. 

Headspace is a meditation app and digital health platform that brings at-home mindfulness practices to your digital devices. Headspace's About Us page includes a company description that follows a common format for elevator pitches. They establish who they are, what they do, and why they do it:

Another example comes from NYU Family Health Centers at NYU Langone . On their website, they provide a thorough organization description, which is also an excellent elevator pitch for their healthcare services: 

Just like an in-person elevator pitch, an online pitch should open up a conversation or spark new questions. Notice how they provide a link at the end of the description, so that website visitors can access more information if they wish. 

A third example comes from Edwards Lifesciences , a leading medical device company. Here is a company video featured on their site, which is an excellent elevator pitch that captures its history, ethos, and current projects:

Elevator Pitch for Consulting Example

In their elevator pitches, consultants should show how they will add value for their clients. They should foreground their professional experience and successes, and ask questions that help them identify a client’s specific needs. 

This is how Yazdani pitches her project management consulting company on the Our Story section of her company website:

Yazdani covers what she does and what she can bring to a company, before providing a link where users can access more information or contact her.

Accountant Elevator Pitch Example

Accountants need to communicate authority and experience in an elevator pitch. Components such as humor will be less persuasive. Focus instead on evidence of your success and trustworthiness, specific knowledge, and experience.

For example, on its website, the CPA firm Hunrath, Napolitano, Quigley and Taylor, LLC has crafted an excellent elevator pitch for attracting accounting clients:

Notice how this CPA firm lists specific services and areas of expertise, while also communicating its values and commitment to personalized services.

Elevator Pitch for Data Science Example

Many businesses rely on data science to stay organized and make good decisions. An elevator pitch for a data science company or service should highlight its qualifications, record of success, and technical expertise. 

Matt Hammel is the COO and Co-Founder of AirOps , a software company that helps organizations understand and manage their data. His pitch for AirOps highlights the value that the company can add: “AirOps uses artificial intelligence (AI) to instantly unlock value from your organization's data. Our software makes it so anyone in your organization can safely and easily find, understand, organize, and take action on high quality datasets. Now, your technical teams can spend their time working on the most complex projects and your business teams can quickly get what they need to make your business run fast.”

Elevator Pitch for Engineers Example 

When looking for or applying to engineering roles, technical expertise is key. Be specific in your elevator pitch about your skills, knowledge, and experience. Demonstrate that you know the lingo in your particular field of engineering. 

For example: “Right now, I’m a mechanical engineer at Microsoft, where I’ve worked for three years designing and testing hardware. I’ve been the technical lead for several multidisciplinary teams that deploy high-quality IT equipment. I’ve been really interested in the work your company is doing with robotics and saw that you are hiring a mechanical engineer. What kind of skills are you looking for in that role?”

Similarly, engineering companies should foreground their successes and capabilities. P2S Inc. is one of the top engineering firms in the United States. The elevator pitch featured on their website establishes credibility by citing their longevity, clearly stating their mission, and providing visitors with an option to explore more information with links:

Elevator Pitch for Human Resources Example

An elevator pitch for a human resources professional needs to convey reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work well with others. Incorporate strategies that show personality, values, and a record of consistency. 

Max Wesman, COO of GoodHire , uses the relatable-over-reliable strategy at the top of his pitch for GoodHire: “Tired of waiting weeks to hear back from a background check? So were we. GoodHire offers 90 percent of nationwide criminal checks in under a minute, and with an industry-leading rate of accuracy, so you never risk losing the dream candidate. All of this is contained within a mobile-optimized dashboard, ensuring that results and status updates are comprehensive, transparent, and visible to both yourself and the candidate.”

In this example, Wesman reminds listeners how frustrated they are with a problem he and his company can solve, which means his listeners will be more engaged as he goes into more detail.

Elevator Pitch for Recruiters Example

In a competitive, global job market, recruiters are key. An elevator pitch for a recruiter or recruitment company needs to show how they are uniquely positioned to face the challenges of that market for their clients.

Aquent Talent is a leading creative staffing company. Aquent Talent's About page includes a friendly, accessible elevator pitch:

Elevator Pitch for a Business Analyst Example

In their elevator pitches, business analysts should showcase their skills and experience. Highlight past successes, areas of expertise, and qualifications. Share what you’ve accomplished, how you did it, and why you’re confident you can do it again. 

For example: “I stay up to date on modern methods of business analysis so that you can get and stay ahead of competitors in a quickly evolving market. In five years, I’ve saved businesses like yours $6.5 million with my innovative approach to process audits.”

Elevator Pitch for Teachers Example

All parents want to know that their children are getting the best education possible. Teachers and other education professionals should use their elevator pitches to communicate their values, reliability, and previous successes.

Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool , uses this pitch to advertise the company’s tutoring services: “How many times, when you were a student, have you sat in front of your homework and not had the faintest idea where to start? School is challenging, and for some people who need additional help and resources, school can be debilitating. Enter Studypool, an online resource that partners dedicated tutors and educators with students who need their assistance. The commitment is flexible, and the rewards are high. For the child in your life who could benefit exceedingly from additional schoolwork help, try Studypool today!”

Portillo makes the smart move of ensuring his pitch is relatable and sympathizing with potential clients. His elevator pitch makes the listener feel secure.

Elevator Pitch for Information Technology (IT) Examples

IT professionals, such as software developers, IT project managers, or computer systems analysts, should highlight their technical skills in their elevator pitches. IT companies should show that they are mission-driven and have a record of success. 

The tech startup, People.ai, is a company that leverages AI in order to support sales, marketing, and customer service teams. Since its founding in 2016, People.ai has quickly grown to be one of the most influential IT companies. Here is the brief overview offered on the page, which functions well as a quick, effective elevator pitch for the company:

Another example of a good IT elevator pitch is from Arthena , a fintech company that helps clients make informed, strategic art investments. Here is the elevator pitch the company features on its landing page: 

This example also includes a Reach Out button, which encourages visitors to continue the conversation and find more information.

Elevator Pitch for Project Management Example

Project managers need to be organized collaborators with great critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Elevator pitches for project managers should show how one’s experience reflects those requirements. 

Ilam Padmanabhan, an experienced program manager and the Founder of ilampadman.com , shares an example of a sample project pitch that a project manager might use: “I believe this project could offer great value for our organization for three reasons: 1) The business case is sound, if we execute well. We'll gain the promised benefits. 2) The investments will be paid X times over in Y time even in the worst-case scenario. 3) We have the ability and interest to execute as a team, and we can get started right away. The market context needs us to execute this change right now, we don't want to be left behind. The window of opportunity in the market is right now — a delayed start will diminish the returns.”

Elevator Pitch for Marketing Example

Marketing is about more than hard skills or experience; it’s also about personality, charisma, and the ability to connect with an audience. Elevator pitches for marketing should showcase creativity, as well as experience and professionalism. 

Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls , uses this simple, clear, and effective pitch for her company: “Are you looking to find more customers and accelerate your sales cycle? We love helping organizations find the right words and pictures to get their story out there both online and offline as a virtual marketing department that acts as an extension of your team.”

Easily Track and Monitor the Success of Your Elevator Pitch with Smartsheet

Empower your people to go above and beyond with a flexible platform designed to match the needs of your team — and adapt as those needs change. 

The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed. 

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time.  Try Smartsheet for free, today.

Discover why over 90% of Fortune 100 companies trust Smartsheet to get work done.

Top 7 Killer Elevator Pitch Examples

Make short, sharp, and on-the-spot presentations by modeling your presentations after these elevator pitch examples.

I’ve scoured the business management internet space to bring you the best, most-impressive elevator pitches. In the following paragraphs, I’ll show you how to model your communications on these winning archetypes. (Spoiler alert: some of these examples show what not to do, so read closely.)

What is an elevator pitch?

Think of your elevator pitch (or elevator speech) as a Twitter version of your business plan/proposal. You may use more than 140 characters to communicate your ideas during a 30-second elevator ride; however, don’t share more than three tweets’ worth of information in “ first contact ” situations.

Because the average English word has 4.5 characters (5.5 with spaces), a 140 character tweet equals roughly 25 words.

Most people speak 120-200 words per minute ; use a comprehensible 75 words (slightly slower than the average speaking speed) in your 30-second elevator pitch.

Speaking slowly (while still showing your passion for the subject) demonstrates confidence and competence.

Don’t just wing it and stumble your way through a rambling, improvised elevator speech the next time you get a chance to speak with an industry influencer.

Create and practice your elevator pitches right away–you never know when you’ll run into that next big opportunity.

Business networking means always having a business card in your hand and a smile on your face.

Give the same care and attention to the way you describe yourself (and your company) as you do to your professional attire, branding, and product design.

However, don’t spend too much time on this effort; track your time to ensure you spend an appropriate amount on this project without obsessing.

You can use an elevator pitch for everything from getting a job/promotion to landing a new client or investor. You’ll find these short, refined introduction speeches in all areas of business communication.

Staying ahead of the competition and managing industry rivalry means always presenting yourself in the best possible light. Later in this article, I’ll provide elevator speech examples for each of the popular variants. However, let’s use a basic elevator pitch template to get started.

Use a simple elevator speech template

You can find many outline variants and elevator pitch examples online; I’ll describe my favorites in this article. However, to keep things simple, I’ll start with a simple method used by the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology:

• State the Problem
• Present Your Solution
• Explain Why People Should Trust You
• Describe Your Value Proposition
• Offer a CTA (Call to Action)

In the following fill-in-the-blank template, I use one sentence per point to clarify the structure of this system. Feel free to break this rule and create a natural-sounding elevator pitch. As you practice your speech out loud, keep tweaking your phrasing to sound personable and precise. Just remember to maintain a maximum of 75 words!

A simple Harvard-MIT elevator pitch template

• Problem: “[Customer Type] are often frustrated by the effort it takes to [Action].”
• Solution: “[Your New Solution] eliminates the need to [Customer’s Old Solution].”
• Why You: “For [Duration], [Customer Type] have trusted [Your Company] to provide the best solutions in [Customer’s Industry].”
• Value: “With [Your New Solution], you can [spend less/make more] [time/money] [Action].”
• CTA: “I’ll give you a call to learn more about your situation (Get Contact Info). Thanks for your time.”

Elevator pitch example #1: Nice and simple

“Ranchers are often frustrated by the effort it takes to hand-shear their angora alpacas. DroneClip eliminates the need to chase, restrain, and trim these beautiful beasts. For over 5 years, alpaca farmers have trusted DroneClip to provide the best solutions in alpaca ranching. With our safe and reliable drone aircraft, you can spend less time shearing and manage a larger herd. I’ll give you a call to learn more about your situation. Thanks for your time.”

Use a comprehensive speech outline template

When making an elevator pitch (or any other presentation, for that matter) you may want to follow a programmatic speech format like this one from UC Davis :

• Smile and make a “hooking” statement to capture your audience’s attention.
• Introduce yourself (and your company).
• Explain what you do and why you love it.
• Describe the contributions you’ve made, including the problems you’ve solved.
• Give a short, striking example of your value.
• Explain your interest in your listener(s).
• Describe your product/service/solution.
• List the ways people benefit from working with you (instead of your competitors).
• Provide a brief story about a satisfied customer.
• Ask for an appropriate response to this interaction (contact info, a referral, an appointment, etc.)

Even when working with this model, remember to keep it brief. A 75-word elevator pitch only includes 5-6 sentences. In fact, this detailed outline contains over 100 words.

Take a look at this example and learn how to sharpen your sentences into quick, powerful points. Some people like to use a lot of words to get your ideas out of their heads and onto paper.

If you’re one of these types, write a verbose first draft of your elevator speech just to get your thoughts in order.

Then, review the document a few times and find ways to make each sentence do its job with slightly fewer words than before.

