An official definition of an elevator speech is “a clear, brief message or “commercial” about you. It communicates who you are, what you’re looking for and how you can benefit a company or organization. It’s typically about 30 seconds, the time it takes people to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator.”  The logic behind it is that you never know who you may meet and ask you what you do.  You don’t always have the time to give the long version and frankly people make their mind up about a person in seconds.  They determine whether they even want to ask for more information. Below are steps to creating your elevator pitch.  

Step #1- Who

The first step is to state who are you and what is your job title.  It may sound weird at first to start off adding your  “who,” but if people ask about what you do, give them the title.  First, it establishes credibility and it will also help others remember in the future, when they introduce you to others.  

Me:  I am Leslie Boyd and I’m a goal setting and accountability coach.

Step #2 – What you do

This step is for you to elaborate on the job title that you provided.  Even though certain titles have a given implication, such as doctors or attorneys, there are always more details that can be given.  What does that title mean in regard to you and what you do?  This step introduces what sets you apart from others in your industry. 

Me:  I coach people on how to set purposeful and intentional goals, be able to balance their home and work life, and develop achievable action plans.

Step #3- How do you do it

This is where you can elaborate on how you do what you do.  Do you work from home, through technology or a traveling capacity.  This continues to paint a more elaborate picture of how you go about your day.

Me:  I offer in person and on line trainings, masterminds, small group and private coaching sessions.

Step #4 – Why you do what you do

This is where you can mention why you do what you do or what sets you apart from others in your field.  Often time people with a compelling “why,” will draw you in and make you remember them.

Me:  I remember how frustrating it was to have goals, but not being able to have that necessary balance to achieve them. I developed a method for myself and knew others could benefit from it too.  

Step #5- Who do you do it for

This is where you talk about your client, the people you serve.  Not everyone that you meet and talk to will be your ideal client, but may be a connector for the future.  When people need references, they almost always ask those around them that they trust. 

Me:  I primarily coach women entrepreneurs.  As a working entrepreneur myself I understand first hand what type of support is needed.

Final Step:  The closing 

You can close in anyway that fits the situation you are in.  You can have several closings ready to go.  If you are talking to someone that you just met, you may decide to end with a question.  That’s me in a nutshell, what about you?  If you know of someone who may need my services, let me know. Here is my card.  Practice what feels natural and think about the different times you’re asked the question.  If you are at a networking event then you know that is the main purpose for the event.

Me:  It brings me great satisfaction coaching women on how to maintain balance, while achieving their goals.

Then if you put it all together:  

I am Leslie Boyd and I’m a goal setting and accountability coach.  I coach people on how to set purposeful and intentional goals, be able to balance their home and work life, and develop achievable action plans.   I offer in person and on line training, masterminds, small group and private coaching sessions.  I remember how frustrating it was to have goals, but not be able to have that necessary balance to achieve them. I developed a method for myself and decided to share it with others.   I primarily coach women entrepreneurs.  As a working entrepreneur myself, I understand first hand what type of support is needed.  It brings me great satisfaction coaching women on how to maintain balance, while achieving their goals.

My elevation pitch is under a minute and I am sure to say it with pauses, breaks and naturally so it comes off like conversation.  Eventually your elevator pitch will roll off with ease.