What do you say when someone asks, “So, what do you do?” If you have a succinct, snappy statement at the ready, you’re on the right track. Your elevator pitch should be about the length of an elevator ride – or about 30 to 60 seconds.

It’s not much time, which is why you should make the most of it. Like Steve Strauss, an author and columnist, says, you only have one chance to make a good impression. When you take time to craft a compelling, short answer, you just might unlock opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

If it has been a while since you’ve adjusted your elevator pitch, keep reading this issue of PromoPro Daily. We’re sharing the four questions that Strauss says you should ask yourself in order to create a perfect pitch.

  1. What is the problem you’re trying to solve? People go to the grocery store when they need groceries. They go to the salon when they need a haircut. Every business solves a problem for someone, Strauss says, so think through what problem your promo business solves.
  2. Can you keep it simple? You know more about promo than your prospects, but don’t throw in industry buzzwords to showcase your expertise. Strauss says many people think everyone understands their industry’s jargon, but they don’t. The best tactic is to use simple language rather than industry-specific terms.
  3. Why would people want to know more? Instead of saying something like, “I work for a promotional products company,” try saying something like, “I help companies build their brands.” Try to think about what you do in a different way, Strauss says.
  4. Does it accelerate your heart rate? Your elevator pitch should showcase your enthusiasm for what you do. If you’re excited, your listener will feel excited too. The opposite is also true. Let your passion for promo shine through in your pitch. When you’re passionate, you’ll inspire the other person to want to get to know more.

A great elevator pitch can open the door to new opportunities. Rather than leaping into a sales pitch or rattling off a laundry list of what your promo company offers, remember the questions above. When you ask yourself these questions, you can nail your pitch by making it persuasive and memorable.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Steve Strauss is a senior small business columnist at USA TODAY and author of 15 books.