To make this outline work, you’ll need to include many points per sentence, as I have below:

Elevator pitch example #2: Follow a comprehensive outline template

“Do you hate shearing stubborn alpacas by hand? I’m Joe Neely from DroneClip. I enjoy connecting animal lovers to technologies like our DroneScoop waste solution. I’m here at the Alpaca Festival to learn from you, the experts. Our hands-free DroneClip shearing system outperforms hand-shears so you can limit your employee hours. We saved one rancher, Bob Mikabob, over 40 weekly work-hours. When can I visit your farm, demonstrate our product, and meet your neighbors?”

Construct an elevator pitch for any purpose: example of custom writing

A simple format like Monroe’s Motivate Sequence may help you create the best elevator pitch for your purposes. This flexible structure can be adapted for everything from job interviews to investor meetings–and beyond:

• Get Attention
• Establish a Need
• Satisfy This Need
• Visualize Consequences
• Present a CTA

Say you want a promotion from Assistant Alpaca Wrangler to Chief Wool-Gatherer. Tailor Monroe’s Motivate Sequence to your needs and make a quick, 30-second presentation (to anyone who will listen). Let your colleagues, supervisors, and managers know why you deserve this lofty position.

Elevator pitch example #3: Adapt this format to your needs

“Yuck–I can’t believe how much loose alpaca hair floats around in our barn. I just got some in my mouth! Wouldn’t it be great if someone kept this place hair-free? I’d be glad to go around and scoop it all up. If we added a Chief Wool-Gatherer position, it would surely pay for itself by reducing waste and increasing profits. Tell the boss you want me to start, right away!”

No matter your desired outcome, it always pays to present your plans in a coherent, logical fashion. Make your speeches short and to the point, only mentioning the most relevant facts and opportunities.

The elevator pitch writing process

Sometimes it helps to see the process itself. You can adjust your speechwriting efforts according to the following brief, step-by-step elevator pitch example. To keep this section readable, I’ll create a short 30-word blurb, not an entire 75-word elevator pitch.

Elevator pitch example #4: Working with words

1) Write down all your ideas, regardless of word count.

“I’m Joe Neely and I want alpaca lovers to buy my T-shirts. I want people to feel proud of their animals and spread the word about our brand. Our brand is called DroneClip. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions like FAA-approved UAV/UAS quad-copters for ranchers who want to save time and money and have more resources to invest in other aspects of their operations.”

2) Get rid of unnecessary details. The 64-word paragraph I created in Step 1 is a good start, but I can do better. First, I can cut the redundancies in my extremely-long final sentence:

“I’m Joe Neely and I want alpaca lovers to buy my T-shirts. I want people to feel proud of their animals and spread the word about our brand. Our brand is called DroneClip. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions like FAA-approved UAV/UAS quad-copters for ranchers who want to save time and money.”

3) Remove any confusing or unfamiliar industry jargon. Now I’m down to 53 words. I must remove the drone-specific language in the last sentence to avoid confusing listeners. (I can always provide educational materials defining these terms in later interactions with my customers.)

“I’m Joe Neely and I want alpaca lovers to buy my T-shirts. I want people to feel proud of their animals and spread the word about our brand. Our brand is called DroneClip. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions for ranchers who want to save time and money.”

4) Shorten and connect your sentences. You can communicate your entire unique selling proposition quickly if you limit your use of “ stop words .” These little connectors help sentences flow, but you don’t need as many if you combine 2-3 statements.

“I’m Joe Neely–Alpaca lovers buy my T-shirts to share their love of Alpacas and DroneClip. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions for ranchers who want to save time and money.”

5) Review and ask, “What’s in it for the listener?” I’ve pared down my key points to a reasonable length (31 words). Before I polish up my final product, I need to make sure I’ve addressed the benefits customers can expect from my product. Sure, I’ve told people what the product does, but I’m selling T-shirts, not drones, in this example.

“I’m Joe Neely from DroneClip. Get our T-shirts to share your love of Alpacas and impress people by promoting the latest technology. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions for ranchers who want to save time and money.”

6) Polish your speech and hit your target word count. This little blurb says everything I need it to say. I present both my T-shirt enticement product (which would also work well as a freebie) and my big sell (DroneClip drone systems).

Now, I just need to combine my introduction with my final sentence and add a few tweaks (for example, “time and money” became “resources” and then simply “frugal”).

“I’m DroneClip’s Joe Neely. We offer hands-free shears for frugal ranchers. Buy a T-shirt, show you love Alpacas, and impress people with this fun new technology.”

I’ve narrowed down my word count, added an idea, and refined my language. With similar efforts on your longer, 75-word elevator speech, you can maximize your potency. Make the most of your limited time and say the most you can in fewer words!

Sample elevator pitches you do not want to emulate

Elevator pitch example #5: avoid truisms, buzzwords, and hyperbole.

“Hi, I’m Joe Neely–I’m here to tell you all about the best drones ever constructed. The U.S. military has nothing on our sUAS and UAV options. With DroneClip, the world’s greatest corporation, you’ll be flying over the sky in your own battle robot–which also clips alpaca hair! If you’re flying, you’re flying with DroneClip–and winning the battle against hand-shears!”

In this elevator pitch example , I didn’t hold back and spoke as I would to a drone enthusiast. Not only are many of the claims in this blurb highly-exaggerated (hyperbole), I’ve also used unfamiliar buzzwords/industry terms.

Instead of providing clear and concise content , I’ve fluffed-up this elevator pitch so much with useless and obvious statements (truisms) that I didn’t have room for a CTA.

Elevator pitch example #6: Weed out fillers and annoyances

“Do you hate alpaca hair? Do wish you’d bought yaks instead? No? Do you love alpacas and say, ‘leave the yaks to the hacks?’ Well, I’m Joe Neely–come one, come all to the DroneClip side of the street. You can’t go wrong with this system –it’s the best in the business. Do you want the finest alpaca hair machine money can buy? Well, step right up and buy one today!”

If you include too many fillers like leading questions and side tangents, you’ll only annoy your customers. Don’t come off like a carnival barker ; you want people to view you as a professional who knows when not to come on too strong.

Don’t insult your audience’s attention by filling their ears with unfounded claims. Be sure to describe a valid consumer need–and how your product/service meets it.

Elevator pitch example #7: Don’t change the subject and ask too much of people

“Hi–I’m Joe Neely and I want you to–I mean, if you want to, you can… Buy the DroneClip right now, my friend. You don’t need to see how it works – trust me when I say it solves all your problems, champ. I hope you like this product, sweetie, because I don’t know if… I meant to say DroneClip is the best alpaca hair solution and you’ll save a lot with it. Just ask your neighbors–in fact, my man, buy one for each of them!”

Let’s face it. No one will buy a major piece of farm equipment unseen and untested. They certainly won’t buy one for their neighbors/competitors. Ask your customers for too much too soon, and you’ll look silly. Also, changing the tone from indecisive to enthusiastic makes people uncomfortable. Calling people by inappropriate and unprofessional nicknames and trailing off mid-sentence makes you sound completely insincere–as if it were your first day on the job (or the planet).

The bottom line

Stick with the elevator pitch examples and outlines I’ve offered earlier in this article, and you’ll present yourself with class and style. Take the necessary time to sculpt, polish, and practice your speech.

An award-winning elevator pitch can’t sell by itself; you must devote time and effort to making it sound natural in your best speaking voice.

Once you have a good speech prepared, you need to try it out in real-life situations. Whether you sell big or flop the first time, you’ll gain the experience you need to keep improving.

You’ll keep improving your sales skills throughout your career; just get out there and start talking to people–today!

Join 30,000+ subscribers getting the best tips on productivity, work management, hiring and more!

We promise we won't spam you and you can unsubscribe anytime.

You might also like...

Related to Business Growth

Free Balance Sheet Template

Time and Materials vs. Fixed Fee: What To Choose?

Brilliant smart goal examples for managers.

Take a peek at our most popular categories:

Hey there! Free trials are available for Standard and Essentials plans. Start for free today.

Try Mailchimp risk-free with a 1-month trial. Start for free today .

How to Write the Perfect Elevator Pitch with Examples

An elevator pitch is a great way to win new clients and partners in just a short pitch. Learn how to develop an elevator pitch for your brand or business.

No matter the size of the business you run, understanding how to write the perfect elevator pitch is essential. Think of how little time you have in an elevator heading from the ground floor to the fifth floor. That's not much time to explain what your business is and what you do, is it?

However, being able to write an elevator pitch is a beneficial aspect of your marketing. It might sound a bit outdated, but it's really not. This grassroots marketing concept can be used in other scenarios more relevant in today's world besides in an elevator.

Nowadays, you might not run into a potential investor or client on an elevator and have little time to speak to them. You will, though, meet people or need to send emails and want to keep them short and sweet. You may be at a networking event, where you have short bouts of time to mingle with different people.

Therefore, when you can summarize what you do and offer in a short speech, it keeps people engaged and gives them just enough information to pique their interest, no matter where you run into them or reach out to them.

What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is basically a sales pitch. It's succinct and persuasive. Unlike crafting an entire speech, you're condensing who you are, what you do, and what your company offers into a few short sentences, just enough to explain but not enough to bore or overwhelm.

A good elevator pitch essentially lays the foundation to get people interested in your idea, product, or service. They then want to know more and might just contact you.

While today an elevator speech doesn't necessarily have to be in an elevator, it's been rumored that the first elevator pitch was in an elevator. It happened in 1853 when a number of buildings had elevators. They were dangerous, especially considering they used ropes to pull the elevator and passengers.

Alisha Otis thought of another, safer way for people to travel from one floor of a building to the next. And he demonstrated his idea in an elevator display at a convention.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

Now that you know the answer to "What is an elevator pitch," know that it should be the length of a brief elevator ride, so about 20 to 30 seconds.

Keep in mind that it doesn't matter whether you want to start a business , have online business ideas , or already have a business and are looking for ways to grow your audience , expand your company, or sell your product or service.

It also doesn't matter what type of entrepreneurship the pitch is for either, whether a small business, medium-sized company, or large enterprise. The goal is to write something concise and quick that can encapsulate your main idea.

Ultimately, the object of an elevator speech or sales email is to explain how it's a product market fit in as short of an amount of time as possible. You must give enough information to adequately explain but not too much that the audience loses interest.

How to create an effective elevator pitch

Creating an elevator speech is less complicated than you may think if you're contemplating how you can summarize everything about your business in a few sentences.

Here are some key aspects to consider:

Know your business and target audience

Before you create your elevator pitch, make sure you create a business plan .

In your business plan, establish what you plan to offer, who you'll hire, and a variety of other details that are vital to creating your business. Not to mention, you perform market research , so you develop a profound understanding of who your target market is.

Know your goal

What do you plan to accomplish with your elevator speech? Do you want to find a co-founder , gain a new client, or sell your products to a large company? The possibilities are numerous. And not everyone will create the same type of elevator pitch since they may not have the same purpose.

Briefly describe your business

In your elevator pitch, sum up your business in a sentence or two. While it sounds difficult to keep your elevator speech short, especially if you've been in business for a bit, it's possible.

Think of what your company does or offers. Even if the concept of your products or offerings is technical in nature, leave out the technical jargon. Describe it in a way that almost any adult could understand what you do and provide.

Explain what makes your business unique

You have competition out there who are trying to obtain business in your niche. You need to find a way to stand out. Think about what sets your company apart. Why is your product or service better? Is it your customer service or the product itself?

Whenever you're going to networking events, meeting new people, or even cold emailing, you need to persuade people to choose you and your business over others. Therefore, make sure you explain why you're different in your elevator pitch.

Be positive

It's easy to come across in a negative way, even if that wasn't your intention. For instance, you could exacerbate the problem or put the competition down. These, however, come across poorly and can be off-putting for your potential customers.

Instead, explain everything in a positive manner. If you mention anything about how your company is different, explain it in a way that shines a light on your product or services and doesn't trash the competition.

For instance, if you want to say your company offers quicker service, don't mention that other companies can take days to show up. State that you built your business around providing quicker service than the competition.

When you talk about something you know, it becomes almost effortless to just ramble on. You then might find people are ignoring you when you're pitching your idea. This can pose quite a problem when you're trying to summarize your business quickly and intrigue people.

