Blog Layout

Develop an Elevator Pitch that Differentiates You from the Competition

Evan Polin • July 21, 2022

Over the course of your career, you will probably attend more networking events, seminars, conferences, trade shows, and cocktail parties than you can count. If you are like most professionals I have met, you haven’t given much thought ahead of time to the question of how you will introduce yourself when speaking to someone for the first time. If you are like most people, you won’t really think about your message until two seconds after you have started that conversation. 

 

If someone were to walk up to you right now and ask you what you did for a living, what would you say? How would you differentiate yourself from your competitors? Would the pitch grab the attention of the person who you are speaking with, or would it be littered with the same information that someone could find in your brochure or web site? How do you react when someone begins sharing that kind of information at a party? Does it leave you enthralled? Or does it make you look around the room for someone else who is a better conversationalist? 

Here is the real question: How much time and energy have you devoted to preparing your elevator pitch? 

If you are not prepared to deliver a truly powerful elevator pitch, you may miss out on your chance to convert a conversation with someone into a new client opportunity. 


Tips to Develop a Killer Elevator Pitch

1. Don’t sell during the elevator pitch. You are probably not going to close a new client in under five minutes. Just identify if the person with whom you are speaking has problems you can help them solve.

2. Articulate the problems that you solve for your clients and the ways in which those problems could have an impact on them.

3. Start with big-picture problems first. Once you have identified some of the big picture issues, you can move to more specific, detail-oriented issues the prospect might have.

4. Craft a variety of different elevator pitches. If you are with a professional services firm, you might craft one commercial pitch for your specific area of business and another one for the overall firm. A pitch to a small company may sound different than a pitch to a large company.

5. Tell stories to articulate ways that you’ve helped your clients with those issues.

6. Ask questions to identify if the person you are speaking with is open to discussing the ways you might be able to help them.

7. Determine next steps for you to follow up. Maybe it’s agreeing to speak for another 20 minutes. Maybe it’s scheduling an appointment. Just don’t finish the conversation until you understand the next steps.


I like to compare a salesperson’s elevator pitch with a resume for someone who is looking for a job. The resume will not get someone a job, but the resume will get the potential employer interested enough to call the candidate. You are not going to close a new deal based on your elevator pitch, but you will be able to qualify or disqualify a prospect and get someone interested in speaking with you for the next five minutes with a good pitch.

 

If you are unsure about your elevator pitch, or the elevator pitch for your people, it might make sense for us to speak. Please reach out by calling 215-970-2360 or contact me.

If you are not prepared to deliver a truly powerful elevator pitch, you may miss out on your chance to convert a conversation with someone into a new client opportunity.

Schedule a Time for a

Free Consultation

Contact Us

You might also like

Sales Goals and Business Development Plans
By Evan Polin October 20, 2023
Unlock growth: Discover the crucial link between sales goals and business development for success.
Sales Coaching
By Evan Polin October 20, 2023
Discover how Sales Coaching empowers seasoned service pros. Elevate your skills and drive success. Explore now!
By Evan Polin October 20, 2023
As the end of the year approaches, the pressure to meet and exceed sales goals intensifies. It's a critical juncture where strategic planning and focused execution can make all the difference between accomplishing your sales goals and falling short of your goals. In this article, we'll delve into sales strategies that can propel you towards hitting your goals, ensuring that you not only finish the year strong but set the stage for a successful 2024. 1. Reflect and Reframe: Start by reflecting on your year so far. What worked well and what didn't? Examine the new clients you have brought in this year. How did you get in front of those opportunities? Which prospecting activities converted into new business? Use this insight to reframe your prospecting approach for the remaining months. Sometimes, a small pivot in strategy can yield significant results. 2. Segmented Targeting: Focus your efforts on high-priority segments. Identify the most lucrative market niches or customer profiles and tailor your sales approach to address their specific needs. Are there industries that may be more receptive to your message at the end of the year? Are you looking at the different services you provide and seeking out your ideal prospects? A targeted sales strategy often yields better returns than a broad, one-size-fits-all approach. 3. Leverage CRM Data for Upselling: Your CRM data is a goldmine. Participate in a true account management exercise with the companies in your database. Identify opportunities for upselling or cross-selling based on past interactions and transactions. Existing customers are often more receptive to additional offerings, and this can significantly boost your revenue and your reach within your current client base. 4. Strategic Partnerships for Mutual Growth: Explore strategic partnerships that can complement your offerings. This collaborative approach can open new avenues for business, expand your reach, and create a win-win situation for both parties involved. 5. Intensify Client Engagement: Strengthen relationships with existing clients. Schedule check-ins, seek feedback, and showcase the value you've provided throughout the year. Satisfied clients are more likely to become repeat customers and advocates for your brand. 6. Empower Your Sales Team: Ensure your sales team is equipped for success. Provide additional training, set clear goals, and foster a supportive environment. Motivated and well-prepared teams are more likely to meet and exceed targets. The year-end is not just a countdown; it's an opportunity to strategically position yourself for success. By adopting these sales strategies, you can maximize your efforts, overcome challenges, and achieve your sales goals before the year closes. Remember, the right mix of reflection, targeted approaches, and team enablement can pave the way for a strong finish and set the stage for an even more successful year ahead. If you are interested in learning about how you and your team can be more effective maximizing your sales results before the end of the year, please reach out to Polin Performance Group by emailing us or calling us at 215-970-2360 .
More Posts
Share by: