Nail Your Elevator Pitch Fast
As a business support manager, I’ve seen countless pitches fizzle out before they even get started. Rambling intros, vague messages, or just a lack of spark — they all have one thing in common: a missed opportunity to connect.
Your elevator pitch is your verbal business card. It’s the short, sharp hook that tells someone who you are, what you do, and why they should care — all in the time it takes to ride a lift. In networking events, business meetings, or casual encounters, it can open doors or close them before you’ve had a chance to shake hands.
Here’s my thought on how to get yours right — fast.
What Is an Elevator Pitch, Really?
An elevator pitch is a 30- to 60-second summary of you, your business, or your idea. But it’s not just about talking quickly — it’s about clarity, confidence, and compelling messaging.
Think of it as your verbal highlight reel. You’re not telling your whole story. You’re giving just enough to spark interest and start a deeper conversation.
Why It Matters (Even If You're Not in Sales)
You might not think you need one. You're not pitching to investors, you're not chasing clients — maybe you’re just working behind the scenes. But trust me: everyone in a business benefits from knowing how to talk about what they do in a smart, concise way.
Whether you’re:
- Meeting new clients
- Attending industry events
- Introducing yourself on a call
- Helping your team refine messaging
...a strong elevator pitch can make you look more professional, prepared, and persuasive.
Step-by-Step: Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch
Let’s break it down into simple steps that actually work — and don’t feel robotic.
1. Start With Who You Help
Rather than opening with your job title or the company name, start with who you help. People connect with relevance more than credentials.
“I help small businesses streamline their admin so they can focus on growing.”
That’s stronger than:
“I’m a business support manager at XYZ Services.”
Why? Because it speaks to value straight away.
2. Be Clear About What You Do
Skip the jargon. Make your role or offering crystal clear. Try a line like:
“I take care of systems, processes and support so owners don’t get bogged down in the day-to-day.”
Your goal: no confusion, no questions about what it is you actually do.
3. Show What Makes You Different
Here’s where you add a line that sets you apart. What’s your edge? What makes you better than the next person in your space?
“Unlike some bigger firms, we tailor everything and work one-on-one with clients — so nothing’s off the shelf.”
Avoid clichés like “we go above and beyond” or “we’re passionate” unless you can back them up with specifics.
4. Include a Hook or Result
End with a mini punchline — a short result or benefit that lingers in their mind.
“We’ve helped clients cut their admin time in half — and still grow.”
Make it measurable, desirable, or memorable.
The Perfect Formula
Here’s a quick structure you can tweak:
“I help [target audience] who [face a certain problem] by [doing X], so they can [achieve Y]. Unlike [common alternative], we [unique point of difference].”
Example:
“I help small business owners who struggle with admin and time management by setting up efficient back-end systems, so they can focus on growth. Unlike cookie-cutter solutions, we provide personal support tailored to their business.”
You don’t have to memorise this word-for-word. Just know the beats so you can adapt depending on the situation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a great pitch can fall flat if delivered poorly. Watch out for these traps:
❌ Trying to sound impressive
This often leads to buzzwords and fluff. “Synergising scalable solutions” tells people nothing. Be human and helpful.
❌ Talking too fast
Even if you’ve only got 30 seconds, pause for breath. Let each sentence land.
❌ Overloading with information
If you cover everything, you leave nothing to ask about. Give just enough to spark curiosity.
❌ Forgetting your tone
You’re not delivering a speech. Aim for friendly, confident, and natural — not rehearsed or robotic.
Practice, But Don’t Memorise
I’ve seen people stress out about getting their pitch just right, practising it to the point it sounds stiff. That’s not the goal.
Instead, practise your structure, not your script.
Get comfortable with:
- Introducing yourself with confidence
- Describing what you do clearly
- Showing the value you bring
Then rehearse different ways to say it depending on the setting — at a networking event, a quick Zoom call, or a casual intro at a local meet-up.
Adapt It for Different Situations
You don’t need just one version. Think of your pitch as flexible — tweak the tone, the focus or the formality depending on where you are and who you’re talking to.
Example:
-
Formal networking: “I support small business owners with tailored systems to cut down admin time and scale more efficiently.”
-
Casual chat at a café: “I help small businesses run smoother behind the scenes — I sort the systems so they can grow without drowning in emails.”
The bones are the same — just shaped to fit.
Bonus Tip: Finish With a Soft Close
If it’s appropriate, wrap up your pitch with a line that invites more conversation — without being too pushy.
Try:
- “I’d love to hear what you do as well.”
- “Let me know if you ever need support like that.”
- “We’re always keen to connect with others in the space.”
This makes your pitch feel like part of a conversation, not a one-way monologue.
Final Thought: You’re Pitching People, Not Products
At the end of the day, your elevator pitch isn’t really about you. It’s about what you can do for them. Whether you’re in sales or support, your pitch should create a connection.
Be clear. Be confident. Be human.
And most of all — be ready. Because you never know when someone’s going to say, “So, what do you do?”