For this reason, always create the elevator speech first before you start using it on people. You can then slim it down and make it more concise. Speak only about the most important points. Save everything else about your business for once the person takes an interest in learning more.

Be the solution

Whether you're at a professional networking event, sending an email, or preparing for job interviews, make your pitch encompass being a solution for their problem.

For instance, if someone has dry skin, your elevator pitch could sell lotion. Let's say the individual is a major investor. Their focus is on making money. Therefore, marketing your company is a way for them to earn big bucks.

Go out with a bang

At the end of your elevator speech, you need a solid conclusion that pulls the audience in. For instance, you could conclude with how your product or service can change people's lives. Or it may include how much becoming your partner could bring prosperity.

Besides ending with a thought-provoking statement, you could also end with a question to get the audience thinking and questioning if what you're saying is right for them. It could also be a question that gets them to respond so you can begin a conversation with them. If they're in a hurry, it's a prime opportunity to exchange information, such as a business card.

Elevator pitch examples

Although the advice above may help, these elevator pitch examples can further your understanding and start you thinking about your own elevator pitch.

Skincare product

Are you tired of scanning the store shelves for natural skin care products only to find parabens and phthalates? After much deliberation and research, I created the perfect blend of herbs, minerals, and vitamins to give you soft, supple skin without everything you don't want. Would you like to give it a try?

Housekeeping company

It can often seem like you're failing when you can't juggle everything. That's when my company can help. No matter how frequently you need cleaning, my company can assist. We complete everything from sweeping and dusting to washing walls and windows. We're insured and guarantee high-quality results. So if you're sick of streaked windows, give us a try.

Restaurant looking for investors

Who doesn't want a mouthwatering, healthy, home-cooked meal brought to them? I've been in the restaurant business for over 10 years and am ready to take it on my own and provide the area with healthy, comfort food. While it sounds like an oxymoron, it isn't. I know how to cut calories and unhealthy ingredients without sacrificing taste. I'm just looking for an investor for this potentially profitable venture.

Marketing solutions software

Did you know, on average, a company spends between 7% and 8% of its revenue on marketing? Think about that in dollar amounts. With 365 Marketing, many of those tasks you're paying for right now can be automated, saving you time and money in the long run.

Expand your reach with Mailchimp

An elevator pitch is a synopsis of what makes you and your company unique. It's often offering a solution to a problem. Fortunately, Mailchimp provides various options that can help you with the process.

With Mailchimp's products, you can reach your investors, clients, or customers conveniently through automated email generation and more. You can then use your well-written, well-thought-out elevator pitch on a large number of people.

Related Topics

• Personalization
• Grow Your Team
• Grow Brand Awareness
• Measure Marketing Performance
• Drive Sales

How to Write an Elevator Pitch for Your Business [Template & Examples]

Written by Dave Lavinsky

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch in business is a brief description of your business, which can be spoken in 30 to 60 seconds (about the same duration as a short elevator ride), that excites your audience and encourages them to want to learn more about your company.

6 Components of a Great Pitch

Your company’s elevator pitch should include the following:

• Who you are – Introduce yourself and your company.
• What you do – Describe what products and/or services you offer.
• How you’re different – Describe what makes your company different from its competitors.
• Why you’re the best – Explain your value proposition.
• What’s in it for them – Describe what your audience can gain by working with you.
• Call to action – Describe your desired outcome.

What Makes a Great Elevator Pitch?

A quality elevator pitch:

• Gets everyone in your company on the precise same page regarding what your business is and what the key objectives are.
• Allows everyone in your company to give a concise and consistent explanation of your business which leads to more customers.
• Allows investors, lenders, partners, etc., to quickly understand what you do and hopefully get excited to work with your business venture.

Below you’ll learn the 7 keys to writing an effective elevator pitch for a company with examples from successful companies.

Then you’ll see our elevator pitch template to allow you to skillfully create your own elevator pitch for your business.

Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!

Once you finish your elevator pitch, you should include it in your business plan.

7 Keys to Writing an Elevator Pitch with Examples

Below are a few tips to help you create an effective elevator pitch with examples from multiple industries.

1. Make Your Elevator Pitch Short

With elevator pitches, brevity and simplicity are the keys. Take this elevator pitch example:

This is the introductory statement of the elevator pitch of Sandy Lerner, co-founder of Cisco Systems. The entire business premise is explained in just three words. A tremendous feat but one that is achievable with practice and patience.

2. Make it Simple

Use straightforward language in your elevator pitch with the goal that someone with very limited knowledge about your industry can easily understand your value.

Celebrated investor Michael Moritz in his book Leading recalls founders of Google, Sergey Brin and Larry Page’s straightforward elevator pitch:

Moritz recalls being impressed with the crispness and clarity of the pitch. The lesson here is that your pitch needs to be concise but with a clear sense of purpose and direction, which makes it memorable and easy to deliver.

3. Hook Them with What Makes you Unique

Your elevator pitch should spark interest, arouse curiosity, and make people want to engage with you to know more about your business and/or idea. It should be creative and distinctive.

Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs was a star presenter who perfected the art of the hook. At the 2007 iPhone launch he began his pitch with the following statement:

Similarly, Airbnb’s pitch clearly highlights their distinctive offering:

Once you have people hooked you can expand upon your idea, depending on the time you have.

4. Include Numbers in Your Pitch

Instead of industry jargon, incorporate numbers into your elevator pitch. Investors understand numbers and a single relevant data point can do most of the influencing for you.

Consider the premise of The Laundress, a non-toxic fabric care company founded in 2004 that sold to Unilever for a reported $100 million in 2018:

Almost no one understands the specialized textile science that underpins The Laundress’ products. But almost everyone understands that dry cleaning is expensive and uses harmful chemicals. The 90% figure is an attention-grabbing statistic that immediately prompts curiosity around how The Laundress will clean your clothes while saving money on dry cleaning and reducing your environmental impact.

5. Prepare Several Elevator Pitches for Various Stakeholders

When getting your business off the ground or trying to scale it you will pitch different stakeholders.

You might find yourself pitching to an investor, coworker, or client. All will have a different agenda and need from your business. So, your elevator pitch to each one of them should be slightly varied to account for their needs and prospective benefits.

Consider a fictional startup aerosol disinfectant company and the below elevator pitches as framed to various stakeholders:

Prospective investor : Aeroclean’s portable disinfecting equipment creates the finest mist on the market and performs twice as effective at killing bacteria and viruses as the leading competitor. We estimate the market for products like ours will double in the next 24 months and, because we are the best in the business, your $500,000 investment will triple in that same period.

Prospective salesperson : You will be joining Aeroclean at the front end of a massive market expansion never before seen in the disinfectant space. We expect that your past experience in chemical sales coupled with our competitively priced state-of-the-art product will result in a six-figure commission opportunity over the next 12 months.

Prospective client : Keeping your common spaces bacteria and virus free will keep your workforce healthier and more productive, but 3 out of 4 companies we meet with haven’t found a solution that works for them. Aeroclean is portable, twice as effective as our competitor and priced at $1,500, payable over six months, and comes with a money-back guarantee.

Understanding how to get your audience’s attention is important for any pitch situation. Make sure you practice giving your elevator pitch so you can effectively communicate your business or idea to the right audience.

6. Have a Key Takeaway

Make sure your audience knows what you want from them at the end of your elevator pitch, be that their business, capital investment, or endorsement.

Consider Heal, a mobile app that facilitates doctor house calls for patients. Founder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Renee Dua makes this pitch to potential patients on Heal’s website:

The takeaway here is a bid to you as the consumer to switch to Heal from other alternatives for your family’s healthcare needs.

7. Rehearse Thoroughly

Practice your pitch whenever you can and on whoever you can. Record yourself and play it back to see how you come across. Practicing also fosters confidence so that in an actual pitching situation you do not stall or come across as robotic.

Your body language also matters, so practice in front of a mirror to see how you move. Sit up straight, make eye contact and use hand gestures to help communicate the important points.

Your delivery must be smooth, conversational, and delivered in a compelling way. Seeing you entirely in control and confident will automatically inspire the audience’s confidence in the idea and/or business you are selling. The way you deliver your pitch is a great indication of the amount of passion you hold for your business. Hearing a passionate pitch can convince investors who invest in people as much as they invest in ideas. But, be sure to have your business card handy. 

Business Elevator Pitch Examples for Inspiration

Some specific examples of how to craft your company’s elevator pitch can be helpful. The following sample elevator pitches cover a wide range of businesses and organizations.

“We sell eco-friendly home goods online. We’re better than the other guys because we have a commitment to sustainability and offer high-quality products that last.”

“We develop mobile apps. We’re different because we design for both Android and iOS, and we have a team of experts who can make your app stand out in the App Store.”

“We help small businesses grow. We do this by creating and implementing online marketing campaigns that generate leads and sales. We’re the best at this because we have a team of experts who know how to leverage the latest digital technologies.”

“We offer a cloud-based customer relationship management system. Our CRM is different because it was built from the ground up to be mobile-friendly. We also have a team of experts who can help you get the most out of our CRM.”

“We sell and install solar panels. We’re the best at this because we have a team of experts who can help you choose the right solar panel for your needs and budget, both for installation and maintenance. We also have the best warranties in the industry.”

“We are a children’s boutique with one-of-a-kind clothing for kids 0-5 years old. We offer free shipping when you spend $50 or more, which is our way of saying thank you for supporting our small business.”

“We are the smartest sales lead generation company in the industry. We provide intelligence to clients through our proprietary platform, which is powered by big data and machine learning. But what really sets us apart is our team of experts who manage every facet of your lead gen campaigns.”

“We are the only company that offers a complete solution for your event planning needs. We have everything from venues to catering to décor, and we can take care of all the details so you don’t have to worry about anything. Plus, our team of industry experts will make sure your wedding is the stuff of fairy tales.”

Some other real-world elevator pitch examples include:

DoorDash : “DoorDash is the fastest way to get food from great restaurants to your door.”

Blue Apron : “Blue Apron helps you cook incredible meals at home.”

Warby Parker : “Warby Parker is a better way to buy glasses.”

ZocDoc : “ZocDoc makes it easy to find and book appointments with top doctors and dentists.”

While these elevator pitch examples are great for inspiration, remember that the best pitch is the one that fits your company perfectly.

To make the perfect elevator pitch, focus on what makes your company different and how you are helping your customers. If you think about your pitch as a conversation between two people, it should flow and sound natural.

You can also try using one of these elevator pitch examples as a starting point or our template below from which you can craft your own elevator pitch. However, keep in mind that the best way to have a successful pitch is by tailoring it for each potential investor.

General Elevator Pitch Template to Help You Write Your Pitch

The following elevator template includes six questions to help you develop a good elevator pitch for your business.

• What does your company do (start with phrases such as: we help, we provide, we manufacture, we offer, etc.)?
• Who does your company serve (who are your customers? teenagers? entrepreneurs, new parents, etc.)?
• What key benefits do you offer your customers? (e.g., higher quality/more success, lower cost, more reliable, etc.)?
• Why is your company better than competitors? (e.g., even faster, less expensive, etc.)? 
• What information gives your firm more credibility  (e.g., track record)?
• Is there a clear and clean business sector that your company fits into (e.g., restaurant, CPA firm, etc.)?

Combine the key points from Questions 1-6 into a 35 word or less statement that describes your business.

Say it aloud to make sure it sounds good and makes sense. Tell it to friends to make sure they “get” it. Tell it to team members and other employees to confirm that they can repeat it back to you.

Business Elevator Pitch Conclusion

Developing a strong elevator pitch is essential for any business. It can help you sell your company to potential investors, employees, and customers.

The best elevator pitches are clear, concise, and easy to understand. They highlight what makes your company different and why customers should choose you over the competition.

Remember to tailor your pitch to fit each individual investor and to make sure it sounds natural and normal. Practice saying it aloud to make sure everything flows together well.

If you follow these steps, you will have a much better chance of selling your business to investors and achieving great success for your business.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

10 Elevator Pitch Examples from Successful Startups

What is an elevator pitch?

