BostonYPA's Guide to the Perfect Elevator Pitch

If you had a penny for every time someone asked you: “what do you do?” …. Well, you wouldn’t be as rich as you could be if you had a well prepared answer for everyone interested in learning more about you.  If you are networking to grow your business, dating, or casually meeting new people, the first impression you give is quite important - if you don’t deliver your elevator pitch well, you’re missing out on making new connections.

BostonYPA is all about events that build community.  In our new virtual world, delivering something memorable is even more critical. After organizing hundreds of events, we’ve developed some guidelines to help you craft your perfect pitch:

Keep it simple - no more than 30 seconds or so. After 30 seconds the person you meet will start to lose interest or feel like they are being sold to.  And if you are in a setting where everyone is taking turns to introduce themselves, it’s super disrespectful to run over - other attendees will be waiting, your host is trying to keep the event moving along, and there is probably more to the agenda than everyone’s 30 second intros!

Do NOT read your elevator pitch to us - it's obvious and not sincere.  While it makes perfect sense to be prepared and craft your message ahead of time, you should also practice it so that you can deliver it in a conversational tone that sounds natural. Reading your pitch prevents you from making eye contact - either with others in the room, or by looking into the camera to speak to others virtually.  If you have to read to someone about what you do, it shows that you are new to this role, or not that passionate about it.   If you have a technical job, explain it to your new connections like they are 5 years old. Technical jargon will make someone lose interest because they don’t know what you are talking about.  

There’s not a perfect format for elevator pitches, but there are basics to include. This is because everyone is a little different, and looking to connect for different reasons.  Format your pitch around the basics: who you are, where you’re from, what you do and why, and the value you can bring to those who choose to work with you.  Perhaps craft several versions of the same pitch, and use the version that best aligns with the audience you have in front of you.   

Don't try to sell someone when they first meet you.  It will make them uncomfortable, and they probably won’t want to engage with you longer than necessary.  Say enough to peak their interest, and let them ask questions as the conversation progresses.

Lastly, work on your appearance and manners - in person or virtual.  You may get comfortable in your daily life and interactions and forget how some of your habits aren’t the best for new connections.

For live events, dress for success - it shows you are taking the evening seriously, and demonstrates what you would be like to work with if someone gave you a referral.  If you are running late, don’t try to save time by showing up in your running clothes.  

If you are speaking to a group round robin style, stand up and put your food or drink down. While having a bite to eat may be necessary to power you through the night or allow you to have a drink, chew your food, and do it with your mouth closed.  You aren’t having lunch at your desk, and yes, our President really has had food spit on her while she was being pitched.  

If you are meeting virtually, you don’t need a ring light, but lighting and sound are still important. That’s why hosts at our events login in early and let you into the main room to test yourself out.  if we can't see you or hear you, we'll never know what you have to offer! You still want to dress appropriately, from at least the waist up ;) Be aware of your surroundings and background.  While it’s not necessary to use a special background or green screen, people are getting a peek into your home office or living room. Don’t leave confidential papers in view, move the dirty dishes, and angle the camera away from your unmade bed.  We’ve seen all the cringe worthy mistakes, and more.

Ready to give your pitch a shot? We’re hosting monthly Virtual Networking Events, and will resume our in person Networking Nights and Lunches when it’s safe to do so. View our calendar here.