60 seconds of opportunity: how to nail an elevator pitch

Do we still need an elevator pitch? And do you need an elevator for this?

I have been the CEO and investor of several startups, and I know how an elevator pitch can be the start of a business opportunity. In just a minute, you can draw the interest of someone that can help your business grow, either with money, counseling or just introducing you to the right people, which is priceless. But you don’t have the chance to hesitate a minute, so here is how I believe you should prepare your speech to succeed:

# 1 Start with a hook: The first few seconds of your elevator pitch are critical. You need to grab your audience's attention and make them want to hear more. Start with a hook that will pique their interest and make them curious. Your hook could be a surprising statistic, a provocative question, or a bold statement that challenges conventional wisdom. Investors are also human beings (yes, believe me), so if you ask them about something emotional that your company solves or simplifies, it has a chance to work.

# 2 Explain the problem you solve: The answer to your provocative question must be this one. Be specific and use examples to illustrate how you solve a problem. Your audience needs to understand why the problem is important and how it affects them. Also, be specific about the benefits of your solution and how it is different from what is currently available in the market, that’s critical to invest in your company.

It is what we call unique value proposition and that’s what makes your product or service different for your customers. In the same way, you have used a hook to create curiosity, you need to be memorable and persuasive about your unique value proposition so that someone engages with your product.

# 3 Be concise: You haven’t heard this before, right? But of course, it is compulsory to do it this way. Your elevator pitch should be simple. Avoid using jargon or technical language that could make it difficult to understand. Keep your sentences short and to the point. Use simple language that is easy to follow. Remember, you only have 60 seconds, so every word counts.

# 4 End with a call to action: the end of your elevator pitch is just as important as the beginning. Don’t let them think about what to do, tell them. You can request a meeting, a demo, or a follow-up call. Be clear and specific about what you want your audience to do next. Make it easy for them to take action by providing your contact information and any relevant links or materials.

Remember that the final purpose of the speech is to spark interest in what your company does, leaving the listener wanting to know more. In today's fast-paced world, investors receive numerous business proposals every day, and they don't have the time to read through lengthy documents. A well-crafted elevator pitch can quickly convey the essence of your business, and catch their attention so that they ask for more information.