It's a short description of an idea, product, or company. It's meant to be shorter than an elevator ride, meaning, 30 seconds or less. The concept also applies to pitching yourself, as an individual, to introduce yourself and or land a job- but we'll be focusing on the company/startup version of this. So- an elevator pitch should be enough to explain your startup idea and leave the investor curious for more. 

I love the concept of an 'Elevator Pitch.' It's a fantastic mental exercise for you as a founder and one that is very commonly overlooked.

Now, this is not to be confused with the concept of a pitch deck.

How to write an Elevator Pitch

Elevator pitch outline.

In this article, we are going to look into some tactics to approach writing your elevator pitch, lessons learned. Then I'll take a stab at writing some elevator pitch examples from companies you are probably familiar with.  

Let me give you my Slidebean Elevator Pitch first, and then we'll break it down:

-Do you ever need to make slide presentations?

‍ (I'll assume you said yes).

-How long does it usually take you? ‍

(Insert any answer here, it's probably going to be hours).

-We discovered that the reason why it takes so long is that all presentation platforms give you a white canvas: you need to figure out the content of the deck while figuring out how it's going to look. It's just very inefficient- and if you're not a designer, slides might not look too good.

So we created Slidebean , a tool where all you need to do is add the content, and the design of the slides gets generated automatically. Over 10 million slides have been created with our platform.

So here's a quick teardown,

Starting with a question

We have the advantage of tacking a problem that most people in an office have experienced. We can 'bet' on what the answers to those questions might be. The question also allows you to turn this into a [controlled] conversation rather than just a pitch. The focus here is to be relatable- to speak to a problem that the potential customer or potential investor will probably have experienced. Not all companies can get away with this- but try to find something that applies to your business idea.

Slidebean is visual. It's a lot easier for me just to show you how it works, but I can't do that in the elevator.

Amount of Details

Notice how I mostly focused on this problem/solution combination. This is what an elevator pitch is mainly made up of- it's a teaser of the company, enough to get people interested.

Also notice how I didn't use any fancy terms like Artificial Intelligence, online collaboration, viewer tracking. Too many tech terms put together sound like jargon.

A hint of traction

You might or might not want to share details about customers and revenue, but showcasing A metric that gives a sense of the scale of the business is pretty useful.

Elevator Pitch Templates

Mastering the art of delivering a concise and impactful elevator pitch is a crucial skill. An elevator pitch is your golden opportunity to capture attention, convey your value proposition, and leave a memorable mark on your audience.Whether you're introducing your startup, seeking a job, networking at an event, pitching a product, or rallying support for a nonprofit cause, these templates provide a foundation to help you craft compelling and effective elevator pitches. Let's check them out:

Startup Entrepreneur Pitch Template:

"Hi, I'm [Your Name], founder of [Your Startup]. We're [briefly explain your unique solution or product] for [industry]. In just [mention a timeframe], we've [share a remarkable achievement]. Our vision is to [describe your long-term goal]. With a passionate team, we're poised to [impact or disrupt]. Let's connect to discuss how we're innovating [industry]."

Sales Pitch Template:

"Hello, I'm [Your Name] from [Your Company]. We provide [Your Product/Service], solving [specific problem] for [target clients]. Using [unique approach], clients typically experience [quantifiable benefit]. Let's chat about how [Your Product/Service] could elevate [Prospect's Company]."

Job Seeker Pitch Template:

"Hello, I'm [Your Name], a [Your Profession] with [X] years in [expertise]. I've [highlight accomplishments/projects], and I excel at [emphasize a key skill]. I'm eager to bring this to [Company Name]. Can we explore how I fit into your team?"

Networking Event Pitch Template:

"Hi, I'm [Your Name], specialized in [Your Expertise]. I've [mention an achievement]. I'm here to connect with fellow [industry] enthusiasts. Let's exchange insights on [specific topic] or potential collaborations."

Nonprofit Fundraising Pitch Template:

"Hi, I'm [Your Name], dedicated to [Your Cause] with [Nonprofit Name]. We've impacted [mention achievement] through [specific program]. To continue, we seek support from like-minded individuals. Your contribution can help us [tangible outcome]. Interested in joining our mission?"

Use these templates as a guide to build you own elevator pitch.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Moving into elevator pitch examples, if you run a Google search for this term, you'll hopefully come across this article and our video. But beyond that, there are a bunch of articles from different sources, showing some examples. None of them stood up- so I figured we could imagine how the Elevator Pitches of some popular startups would have looked.

Airbnb Elevator Pitch

Most tourists booking online care about price- and hotels are one of the highest costs for when traveling.

On the other hand, platforms like Couchsurfing have proven that over half a million people are willing to lend their couches or spare bedrooms.

We have created a platform that connects travelers with locals, letting them rent our rooms, or even entire places. Travelers save money, and locals can monetize their empty rooms- we just take a 10% commission.

How does that sound?

Again, assuming that this is being pitched in 2009- with the information available on their original pitch deck. ‍

A few pointers here:

- Notice how I started mentioning tourists, not just any traveler. Airbnb doesn't necessarily target business. - It's easy to agree that people looking to travel care about price, so there's no market research or validation needed to come up with that statement, - On the other hand, it might be arguable that people will be willing to rent out their homes to strangers. I used the Couchsurfing validation to avoid that statement being questioned.

WeWork Elevator Pitch

There are 40MM independent workers in the US: consultants, freelancers, and small business owners. Solving office space is tough and expensive, especially in cities like New York. We created the concept of space as a service. We have 20 locations in the city- where people can rent a desk or an office without any of the complications of a traditional lease, effectively saving at least 25% of the cost. They get access to a shared front desk, mailroom, and a community of like-minded people.

Once again, this is based on the company stage they had by the time they made this pitch deck.

Slack Elevator Pitch

There is no publicly available pitch deck for Slack, but let's assume the company is just starting up:

The average office worker receives 304 emails per week. They also attend an average of 62 monthly meetings, half of which they consider 'wasted time'. Slack was made to make work more efficient. It organizes conversations by channels and drastically reduces the need for emails or meetings. It's integrated with 100s of productivity tools like Google Docs, Calendars, Email, Dropbox, Zoom... so you can receive automatic notifications and take action without leaving the interface.

Pitch Deck vs Elevator Pitch

As we mentioned above, an elevator pitch is a succinct 20-30 second speech geared to convince someone about a product or company. Having a good elevator pitch ready can help entrepreneurs make the best of brief encounters with potential investors at parties, business events, or elevators. An elevator pitch is a prime chance to make a good first impression and generate interest in the company.

Capturing someone’s attention in a short span of time is quite a challenge.

On the other hand, a pitch deck is 10-15 slide presentation to introduce a business proposal- mostly associated these days with an investor pitch deck. If you are looking for that, we have a couple of videos and articles focusing on pitch decks , as well as a neat pitch deck template. ‍

1. Information to Include in the Elevator Pitch Deck:

The key to crafting a good pitch deck is to keep it short and crisp while covering all the pertinent information. All the relevant information from the pitch deck should be condensed into a concise 30-second speech. It should explain the genuine need for the product in the market, its unique selling point, what differentiates the product from its competitors and the business model—all of this in under 30 seconds.

Take a look at the following pitch to understand this:

We are a boutique recruitment agency that helps tech companies hire the best programmers. We run our own hackathons to identify talent and match them with our clients. This helps companies hire top talent without too much effort on theirs. We have some clients on retainer, but we also work with some companies for specific openings. You could stop by at our next hackathon in Palo Alto to get a better sense of how we scout talent.

2. Capture Attention:

Fantastic elevator pitch examples are all conversation-starter; the ultimate aim is to progress to a meeting where the business model can be discussed at length. So, the priority for the pitch should be to capture the listener's attention and make them want to know more. Look at the following pitches:

• ‍ “I work on nanotechnology to deliver medical therapies to targeted cells”

This pitch is too technical and difficult to grasp.  Besides, it does not clearly present what the product does and how it adds value to the field of medicine.

• ‍ “We are using the manufacturing techniques of the computer industry to make better vaccines”

The second pitch is crisp and explains what the company does in a way that piques the listener's interest. This was the elevator pitch that got Joe DeSimone's company, Liquidia, funding from Bill Gates's Foundation.  

Also, it's essential to use the right presentation software in order to capture the audience's attention. An elevator pitch should have visuals elements along with eye-catching slides.

3. Avoid Jargon:

The purpose of an elevator pitch is to get your message across clearly. Using complicated business jargon and buzzwords that don’t really add any value to your message can undermine your message. Consider this pitch:

• ‍ “Our company's core competency is building synergy between top consumer brands and their customers. We help these companies to upsell and cross-sell their products while delighting their customers with new products.”

Here, the message is lost in the jargon.

• ‍ “Our proprietary customer relationship management software helps companies to track data about their consumers more efficiently. Companies that have switched to our software have reported a 20% surge in return customers.”

This pitch captures all the essentials in simple, everyday language and is far more effective in getting your message across.

4. Start with a Question:

Ronald Regan famously said, “Ask yourself, are you better off now than you were four years ago?” This succinctly summed up the core essence of his campaign.

Known for his par-excellence presentation skills, Steve Jobs is famous for making one of the best elevator pitches . While trying to convince John Sculley to leave Pepsi Co., for Apple Inc., Steve Jobs asked him, “Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?”

DOWNLOAD THIS TEMPLATE

5. focus on your listener:.

In the previous example, Steve Jobs's focus is not on what Apple does, but on what Sculley wants to do. Draw listeners in by addressing their needs. If it sounds like a marketing spiel, people tend to switch off. Flip the process of writing a pitch: it should not be a list of features of the product, but it should focus on telling listeners how it can help solve their problems.

This introduction for JustPark, a parking app which won the Pitch to Rich contest with Richard Branson exemplifies this:

“Let's face it. Parking can be a real nightmare. It can be infuriating to find, extremely pricey and by the time you find that spot you would have lost time, petrol, and caused a lot of unnecessary traffic and pollution. Well, there's an answer, parkatmyhouse.com. We are an awesome little company, backed by an awesome big company called BMW. Now, listen in: You can reserve parking in a private property and save up to 70%. Need to park at a sports match or local station? Sorted. ... Just go to parkatmyhouse.com and simply type in where you want to park and what dates. It is that simple.”

This pitch also slips in a reference to BMW, which adds to their credibility. This brings us to our next point about elevator pitches.

Buffer pitch deck Example:

6. Provide Proof of Results:

Incorporate information about your company's big achievements, or major associations in your pitch. Risk perception is a big barrier for investors.  Put them at ease by telling that you have a product or service with proven results. In the example above, knowing that JustPark is backed by BMW makes them seem more reliable, and customers are more likely to trust their cars with them.

7. Add an Emotional Benefit Statement:

Leadership expert Simon Sinek believes that it is important to show enthusiasm and help people see why you do what you do. As much as people would like to believe that decision-making is a purely rational activity, research has shown that it actually stems from our emotions. So, it is good to include an emotional benefit statement at the end.

Facebook Pitch deck Example:

8. Clear Call to Action:

The pitch is not an end in itself, it is just the beginning. So, in the presentation design, there should be a call to action that provides clear next steps on how people can get in touch with you to take the discussion forward. You could end your pitch with a simple line, like the one suggested by Cayenne Consulting:

‍ “If you’re interested in learning more, I’d love to stop by at your office in the next week or two to give you a live demo. Would that work for you?”

9. Keep it Natural:

Not just the content of the pitch, but the overall presentation and personality of the presenter impact how people respond to pitches. This is a personal interaction, and it should feel natural. It should not sound too rehearsed. The pitch should be conversational and leave scope for people to raise questions and share their opinions.

