How to Give a Flawless Elevator Pitch

How To Give a Flawless Elevator Pitch

To find new customers, learn to segue the right way not the wrong way.

Mostpeople confuse ELEVATOR pitches with SALES pitches, but they're completely different. A sales pitch is a formal presentation. An elevator pitch is a segue that takes place within a casual conversation.

Proverbially, the elevator pitchis supposed to take place in an elevator but that rarely happens. More typically, you use an elevator pitch whenyou run into a potential customerat a conference, trade show, or social event.

So, let's suppose you're at the "open bar" mixer at a trade showand somebody who doesn't look like another vendor asks: "So, Joe, what do you do for a living?"

If you reply "I'm in sales" or "I work for ABC," the conversation will devolveinto chit-chat. Instead, you use your elevator pitch tosegue into a conversation that might eventually lead to a sale.

Theelevator pitch consists of three parts:

1. The Benefit.That's the reason the customer might want what you're selling.
2. The Differentiator.That's the reason the customer might want to buy from YOU.
3. The Ask.That's where you ask for meetingthe customer, if the customer shows interest.

I'llgo through each element in detail.

1. The Benefit

The benefit isneverthe product that you're selling. It's always the effect (aka "impact") that your product could have on the customer's own business.

For example, suppose you're selling an inventory control system, which is a piece of software that helps manufacturers keep track of their raw materials.

That's what you're selling; it's notthe benefit. The benefit must something specifically and directly relevant to the customer's business, ideally with a financial metric.

WRONG:

"We sell inventory systems." (That's not product, not the benefit.)

"We sell inventory control systems that save you money." (Benefit not specific.)

RIGHT:

"Manufacturers use our system to reduce their inventory costs by 50%."

"Companies hire us to streamline their inventory, saving on average a million dollars."

2. The Differentiator

This is what makes you or your firm different from everyone else. If there's no differentiator, you're selling your industry, not your product. There's no particular reason to buy from YOU.

Strong differentiators contain a fact that is concrete and independently measurable rather than unsubstantiated claims and opinions. They should NEVER refer to your emotions, which are irrelevant to the customer.

WRONG:

"We're industry-leading andbest-in-class." (According to whom?)

"We can save you money faster than the competition.” (Says who?)

"We're excited about providing you with best service!" (Who cares?)

RIGHT:

"We have a patented method that delivers materials the day they're needed."

"Our system holds the industry record for the most money saved."

3. The Ask

The worst mistake you can make in an elevator pitch is trying to close the sale. It's way too soon for that.

B2B selling involves tens of thousands or even millions of dollars. Companies don't spend that kind of money without having multiple meetings, usually with a lot of people involved.

At this point, all you want is that first but all-important fact-finding meeting where you can assess the customer's needs and mutually decidewhether youcan meet those needs.

Couldn't you have that meeting then and there? Uh, no. At this point, you're having a social conversation. You want to have a real business conversation, which means it must take place where actual decisions are made.

WRONG:

"Here's my card. Give me a call if you're interested." (Failing to ask.)

"I can send you a price quote." (Closing too soon.)

RIGHT:

"Maybe we should run some numbers. What's your availability next week?"

"Since you're interested, what's the best way to get on your calendar?"

If you've got a strong enough benefit, and if your differentiator makes sense, you'll probably get the meeting.

Example and Final Pointers

Now, let's pull it all together. Imagine you'reat a technical conference and end up being introduced to someone whose name tag suggests they might be a potential customer.

Customer:"So, what brings you to the conference?"

You:"We're here because manufacturers use our system to reduce their inventory costs by 50%. We have a patented method that delivers materials the day they're needed."

Customer:"Hmm... That's something we might need."

You:"Great. What's the best way to get on your calendar?"

That's an idealized conversation, of course, but it does illustratehow the segue works. Before I go, two quick pointers.

1. Keepit conversational. You want to sound like a colleague or a consultant, NOT a fast-talking salesperson.
2. Keep it simple.Avoid fancy words and technical jargon that might confuse the customer. And especially no biz-blab!

With practice, yourelevator pitch can win younew customers wherever and whenever you might bump into them.

Did I mention to PRACTICE – PRACTICE – PRACTICE?!