Perfecting the art of the pitch

For those of you who have ever been to a networking event, you know what an elevator pitch sounds like and the best ones describe what a company does in the same amount of time it takes to ride an elevator.

“We are a global transportation company that designs, manufactures, sells and supports the world-class aerospace and rail transportation products. This includes commercial and business jets, as well as rail transportation equipment, systems and services.”

“Revolutionary Software Inc. develops complete end-to-end management technology solutions for budgeting, forecasting, reporting and planning.”

The typical elevator pitch should be clear, concise and get a future investor, employee or supplier interested in your company. A cross between a mission statement and the “About us” page on a website, the pitch is an overlooked tool in corporate communications that can make the difference between yes and no. If you can’t explain what unfulfilled need your company addresses, how can you expect investors to hand over the funds?

In short, your pitch should have the following elements:

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  It states who you are and what your company does.
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  What unfulfilled market need your product or service addresses?
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  What your unique selling proposition is? (Why should a prospect buy from you?)
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  What is your business model?

Most entrepreneurs that I’ve met don’t want to limit themselves to focusing in on one need or market segment. Understandably so, it’s good business sense to not limit your options. However, trying to be everything to everybody, usually leads to missing the mark altogether.

In today’s attention starved society, a clear concise message makes you stand out in a crowd of me-too competetitors. For more information, visit me at http://www.silvermaplecommunications.com/