Airbnb pitch deck Example:

10. Bonus Example:

Here's a brilliant pitch for Tesla by Elon Musk, which is a good reference for how an elevator pitch should be drafted. This is slightly longer than the usual pitch, but still a great example:

11. Bonus Content:

If you are a student make sure to check our elevator pitch examples for students. Also, check our Pitch Deck Examples blog for more inspiration. The article includes a list of the best pitch deck examples like:

• Airbnb Pitch Deck
• Uber Pitch Deck
• Facebook Pitch Deck
• Slidebean Pitch Deck

Popular Articles

13 Best Free Presentation Websites Alternatives to PowerPoint in 2023

Presentation Outline Example and Template

Pitch Deck Structure: What Investors Want To See

What is a Convertible Note?

Let’s move your company to the next stage 🚀

Ai pitch deck software, pitch deck services.

Financial Model Consulting for Startups 🚀

Raise money with our pitch deck writing and design service 🚀

The all-in-one pitch deck software 🚀

A pitch deck is the standard document used by startups to present their case to investors; it’s a brief deck of about 10 to 20 slides. See examples here.

Learn how to create a compelling slide deck for your startup. Explore how to use slide decks as aids for your presentation, and the most common uses for them.

This is a functional model you can use to create your own formulas and project your potential business growth. Instructions on how to use it are on the front page.

Book a call with our sales team

In a hurry? Give us a call at 

5 Inspiring Elevator Pitch Examples for Entrepreneurs

• Written By Lindsay Tigar
• Updated: March 6, 2024

Picture your No. 1 dream mentor or investor who you admire. If you were stuck in an elevator with them and only had a second to get them on board with your company, what would you say?

If your mind blanked, that’s okay! That’s why we’re here.

In this guide, we’re going to focus on an area of your business that’s worth some special focus and attention – the elevator pitch! We’ll give you an outline to create your own elevator pitch as well as offer five templates you can use. By the end of this, you’ll be looking forward to getting in that metaphorical elevator and wowing that dream investor.

Your Elevator Pitch Outline

Though everyone will approach their entrepreneur-themed elevator speech differently, most include the following:

• A brief history of your background. Don’t go overboard here! You want to keep it light while positioning yourself as a leader.
• Your company and what you do, make, or offer. Again, air on the brief side rather than to give too many details.
• How your brand is different. To break through the noise, you need to stand out — and this sentence is where you do it. Consider using data and/or accolades here.
• Your goal with the conversation. Not all elevator pitches serve the same purpose. Sometimes, you’re hoping to bring on a new hire, and other times, you’re attracting an investor or client. Regardless, the pitch should end with the proposed next steps.

This outline is a solid way to begin brainstorming your entrepreneurial elevator speech. Consider practicing in front of the mirror or with a friend or partner to brush up on your skills as you start workshopping your speech. The more reps you get in, the more comfortable you’ll feel.

5 Elevator Pitch Template for Entrepreneurs

From ones that get to the point ASAP to ones that expand on the details and grab your attention, there are many ways to phrase your elevator pitch speech.

Here, are some examples to supercharge your elevator pitch creativity so you can craft something that hits the mark.

1. To ignite interest

“Hi, my name is [NAME] and my company [name of your company] develops and designs personalized online sales funnels [what your company does]. That means two things: one, online customers enjoy a flawless user experience tailored to their needs and interests, and two: our clients get automated solutions that dramatically boost sales [unique business proposition]. We helped our last client increase online revenue by 120 percent month-over-month [hard numbers behind your results]. Does your company have any experience with e-commerce automation? [engaging question]”

Why it works : This ignites interest because it presents the hard facts and then follows them up with numbers that move the needle.

2. To gain customers

“I’m [NAME], and I am the owner of and wardrobe stylist at The Style Foundry [name of your company]. We are a full-service wardrobe styling business that helps you take the stress out of getting dressed through our styling services. A typical customer cycle starts with a Closet Cleanse, where I clean out your closet, tell you what to keep and get rid of, take pictures of all of the yeses and then upload them to an app/website where I mix and match them into over 100 different outfits from what you already own. From there, I am able to really see what’s missing and what you need. We can tackle that by personal shopping, which is done in-person at your favorite stores or ones I suggest; virtual shopping, which is done online (I send you my finds, you buy what you like, and then when all of the items arrive at your house, I come in for a fitting); or through our mobile boutique, which we can pull up in your driveway and fill it with our pieces that best fit your style and shopping list. It’s the best of online and boutique shopping.”

Why it works : If you’re someone who needs this particular service, this elevator pitch  is equal parts convincing and captivating. You have all of the info — and your interest is sparked.

3. To attract investors

“Has this ever happened to you? You’re rushing to get the kids out the door in the morning so you can get them to school on time and not be late for an important meeting — and then you realize that you can’t find your car keys. This happens all the time to me. In fact, did you know that the average suburban professional misplaces their keys more than five times per month? That’s more than 600 million times per year! Using bluetooth technology, I’ve created a low cost key fob that helps people find their keys and other lost items in record time, making it easier to get out the door on busy mornings. We’ve got a working prototype and now we’re looking to raise funds to go into large-scale production. We’ve got some new team members on board with extensive manufacturing experience and supply chain expertise, so we’re hoping to get to market in the next six months.”

Why it works : The only thing missing is the name introduction — but with this landslide of info, it’s easy to see why investors would want to learn more. Not only is this elevator pitch transparent in terms of where the company is right now, but it has an air of confidence , too.

4. The to-the-point

“Hi, I’m [NAME], the founder of Merchant Machine [name of your company]. We make it easy to say ‘thank you’ at work. Merchant Machine helps small businesses quickly and easily save money on their credit card processing costs by comparing the leading options in the market. It’s completely free to the end user, there are no obligations and takes just one minute to do. Can we set up a time to chat tomorrow?”

Why it works : There are no frills here — but you have enough information to consider setting up a meeting. This approach is more effective via email or Linkedin.

5. The one that worked IRL

“Hi, I’m [NAME]. I got your email address from [NAME]. My co-founders and I founded Grasshopper and Engine Yard [name of your company], in which Amazon, Benchmark, and NEA invested. Our new company, Chargify, is a simple recurring billing management tool. We’re looking for angel capital to fill in some gaps. Maybe you’re interested in such an investment?”

Why it works : This is a real example from a real company. This led to other interests and helped them meet their goals. It’s effective because all of the information is straightforward and encouraging without taking up too much time in someone’s inbox.

Taking Out the Content Guesswork

Starting your own business is exciting, yet terrifying. There are a lot of unknowns when you’re starting it, and it can help to find certainty where you can.

One of the ways you can do that is by outsourcing things like your content creation to a trusted partner. It sets a good foundation while also freeing yourself up to focus on higher-level strategy. And that’s where ClearVoice comes in. With one of our customized content plans , our expert content creators can get you the exact content you need, when you need it. Connect with a content strategist today to see if we’re right for you!

Stay in the know.

We will keep you up-to-date with all the content marketing news and resources. You will be a content expert in no time. Sign up for our free newsletter.

Elevate Your Content Game

Transform your marketing with a consistent stream of high-quality content for your brand.

You May Also Like...

What is a Flexible Content Partner?

Mastering the Content Audit: ClearVoice Marketing’s Comprehensive Process Revealed

Measuring What Matters in Your Collaborative Content Approach

• Content Production
• Build Your SEO
• Amplify Your Content
• For Agencies

Why ClearVoice

• Talent Network
• How It Works
• Freelance For Us
• Statement on AI
• Talk to a Specialist

Get Insights In Your Inbox

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Intellectual Property Claims
• Data Collection Preferences

StrategyPeak - Strategic Marketing Consultants

We Help Companies Grow with Proven Sales & Marketing Systems

The Best Elevator Pitch Examples, Templates, and Tactics

The ultimate guide to writing an unforgettable elevator speech.

Author’s Note: I am astounded that this page receives thousands of readers each month . That number tells me that there are a lot of people looking for solid advice on how to craft a simple, compelling, and persuasive pitch. Most of the pitches I have seen have not been very good. It wasn’t because the product or the team were poor, but rather the pitch structure and story weren’t very well thought out. But with just a little planning and strategy, this can be corrected. If you are looking for the best ways to structure, present, and amplify your elevator speech, this article is for you. I wrote this based on my experiences in coaching hundreds of companies to present, with the highlight being to prep four companies to star in a Dragon’s Den pitch (the American equivalent is Shark Tank ).

The first thing, the absolute first thing, that anyone “buys” from you is your big idea embedded in story form. If people don’t “buy” into the big idea and story, they won’t buy anything else. [Read that again.]

Do you believe my statement above? If so, great! Even an article like the one you are about to read on elevator pitches needs an elevator pitch!! Your big idea and story are the beginning of your elevator pitch.

By definition, an elevator pitch is a quick persuasive speech that is used to create interest in a project, a concept, or people. It distills your ideas into the simplest, clearest points of value, what makes you different, and instills enough curiosity to make the prospect want to hear more. Theoretically, it should be no longer than the time it takes to ride an elevator to the top floor in a building. (e.g. between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.)

… luck happens when opportunity meets with preparedness …

As is often the case, most opportunities to meet with influential people happen spontaneously and unpredictably: the rising screenwriter who collides with a Hollywood producer while waiting in line for a taxi, or the hopeful new employee who finds himself in the elevator with the company CEO. The adage luck happens when opportunity meets with preparedness is very true.

There are many different types of pitches, which serve different purposes. While elevator pitches are meant to instill enough intrigue to get the prospect to ask you to tell them more, they do not have the persuasive horsepower of a full-fledged sales or investor pitch. Because these purposes are different, they require different lengths of time and stages of delivery.

Pitching is a skill, and just like all skills, there are ways to perfect it. Once you understand the principles of a pitch structure, your elevator pitch, sales pitch, boardroom presentation, or investor pitch will improve dramatically.

I recently partnered with the NABI business accelerator’s Managing Director, Dar Schwanbeck, to run one of their clients through a crash course for a pitch on the nationally televised show Dragon’s Den (the American equivalent is Shark Tank.) In fact, this was the 4th client that I have worked with to make an investment pitch in the den, and I have compiled the following takeaways on the structure and psychology of enticing the Dragons to invest. (Not pitching an investor anytime soon? Not to worry! These techniques will also help you get what you want from bosses, spouses, customers, and small children.)

Start Creating Your Laser-Sharp Pitch (career or business)

Elevator Pitch Basics

Let’s start with two elevator speech templates, an all-purpose generic template, and a sales pitch template. For these examples, we will use the fictional company Hydrolyzier, a manufacturer of commercial-grade water purification systems.

Generic Elevator Pitch Example

The following is a standard pitch format that can be applied to almost any situation.

My name is <<NAME>>, the CEO of <<COMPANY>>. Our company manufactures <<PRODUCT>> for <<TARGET CUSTOMER>> that allows them to <<YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION>>. Unlike <<OUR COMPETITION>>, we <<PRIMARY COMPETITIVE POINTS OF DIFFERENCE>>. <<CALL to ACTION>>

Using this format, here is a Hydrolyzier elevator pitch example:

Hi, my name is Bob Smith, and I am the CEO of Hydrolyzier Water Company. We manufacture the Hydrolyzier MaxLite, a commercial-grade water purification system that uses a tri-plane osmotic process that dramatically reduces the content of impurities in drinking water. Unlike competing systems, our patented osmotic process uses one-third of the power of a traditional water purifier while reducing the installation space to half. Our modular construction takes less than 36 hours to install, and best of all its price is less than 60% of similar systems. If you go to our YouTube channel, you can watch a video showing the Hydrolyzier in operation in a remote village in Ghana, West Africa

A Sales Pitch Example

If you are pitching in a sales situation, here is a format you could use:

Have you ever <<THE SITUATION THAT THE PROSPECT FACES>>? <<COMPANY NAME>> manufactures <<PRODUCT LINE>> for <<TARGET MARKET>> so that you can <<PRIMARY VALUE PROPOSITION / BENEFIT>>. Unlike <<TRADITIONAL ALTERNATIVES/COMPETITIVE OFFERINGS>>, <<OUR PRODUCT>> is <<COMPETITIVE POINT OF DIFFERENCE>>. <<CALL TO ACTION>>.

