elevator pitchYou have probably heard of the idea of the elevator pitch but if someone asked you what your organisation was about,how would you answer this?  Could you provide a short, succinct and concise overview of your organisation in around 30 to 60 seconds?  This may be in reply to a potential business partner, a major donor, parent consider enrolling their child in your kindergarten or maybe a prospective member of your club or the committee of management.

It is important with your elevator pitch to avoid it sounding like a sales pitch as that will lose the interest from the person.  Instead try to frame it in a way that makes it interesting for the person your are talking with.  In addition, as detailed above there are many different people you may be talking to so ensure you can tailor your elevator pitch to address their issues.  For example, discussing the need for donations would not be effective if someone has just asked about the range of services you provide as they want to become a member of your organisation.

As such, here are some tips for developing an effective elevator pitch:

  • Keep it short and ideally under 60 seconds.  If you need to elaborate or discuss in more detail then the person you are talking to will indicate that.
  • Ty to avoid it sounding like you are reading a script for the hundredth time.  If you sound bored or disinterested then person you are talking to will as well and then go to your competition.
  • Avoid using acronyms, abbreviations or industry terminology that is not likely to be understood by the person.
  • Tailor it to meet the needs of the person.  For example, if they are asking about becoming a member then focus on that as that would illicit a different response if they were asking about making a donation.  If you are not sure about the basis of the enquiry then ask them.

The important issue with being prepared to provide an elevator pitch is that often being able to discuss you organisation is 60 seconds can be more effective than some ineffective marketing campaigns, poorly word brochure, outdated website or a Facebook page that doesn’t even have relevant information about your organisation.