I don’t think Barbara Lopez is an introvert but I do know she is The Elevator Pitch Coach. She recently invited me to be a guest writer on her blog, Brightfarms.
Since I wrote the four tips for the article, I do believe at least one thing has changed. No longer is 30 seconds at the low end of timing for an elevator pitch. It seems it has to be in the 10 to 15 second category. And that could be quite exciting for the introvert! Imagine capturing the attention of a would-be employer or a potential customer with even less conversation.
To me, that means crunching all the same ingredients down to an even more meaningful message that is focused on – the customer.
How would that change the basic formula?
Problem. It seems you would still want to start with the problem. It needs now to either be more succinct, more specific or more focused.
Benefit. The benefit needs to tie quite specifically to the problem.
How you do this and who you are. The most appealing words here would seem to be an invitation to further discussion.
Here’s my abbreviated 15 second elevator pitch:
- You know how you might feel you bother prospects, and so you delay or avoid follow-up with them? My clients create easy, credible and systematic ways to make those needed 6 to 21 contacts. I’d love to find out more about what you do. (handing over my business card in exchange for theirs)
Oh boy. I’m not sure I like that too much.
What do you think Barbara? How is it possible to crunch things in the elevator pitch down into 15 seconds?
What does anyone else think?
Ok – we are TOO in synch – go see what I posted a couple of days ago.
You are so right on the money! Here’s a quick formula you can use to come up with a QUICK answer to the question, “What do you do?”