Using this format, here is Hydrolyzier’s elevator pitch:

Have you ever had a situation that required a low power, small footprint, water purification system for a remote settlement? Hydrolyzier Water Company manufactures the Hydrolyzier MaxLite, a commercial-grade water purification system that uses a tri-plane osmotic process that dramatically reduces the content of impurities in drinking water. Unlike competing systems, our patented osmotic process uses one-third of the power of a traditional water purifier while reducing the installation space to half. Our modular construction takes less than 36 hours to install, and best of all its price is less than 60% of similar systems. We have successfully installed the system in many remote communities. They have found it to be easy to install, reliable, and inexpensive to operate. Our most recent installation is in a remote village in Ghana, West Africa which we have documented in a 5 minute YouTube video. May I send you the link?

Six More Elevator Pitch Types

Beyond these standard elevator pitches, Daniel Pink, in his book To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others gives us six other types of pitches.

The One-Word Pitch

Can you distill your entire presentation into a single word?

• For Google, it might be “search.”
• For an Alfred Hitchcock horror movie, it might be “scream.”
• The word “inbound” belongs to Hubspot.
• While “invent” is closely associated with Thomas Edison.

For Hydrolyzier it is “purified water.”

Okay, you caught me. That’s two words, … but that’s okay.

(… continued below)

Here’s a portion from the book’s intro: Charismatic leaders seem to possess an effortless ability to influence, captivate, charm, and inspire people to action. Whether it is through grace, passion, or unshakable confidence, charismatic people can rouse the sentiments and energies of the people they touch. While not everyone can master charisma, there is one charismatic tool that any leader can learn — the power of storytelling; specifically, how to communicate a strategic narrative. A strategic narrative is a compelling story that weaves together existential concepts like who you are, your origin, your big idea, what you fight for and why, and offers a bold vision of a future that your people can rally behind. When charismatic leaders wield captivating strategic narratives, their power is unstoppable. 

Your elevator pitch is just the beginning. To really put your big idea into play, you must master strategic narratives. This book will show you how. Click here to get your copy.

The Question Pitch

Ask yourself, ‘Are you better off now than you were four years ago?

If your presentation’s central idea is already understood by your audience, a question pitch may be ideal. In the 1980 US presidential election campaign between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, Reagan asked a simple question, “Ask yourself, ‘Are you better off now than you were four years ago?’” Most people immediately understood the question and its context. Reagan became the 40 th President of the United States.

For Hydrolyzier it might be, “How can you supply a rural village in Ghana, West Africa with clean drinking water in under 36 hours, and at less than 60% of the cost of other water purification systems?”

The Rhyming Pitch

It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

Rhymes are easy to mentally process and remember. Also, some scientific studies have found that rhymes are perceived to be more accurate and believable than non-rhymes when pitching the same concept.

• Teeth whitening toothpaste Pepsodent used the following rhyme in its 1960’s and 70’s commercials, “You’ll wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent!”
• To emphasize its timepieces’ durability, watch manufacturer Timex said, “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”

For Hydrolyzier it might be,

• “Get wet.” or
• A Pure, Clean, Water Stream

(This was hard. How did I do?)

The Subject Line Pitch

Every email subject line that you write is a pitch inviting the recipient to open it. Daniel Pink advises that your subject line pitch should offer utility value, curiosity, and specificity. However, he cautions that while specificity should be in all subject lines, you should choose to use either utility value or curiosity for any single subject line

Here are some examples:

• Drugstore: “Your prescription is expiring.”
• Mortgage Broker: “How Much House Can You Afford?”
• Credit Card Company: “You’re missing out on reward points.”

For Hydrolyzier it might be, “How Remote Communities Can Install On-Site Purified Drinking Water Systems in Under 36 hours.”

The Twitter Pitch

Can you get your pitch down to 140 characters? Or less? Here are a couple of funny ones for Twitter itself:

• “Twitter. The only place you get excited when a stranger follows you.” or
• “Twitter. Get the news before it happens.”

For Hydrolyzier it might be, “Clean Drinking Water for 300 African Villagers in Under 36 hours.”

The Pixar Pitch

Animation studio Pixar has produced a string of hits, including Wal-E, Finding Nemo, Toy Story, Incredibles, and many, many others. The standard plot structure for each of these stories fall into the following format:

Once upon a time <<INTRODUCE CHARACTER AND CONTEXT>> Every day, <<ESTABLISH THE WAY THINGS WERE>>. One day <<INTRODUCE PROBLEM/INCITING INCIDENT>>. Because of that <<CHALLENGE>>. Because of that <<SEARCH FOR SOLUTION>> Until finally <<FINDS SOLUTION>> Now, <<ESTABLISH THE WAY THINGS ARE BETTER NOW>>

For Hydrolyzier it might be:

In Africa, village water wells are vital to the sustainability of the rural population. In one community, we counted over 300 people who relied on a single well as their only source of daily drinking water, often walking from miles around to obtain it. Last year, the well was found to be contaminated by waterborne parasites. Hydrolyzier was one of three companies contacted by the regional government to remedy the situation. We were selected to install our new water purification system, the Hydrolyzier MaxLite, primarily due to the speed which we could deploy it (in less than 36 hours), and its cost (less than 60% of its competitors). Today, the people of this village can safely drink from their well again.

Amplifiers for Your Pitch

If you are in a full-fledged pitch like those on Dragon’s Den or Shark Tank, these pitch amplifiers will come in very handy. Beyond profiling a great product or service, your pitch should also contain the following:

Shock, Fascination, or Intrigue – The Dragons’ minds are wandering during your entrance. Their brains are actively searching for WHY they should care. Give them a simple statement that startles them into rapt attention. Here’s an example if you are pitching a water purifying device. In the introduction, you can either say:

• “Our device is called the Hydrolyzier, and it uses a tri-plane osmotic process that dramatically reduces the content of impurities in drinking water.”
• “Water is life, yet 768 million people do not have access to safe, clean drinking water, and 2.5 billion people live without proper sanitation. When water is unsafe and sanitation non-existent, water can kill.”  (Unicef Clean Water Campaign)

The 2nd statement allows a fluid transition into a description of your product WITH the Dragons’ full attention.

… a “space western”.

Metaphor  – Because people absorb new information by relating it to an existing reference point they understand, you should create a metaphor that allows them to associate, compare, and draw relations easily. When Gene Roddenberry was pitching the original Star Trek series to NBC in 1964, the concept of a racially mixed crew with women and aliens on the bridge travelling to distant planets was so foreign that it was initially dismissed because NBC brass didn’t think anyone would watch. To sell the idea, Roddenberry used the metaphor of a “space western.” Because western movies and TV shows were something everyone was familiar with, this bought him the time and funding to develop not just one, but two pilots for the popular series.

Hydrolyzier’s primary differentiating value propositions are its low cost, small size, and rapid deployment capability. We could use the following metaphor to convey these central ideas:

“Hydrolyzier: We are the IKEA of Commercial Water Plants.”

Clarity – As a minimum, the elevator pitch has to have clarity on the attributes of:

• The primary problem the product solves
• The way it solves it
• Alternatives to the product, but emphasizing how you are better
• How big the market is
• The cost of the solution
• The price you can charge
• How much investment capital you need and for what purpose
• What the Dragons will receive for their money

Emotional Appeal  – To get people moving fast and with purpose, you must infuse your pitch with emotion. Confidence, fear, anger, amazement, joy, indignation, love, disgust, envy, or dozens of other emotions can energize your pitch. Choose the ones most relevant to the story you are telling.

Tangible Demonstration – Nothing shows people what your product can do better than a physical demonstration. Imagination and understanding are stoked further when something is taken in hand. Get the audience involved in a demo.

Risk Reduction – Every new investment involves risk. Show the Dragons you understand what the risks are, and how you will quell them. By the way, nothing makes investment risk in a startup go away faster than showing you have sales. Show the Dragons your sales pipeline to get a deal done fast.

Authority – Authority commands attention, respect, and intrigue. Show the Dragons you are an authority on the market, its pain, your solution, and the competitive alternatives. Authority can come in many forms but always includes the primary elements of knowledge, experience, credentials, and public recognition. Demonstrate all four in the pitch.

Scarcity  – If it’s valuable, it’s probably scarce. Show the Dragons that the opportunity to invest is (truthfully) fleeting. Some common reasons why include:

• Sales are coming in so fast you will soon be able to self-fund out of cash-flow
• Because sales are increasing, the valuation they can invest at will continue to rise the longer they wait
• You have another strategic partner that has indicated they want to invest in you

Repetition – Repetition drives the message deeper. What is the central unifying message of your elevator speech? Repeat it three times in the presentation. For the UNICEF Clean Water Campaign, it might be “Water is life.”

Contrast – Something is “hot” only in relation to something that is “cold.” The Dragons’ brains are actively looking for a contrast to help them analyze and categorize the data for a decision. In the Hydrolyzier example, the easiest way to employ contrast is to show a before and after comparison of the water. Dirty, polluted water before filtration, clean, clear water after.

Story – Now, wrap it all up in a story. Humans have been gathering in groups to tell stories for millennia. Stories have the ability to draw and keep attention, fascinate, intrigue, and engage all our mental and emotional energies. Great brands are about great stories. Create a powerful narrative to tell.

Time  – Finally, keep the pitch short, just long enough to get all of the above out, but no longer.

By using these structures, and embedding these psychological persuasion tactics in your pitch, you will have a dramatically improved chance of making a memorable impact!

About Kurian Tharakan

Kurian Mathew Tharakan is the founder of sales and marketing strategy firm StrategyPeak Sales & Marketing Advisors, a 27 year veteran of the sales and marketing industry, and the author of the Amazon bestseller, The Seven Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell. He has consulted for companies in numerous sectors, including Retail, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Distribution, High Technology, Software, Non-Profit, and Life Sciences. In addition to his consulting practice, he has also been an Executive in Residence at the business accelerators TEC Edmonton and NABI where he has assisted clients with their go-to-market strategy. Prior to StrategyPeak, Mr. Tharakan was a vice president of sales & marketing for an Alberta-based software firm where his team achieved notable wins with several members of the US Fortune 500.

Here’s Our vCard

Follow Us …

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

What’s an elevator pitch? An elevator pitch is a brief e-mail summary of your business. Or a short story that you can tell in the course of a elevator ride. You use the elevator pitch to get meetings with prospective investors. Typically, you ask someone whom the investor trusts to pass along your elevator pitch […]

What’s an elevator pitch?

• Babak Nivi likes helping entrepreneurs succeed. He’s helped start companies like Songbird, Grockit, and Kovio that have been backed by firms including Sequoia, Benchmark, and Kleiner Perkins.

Partner Center

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Building Your Business
• Operations & Success

6 Steps for Writing a Powerful Elevator Pitch

Alyssa Gregory is an entrepreneur, writer, and marketer with 20 years of experience in the business world. She is the founder of the Small Business Bonfire, a community for entrepreneurs, and has authored more than 2,500 articles for The Balance and other popular small business websites.

The Balance / Cindy Chung 

An elevator pitch is an overview of your business, and, as the name implies, it is delivered in the time it takes to complete your average elevator ride. It can be one of the simplest yet most powerful marketing tools for a small business owner.

When delivering your elevator pitch, the goal is to be short and snappy to entice your would-be prospect to want to know more about your business. The length can vary, but you typically want to be able to present your elevator pitch comfortably without rushing in 30 seconds or less.  

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

The elevator pitch goes beyond sharing what it is you do. Instead, the goal is to intrigue your lead so that they want to know more. So, instead of saying, "I'm a virtual assistant," you might say, "I help busy small business owners get more done, in less time, to earn more profits." Any small business owners who heard that would likely want to know how they could earn more by doing less.

Here is a six-step process to help you write an elevator pitch:

• Who Are You? Write one sentence about yourself. For example, you might introduce yourself as a consultant to small business owners.
• What You Do or Offer? Use your mission statement and product/service listing as a guide, and write a sentence or two about what you do every day in your business. If your emphasis is on time-saving techniques, state briefly how your strategies work.
• What Problem Do You Solve? Identify the value you offer to your customers or clients. Avoid listing only your features, and instead, translate them into benefits.
• How You Are Different? Use your unique selling proposition (USP) as a guide and write about what sets you apart from every other business owner who does what you do. Perhaps you've had relevant experiences and overcome them yourself or you have an uncommon strategy.
• Ask a Question: Elevator pitches are generally delivered in in-person situations, such as an elevator or networking event, which means you want to be social and engage your lead in a conversation. A great way to involve your lead is to ask a question that relates to your lead and your business. Using the virtual assistant question, you might ask, "What business activity do you find the most tedious?"
• Give a Call to Action: Once your pitch is done, give the lead something to do next in a call to action , such as take your business card. Briefly let your audience know what they can do to follow up and hear more. Provide a means for further contact or for scheduling a meeting.

Putting Your Elevator Pitch Together

Once you've come up with something for each of the six steps, work with your responses to create up to a 30 second or 80- to 90-word pitch.   Add transitions and edit your pitch until it flows conversationally and captures the most important information. For example, it might read something like this:

"Hi, I'm Sally Smith, a virtual assistant who helps busy small business owners get more done, in less time, to earn more profits. What business activity do you dislike doing the most?"

"Hi, I'm Sally Smith, I'm an accountant who helps people keep more of their hard earn money. Last year I helped my clients save over six-figures. Here's my card which lists the top tax deductions most people don't take advantage of."

The above examples are shorter than most, but they highlight your goal which is to give an indication of what you do and how you can be helpful to your lead.

Tips to Effective Elevator Pitches

There is a secret to a good elevator pitch which goes to the psychology of sales and marketing. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Know Your Audience

Get your lead talking first so you can learn something about them and their pain points so you can tailor your pitch to fit their needs. For example, if Sally Smith learned that a small business owner was buried under papers, she could say, "Hi, I'm Sally Smith, a virtual assistant who helps small business owners get their ducks in a row. My clients scan their paper items and I organize and file them for them, saving them time, money, and clutter."

Target Market

Like all other forms of marketing, the more you can speak to your lead's needs, the greater the chance you'll entice them to want to learn more about your business.

Less Is More

There's a natural tendency to want to say everything about your business, but when you start getting into monologue territory, you risk boring or annoying your lead. Be pithy and hook your lead with information that will naturally lead them to ask about your business. Again, this is where describing your benefits, over your features can help.

Consider Leading With a Hook

A hook is an enticing statement that grabs attention. Your hook can be a question, such as, "You know how so many business owners waste time and money because they wear too many hats? I'm a virtual assistant that takes those hats so business people can focus on what they do best...make money."

Or your hook can be a benefit statement, "I help business owners work less and make more." Just saying that alone would likely have a business owner asking how you did that.

Create Opportunity for Follow Up

All marketing should provide you with a means of following up. That can come in the form of a call-to-action, in which your lead is asked to take a next step, such as, "Here's my card with my website where you can get my free guide on working less and making more."

Better yet, improve your chances of a follow up by getting your lead's information, "Can I have your card? I'll email you my free guide on working less and making more."

Call to Action (CTA)

Always end your conversation giving your lead something to do that will allow you to contact them again in the future.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Don't just write and read your elevator pitch, speak it out loud and practice. It needs to sound natural when you say it, otherwise, you'll come off as a salesman. When the opportunity comes, you want the pitch to flow like it's a natural part of the conversation. If you can't flow through the pitch, then rewrite it until it rolls off your tongue.

Like a business card, an elevator pitch is a quick, easy way to introduce your business to people you meet. But beyond just answering the question of, "What do you do," you want to use your pitch to create interest in your business, and turn a lead into a prospect .

Pepperdine University. " Preparing Your Elevator Speech ," Page 1. Accessed Jan. 17, 2020.

University of California, Davis. " The 30 Second Elevator Pitch, " Page 1. Accessed Jan. 17, 2020.

The 7 Key Components of a Perfect Elevator Pitch

Noah Parsons

9 min. read

Updated April 9, 2024

Whether you are trying to raise money from angel investors or venture capitalists for your business, or just want to perfect your business strategy, a solid elevator pitch is an essential tool for achieving your goals. An elevator pitch that describes your business in a nutshell can be delivered as a speech ( ideally in 60 seconds or less ), a pitch presentation, or as a one-page overview of your business.

An easy way to think of your pitch is as an executive summary that provides a quick overview of your business and details why you are going to be successful.

• How to build a winning elevator pitch in 7 steps:

1. Define the problem

The most important thing is to identify a problem that is worth solving . If your product or service doesn’t solve a problem that potential customers have, you don’t have a viable business model . Simple as that.

Now, you don’t have to be solving a massive problem where the solution will change the world. That’s great if you are tackling such a problem, but for most businesses, that’s not the reality. Problems can be simple—and that’s OK. As long as you, as an entrepreneur, are solving a problem that customers have, you can build a business.

Here are a few examples of problem statements that could be highlighted in a pitch:

“Transferring photos from mobile phones is a difficult and complex process.”

“There are no good Chinese restaurants in Eugene, Oregon.”

“Analyzing results from MRI tests is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive.”

Try and distill your customer’s problem down to its simplest form. Ideally you should be able to describe the problem you are solving in one or two sentences, or potentially a few bullet points. In the long run, your company may solve multiple customer problems, but initially you will be more successful if you just focus on one core problem.

2. Describe your solution

Too many entrepreneurs start their elevator pitch by describing their solution: a product or service that they think the market needs. They skip step 1 and don’t identify the problem they are solving. As a smart entrepreneur, you can avoid this mistake by first making sure that you are solving a real problem that customers actually have before you define your solution.

Once you have clearly defined the problem you are solving, you need to explain your solution. A clear problem statement will help you focus your solution on solving that one problem, and not stretch the solution to solve multiple potential problems.

Again, try and distill your solution description down to as few words as possible. You should be able to describe your solution at a high level in just a few sentences or bullet points.

Brought to you by

Create a professional business plan

Using ai and step-by-step instructions.

Secure funding

Validate ideas

Build a strategy

3. Know your target market

As you define the problem you are solving, you should naturally be thinking about the potential customers who have this problem.

In the target market section of your elevator pitch, you will define exactly who has the problem you are solving and figure out how many potential customers you will be trying to sell to.

Market segmentation

You should try and divide your target market into segments—smaller groups of people whom you expect to market to.

It’s always tempting to define a target market that’s as large as possible, but that does not make for a credible pitch. For example, if you have a new shoe company, it would be tempting to say that your target market is “everyone.” After all, everyone has feet and everyone needs shoes, don’t they?

But, realistically, your new shoe company is probably targeting a specific group of people, such as athletes. Within this group of athletes, you might segment the market into additional groups such as runners, walkers, hikers, and so on.

How big is your potential market?

Once you have created a good list of target market segments, you’ll need to do a little market research and estimation to figure out how many people are in each segment. Take a look at our Bplans market research resource guide .

What do your customers already spend?

Next, try and estimate what an average person in each group currently spends each year on their current solution to the problem you are solving. Now, just multiply the number of people by how much they currently spend and you will have a realistic “market size” number or your target market.

In your pitch, you will want to talk about the market segments you are targeting, how many people are in each segment, and the total amount they currently spend. These numbers are critical and must be part of any good pitch presentation.

If you need more help with this section, check out our guide on defining your target market .

4. Describe the competition

Every business has competition . Even if no one has come up with a solution similar to what you have come up with, your potential customers are solving the problem they have with some alternative.

For example, the competitors to the first cars weren’t other cars. The competition was horses and walking. As you think about your competition and existing alternatives, think about what advantages your solution offers over the competition.

Are you faster, cheaper, or better? Why would a potential customer choose your solution over someone else’s? Describing your key differentiators from your competition is a great exercise and ensures that you are building a unique solution that customers will hopefully choose over other alternatives. These differentiators will also help you focus your marketing on the key value proposition that you offer, but your competitors don’t.

5. Share who’s on your team

As great as your idea is, only the right team will be able to effectively execute and build a great company.

In the “team” portion of your elevator pitch, you should talk about why you and your business partners are the right team to execute your vision, and why your team’s skill set is precisely what is needed to lead your company to success. People often say that a company’s leadership team is more important than the idea—and this is often true. No matter how great or unique your solution is, if you don’t have the right people on board, you won’t be able to see it to fruition.

It’s also O.K. to not have an entire team in place. It’s more important to understand that you have gaps in your management team and that you need to hire the right people. Knowing what your team is missing and recognizing that you need to find the right talent to fill the gaps is an important trait in any entrepreneur.

6. Include a financial summary

For a great pitch, you don’t necessarily have to show a detailed five-year financial forecast . What’s more important is that you understand your business model .

“Business model” may sound like something complex, but fortunately it’s not. All you need to know is who pays your bills and what kinds of expenses you will have.

For example, if you are starting an online news site, the customers that pay the bills are your advertisers. Your costs will be writers, graphic designers and web hosting. As you learn more about your industry, it is certainly helpful to put together  a sales forecast and expense budget . You will want to ensure that you can build a profitable company based on your assumptions. But, for your elevator pitch, a won’t have to include a detailed forecast. You should certainly have a forecast completed so that you can talk about the numbers if you get questions and provide the forecast if your potential investors are interested in learning more about your business.

7. Show traction with milestones

The final key element of your elevator pitch is conveying your business milestones, or your schedule .

Here you will talk about your upcoming goals and when you plan to achieve them. If you have already accomplished notable milestones, you should mention those. For example, if you have invented a new medical device, potential investors will want to know where you are in the clinical trial process. What steps have been accomplished and what’s the projected schedule for final approvals from the FDA? If you are opening a restaurant, investors will want to know about plans to sign a lease, design the interior, and open for business.

Talking about upcoming milestones in your pitch makes your business a reality. This section of the pitch illustrates how well you have thought through the detailed steps it’s going to take to open your business and start making money.

If you’re lucky enough to have made progress on your business and have evidence that your business is going to be a success, you’ll want to talk about that, too. For example, if you have pre-orders for your product or other evidence of strong customer interest, investors will want to hear about the successes you’ve had—this is often called traction .

• Put it all together into a presentation

If you need help putting together your pitch deck for a presentation, check out our article that outlines exactly what slides you should include in your presentation and what should be on each slide .

And if you need inspiration, check out our analysis of real-world pitch decks like Uber, DoorDash, and Facebook to learn why they work so well.

You can also create a one-page plan which is a great hand-out if you are giving an elevator speech and also a good solution for sending a pitch via email. Check out our one-page plan template if that sounds like the right solution for you.

• Bonus component: The one-sentence pitch

Let’s say you’re at a dinner party and one of the guests asks you, “So, what do you do?” Can you answer in one sentence so that they understand your company?

Being able to distill what your company does into one simple sentence is incredibly valuable. It helps you, as an entrepreneur, focus on exactly what you do and who you’re doing it for. It also helps you clearly market your business. A simple headline at the top of your website or brochures will communicate the core essence of your company and generate interest in learning more about what you do.

There are certainly other components you can include in your pitch, but these seven are really the “must-have” pieces, whether it’s written down in a pitch deck presentation or literally delivered as a speech in an actual elevator.

• View this as an infographic:

Create a business plan that maximizes your chances of securing funding

Noah is the COO at Palo Alto Software, makers of the online business plan app LivePlan. He started his career at Yahoo! and then helped start the user review site Epinions.com. From there he started a software distribution business in the UK before coming to Palo Alto Software to run the marketing and product teams.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

6 Min. Read

How to Hook Investors With Your Company Culture When Pitching

How to Raise Money and Pitch Your Business as a Female Entrepreneur

5 Min. Read

Pitching Investors Over Zoom: 9 Practical Tips for Startup Founders

3 Min. Read

5 Lessons to Learn From “Shark Tank” About Pitching

The Bplans Newsletter

The Bplans Weekly

Subscribe now for weekly advice and free downloadable resources to help start and grow your business.

We care about your privacy. See our privacy policy .

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

• Crimson Careers
• For Employers
• Harvard College
• Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
• Harvard Extension School
• Premed / Pre-Health
• Families & Supporters
• Faculty & Staff
• Prospective Students
• First Generation / Low Income
• International Students
• Students of Color
• Students with Disabilities
• Undocumented Students
• Explore Interests & Make Career Decisions
• Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter
• Expand Your Network
• Engage with Employers
• Search for a Job
• Find an Internship
• January Experiences (College)
• Find & Apply for Summer Opportunities Funding
• Prepare for an Interview
• Negotiate an Offer
• Apply to Graduate or Professional School
• Access Resources
• AI for Professional Development and Exploration
• Arts & Entertainment
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Climate, Sustainability, Environment, Energy
• Government, Int’l Relations, Education, Law, Nonprofits
• Life Sciences & Health
• Technology & Engineering
• Still Exploring
• Talk to an Advisor

How to Create an Elevator Pitch with Examples

• Share This: Share How to Create an Elevator Pitch with Examples on Facebook Share How to Create an Elevator Pitch with Examples on LinkedIn Share How to Create an Elevator Pitch with Examples on X

How to Write a Perfect Elevator Speech

“What’s an elevator pitch, and how can it help your career? An elevator pitch —also known as an elevator speech—is a quick synopsis of your background and experience. The reason it’s called an elevator pitch is that it should be short enough to present during a brief elevator ride.

This speech is all about you: who you are, what you do, and what you want to do (if you’re job hunting).

Your elevator pitch is a way to share your expertise and credentials quickly and effectively with people who don’t know you.

Done right, this short speech helps you introduce yourself to career and business connections in a compelling way. It can help you  build your network , land a job, or connect with new colleagues on your first day of work.”

Read the full article at thebalancecareers.com.

• Business Essentials
• Leadership & Management
• Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB)
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Digital Transformation
• Finance & Accounting
• Business in Society
• For Organizations
• Support Portal
• Media Coverage
• Founding Donors
• Leadership Team

• Harvard Business School →
• HBS Online →
• Business Insights →

Business Insights

Harvard Business School Online's Business Insights Blog provides the career insights you need to achieve your goals and gain confidence in your business skills.

• Career Development
• Communication
• Decision-Making
• Earning Your MBA
• Negotiation
• News & Events
• Productivity
• Staff Spotlight
• Student Profiles
• Work-Life Balance
• AI Essentials for Business
• Alternative Investments
• Business Analytics
• Business Strategy
• Business and Climate Change
• Design Thinking and Innovation
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• Disruptive Strategy
• Economics for Managers
• Entrepreneurship Essentials
• Financial Accounting
• Global Business
• Launching Tech Ventures
• Leadership Principles
• Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Accountability
• Leading with Finance
• Management Essentials
• Negotiation Mastery
• Organizational Leadership
• Power and Influence for Positive Impact
• Strategy Execution
• Sustainable Business Strategy
• Sustainable Investing
• Winning with Digital Platforms

How to Effectively Pitch a Business Idea

• 27 Aug 2020

You’ve identified an underserved need and validated your startup idea . Now it’s time to talk about your business to potential investors. Yet, how do you effectively communicate your idea’s promise and possible impact on the market?

Pitching a business idea is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of any entrepreneur’s journey. It’s what stands in the way between your vision and the financing needed to turn it into a reality. Although daunting, there are steps you can take to ensure a greater chance of success.

Access your free e-book today.

What Makes a Great Pitch?

To make a successful pitch, entrepreneurs must exhibit several characteristics to convince investors to fund their innovative ideas .

Every entrepreneur needs an intricate understanding of their idea, target market, growth strategy, product-market fit , and overall business model . This differentiates your business concept and solidifies the steps needed to make it a reality. The perfect pitch shows investors your proof of concept and instills confidence that they can expect a return on investment .

Another crucial component of a successful pitch is understanding the venture capital (VC) ecosystem.

“It’s critical for entrepreneurs to understand the background and motivations of venture capitalists so when entrepreneurs seek them out to help fund their venture, they know what to prioritize in a firm and how to build a strong, trusting relationship,” says Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer Jeffrey Bussgang in the online course Launching Tech Ventures .

To secure funding and support, here are essential steps to ensure your pitch is effective.

How to Pitch a Business Idea

1. know who you’re pitching.

Some entrepreneurs try to get in front of every investor, despite their industry expertise or firm’s investment stage. Consider that, when you accept an investment, it’s about more than money; you enter a partnership. You must perform your due diligence and research potential investors before making your pitch.

When researching, ask yourself:

What industries do they invest in?

A VC firm’s industry focus depends on what the partners’ niche is and where their passions lie. Some firms specialize in a particular sector, such as financial technology (fintech) or education technology (edtech).

For example, Rethink Education is a venture capital fund that invests in early- and growth-stage edtech startups, while Blockchain Capital is dedicated to financing companies innovating in the crypto market. Others are generalists and span several industries.

Knowing the types of companies the firm invests in can help you tailor your pitch and zero in on their presumed priorities.

What stage do they invest in?

If you’re in the earliest stages of business development, you won’t receive growth equity, which is reserved for mature companies that need capital to expand operations, enter a new market, or acquire another business. Before making your pitch, have a rough estimate of the money and resources you need to launch, and then align yourself with investors who can help at that particular stage.

What’s the investor’s track record?

Dig deeper into the investor’s experience and investment history to determine the types of companies they typically finance, the background knowledge they might already have, and whether your personalities will mesh. This information will enable you to modify your pitch and determine if this is the right person or fund to partner with.

“The best venture capitalists become trusted partners and advisors to the founders and team,” says HBS Professor William Sahlman in the online course Entrepreneurship Essentials . “They help recruit key employees. They introduce the company to potential customers. They help raise subsequent rounds of capital. In some cases, they signal that the firm they've backed is a winner, which helps make that assertion true.”

Given the benefits and high stakes, the more you know going into a pitch, the better.

2. Consider How You Present Yourself, Not Simply Your Idea

Although your ideas and skills matter , your personality is equally as important. According to research published in the Harvard Business Review , venture capitalists’ interest in a startup “was driven less by judgments that the founder was competent than by perceptions about character and trustworthiness.”

Investors also want to know they’re entering a partnership with the right people. Jennifer Fonstad, co-founder of Aspect Ventures , acknowledges in Entrepreneurship Essentials that her investment firm “thinks about team and team dynamics as being very critical.”

Investors want to know whether the founders have worked together before, if your startup’s early hires have complementary skill sets, and whether you’ll be flexible, open-minded, and willing to embrace different perspectives.

Think about this as you prepare your pitch. If investors poke holes in your idea, will you get defensive? When they ask for financial projections, will you exaggerate the numbers? Hopefully, your answers are “no”—firms want to partner with founders they can trust who are open to guidance and mentorship—but if you’re second-guessing your reactions, consider what you might be asked and practice your responses.

As Sahlman reinforces in Entrepreneurship Essentials : “Most experienced investors look at the people first and the opportunity second. Even when a team is young and inexperienced, an investor depends on them to make the right decisions.”

3. Tell a Story

When describing your business idea, zero in on the problem you address for your target audience and how you solve it better than the competition. You could do this by presenting a real-life scenario in which you describe the pain point a current or prospective customer faced and how your product or service fixed the issue. This can help engage investors on a personal level and inspire them to see your idea’s potential.

By complementing your spreadsheets and charts with a compelling story, you can paint a fuller picture of your startup’s future and more effectively highlight its business opportunity.

4. Cover the Details

While it’s important to set the stage, you also need to cover the specifics. In your pitch deck, concisely define your value proposition and share a memorable tagline for investors to leave the meeting with.

According to Bussgang in Launching Tech Ventures , every pitch to an investor should contain the following:

• Intro: Focus on answering important questions like who you are, why you’re asking for funding, and what your founder-market fit is.
• Problem: Talk about your ideal customer’s pain point and how you plan to solve it.
• Solution: Explain how your idea is a compelling solution and why it’s better than existing solutions.
• Opportunity and Market Size: Provide your total addressable market (TAM), serviceable addressable market (SAM), and serviceable obtainable market (SOM) through research.
• Competitive Analysis: Understand your unique differences in the market that can help you sustain a competitive advantage.
• Go-to-Market Plan: Clarify how you’re going to reach your customers.
• Business Model: Describe how you’re going to make money.
• Financials: Define what your financial projections are and how you’re going to provide returns for investors.
• The Ask: Detail how much funding you need, how long it will last, and what milestones you hope to achieve.

“VCs will expect entrepreneurs to clearly define the milestones they need to achieve with each round of funding,” Bussgang continues. “Entrepreneurs should know what experiments they will run to reach these milestones and what they expect the results will be.”

5. Show the Roadmap

Although you’re in your business’s early stages, investors want to know how they’ll cash out in the end.

“To truly understand the motivations behind VC firms, remember that they are professional investors,” Bussgang explains in Launching Tech Ventures . “Their objective is to generate the maximum return for their limited partners with a dual fiduciary duty to their investors and the company.”

To clinch your pitch, highlight your exit strategy and the options available.

The most common exit strategies include:

• Acquisition: When one company buys most or all of another company’s shares to gain control of it
• Merger: When two existing companies unite into one new company
• Initial Public Offering (IPO): When a private company issues its first sale of stocks to the public and can start raising capital from public investors

Related: What Are Mergers & Acquisitions? 4 Key Risks

3 Kinds of Pitches for Entrepreneurs

While all effective pitches share foundational elements, you should use different types depending on the scenario. To increase your chances of success, tailor your pitch to your audience and the available time frame.

1. The Elevator Pitch

This is one of the most popular pitches. Use this when you need to communicate their startup’s value in 60 seconds or less.

An effective elevator pitch should be concise, convincing, and convey your startup’s value proposition and differentiators. For tech business ideas, mention the innovative technology that sets your concept apart. At the end, include a call to action, such as the amount of capital required to launch.

2. The Short-Form Pitch

You should portray your business idea’s value to prospective clients and investors as efficiently as possible. This means summarizing the most important elements of your idea in a way that makes them want to hear more. Highlight the market size, how you’ll create barriers for competition, your plan to monetize the business, and how much financing you need.

Short-form pitches can run from three to 10 minutes; if you’re pitching in a competitive setting, note any length requirements. These shorter pitches can pique investors’ interest and earn you the chance to present a long-form pitch.

3. The Long-Form Pitch

Sometimes, you’re fortunate enough to have more than a few minutes to pitch your idea. If this opportunity presents itself, it’s crucial to make the most of your time and address every aspect of your business plan.

“You’re not just trying to start any business,” Bussgang says in Launching Tech Ventures . “You’re trying to create a business that’s profitable, sustainable, and valuable.

Zero in on your story and share a real-life scenario. Detail the market size to illustrate demand and clear examples of how you’ll attract and retain customers, particularly in light of competitors. This will show you’re planning for—and ahead of—future challenges.

You should also have a blueprint for testing product-market fit and early results, along with a detailed monetization plan. Lastly, share your exit strategy and the amount of capital needed to, one day, achieve it. Your long-form pitch should communicate your business concept clearly and concisely, open the possibility for follow-up questions, and capture the investors’ interest.

Consider preparing all three pitch lengths to be ready for any opportunity. It’s important to stay agile so you can modify your pitch to fit specific length requirements.

Landing the Pitch

Every investor prioritizes different data and information. Yet, if you start by choosing the right investor and then align their needs with your proposed market opportunity, value proposition, and exit strategy, you have a chance at landing the pitch.

“In some ways, startup success depends just as much on whether your hypothesis about the future is right, as it does on whether your idea is a good one,” Bussgang explains in Launching Tech Ventures .

As a result, it’s important for you to do your due diligence before pitching your business idea to investors.

If you’re interested in learning more about what investors look for and how you can create value, explore Entrepreneurship Essentials and Launching Tech Ventures , two of our entrepreneurship and innovation courses . Not sure which is the right fit? Download our free course flowchart to determine which best aligns with your goals.

This post was updated on July 28, 2023. It was originally published on August 27, 2020.

About the Author