Open Thread: What Is Your Elevator Speech?
Published on Thursday, October 2, 2008 – 9:00 am
In this open thread we will look at each others elevators speeches so we can compare and learn from one another. Take your time to come up with one or refine the one you already have and post it here for everyone else to see, even if you are not a designer (but that is what the focus is on). Share your wisdom and help others or if you are unsure about something, ask a question and let others help you out.
What is an elevator speech?
An elevator speech is the 15 to 30 overview of who you are, what you do and why someone should use your product / service. The idea behind ‘elevator’ is that you should be able to deliver your monologue within the time span of an elevator ride (unless of course you are stuck in one for 41 hours).
Elevator speech tips
- Make It Concise
- Make It Easy To Understand
- Make It Inducing
- Leave No Questions
Helpful Resources
- Not Getting A Rise Out Of Your Elevator Speech? - Some tips on writing the perfect elevator speech.
- Dos & Do Nots of Elevator Speeches - Some helpful tips on how to write an elevator speech.
- Elevator Pitches on TechCrunch - Upload a video of your elevator pitch and get feedback from others and listen to others for inspiration.
- Elevator Pitches on YouTube - Get some inspiration and more tips in the many videos on YouTube.
- OpenThread on Freelance Folder - A similar post to this one with user submitted elevator speeches.
So what is your elevator speech?
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30 Responses
to “Open Thread: What Is Your Elevator Speech?”
7 Trackback(s)
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annie on Oct 2, 2008 said:
how can you give tips about this kind of stuff being so young? is this the wisdom* of your classes or something like *own experience*? you make me curious about you…
Marnie B on Oct 2, 2008 said:
Annie: You’d be surprised at how much running your own business matures you and makes you learn things you never even knew existed. I’m only 22 and pretty proud of what I know.
Our elevator speech is: ‘We help small and micro businesses create a modern identity and an effective online presence. We do this through web design, graphic design, e-commerce and web app services.’
Jeff Fisher LogoMotives on Oct 2, 2008 said:
“Engineering innovative graphic identity solutions in helping businesses and organizations to get, and stay, on the right track.”
Jeff Fisher
Engineer of Creative Identity
Jeff Fisher LogoMotives
carlos benjamin on Oct 2, 2008 said:
Annie - I’m considered an old coot by some, but I’m happy to learn from anyone…. regardless of their age.
Maggie Bignell on Oct 2, 2008 said:
Love the idea of being able to read everyone else’s. Maybe if you get a fair amount of good ones, post some of your favorites?
Hope your trip is wonderful.
ptamaro on Oct 2, 2008 said:
Great post. Simple and right to the point. Thanks.
Daniel Schutzsmith on Oct 3, 2008 said:
Mine is, “We make things on the internets awesome”.
How’s that?
@JeffFisher - you are an engineer. i guess you like to toot toot your own horn! *cymbal crash*
Jacob Gable on Oct 3, 2008 said:
I work at a small web development shop with no in-house designers, so of course we have to talk about our ability to work well with 3rd party designers. After all, you don’t want a programmer picking your website colors and fonts, trust me.
But I do like making “things on the internets awesome”.
Jack Yan on Oct 3, 2008 said:
What better way to signal that you place your customers first than with, ‘Hi, I’m Jack. How are you?’
Brandon Cox | eGrace Creative (@brandonacox) on Oct 3, 2008 said:
I’m a husband, a dad, and a Pastor. I understand and love people more than technology, and I’d love to help you reach and understand people through technology.
Rosanna Soriano on Oct 3, 2008 said:
It’s great to read people’s opinions.
Alissa Jones on Oct 4, 2008 said:
Our group have a few to choose from depending on the client…
“We consist of very different designers from varying backgrounds who collaborate to produce effective and outstanding designs. Our mission is simple: help our clients meet their goals through excellent design.”
Or
“We listen to our clients and translate their thoughts into strong designs. What can good design do for you? It can get your company noticed, bring in new business, refresh and revitalize your company, and help your customers get informed.”
Or
“Why should you choose us? Because we listen to our clients. We research everything including you, your company and your target audience. We do not have one style. We cater the design to your company and audience. Plus, we’re local. Just a quick call and we can be right there.”
DKumar M. on Oct 4, 2008 said:
Well, My definition is Lil different. It’s not what you can show or describe. It all about what you believe.
We usually learn from mistakes…. In person It’s always better more curious then cautious. & that serves pretty well as an result.
Marnie B on Oct 4, 2008 said:
Jack: That’s not exactly an elevator statement though. An elevator statement is meant to clearly and concisely tell someone who you are, what your business does, how you do it, why you’re different etc. in one simply statement…
Clay McIlrath on Oct 5, 2008 said:
“We are Chosen, a creative advertising agency using any artistic or marketing mediums to get a company recognized.”
– How does that sound.. we don’t really have one pegged, so i’d like some feedback and hammer out a strong one
Doug C. on Oct 5, 2008 said:
“Hi. My name is Doug Cloud. I am a freelance graphic artist. If you have a business or personal presence on the Web I can place your brand firmly in the minds of millions.”
[hands off business card]
Dainis Graveris on Oct 6, 2008 said:
Nice thought off this one.. In elevator speeches I think the most important thing always talk to clients - always talk different saying what You can give to them!
Jacob Cass (@justcreative) on Oct 13, 2008 said:
Annie,
Who sets the age of who you can learn off? If you let age be put off by who you learn from, chances are you will not get to your full potential.
Marnie,
Thank you for your backup, and your elevator speech. When you refer to micro businesses what do you mean by this? I would find this confusing in my opinion.
Jeff,
Thank you for your elevator speech.
Carlos,
I agree with you (not with the old coot bit).
Maggie,
I was pretty disappointed with the small amount of quality responses here so I think I will offer a prize next time.
My trip was great!
Jacob,
I really envy developers who have both programming and design skills. I wish I had better programming skills myself but I am getting by.
Jack,
That is not really an elevator speech… and as Marnie B said, that is not exactly an elevator speech.
Brandon,
Thank you for your elevator speech.
Alissa,
Thank you very much for your 3 elevator speeches, I liked the last one!
Clay,
I think it still could do with a bit more work as it still leaves open questions. I am hoping to get some more soon.
Doug,
That is a very different approach, I think you should also add how you do it at the end of your speech, for example “…minds of millions by designing and implementing professional marketing material relevant to your goals.(or whatever is appropriate)”
Doug C. on Oct 13, 2008 said:
It’s a sales pitch. You are selling yourself and your talent. The whole point is to get it out as quickly and smoothly as possible. Adding, “…minds of millions by designing and implementing professional marketing material relevant to your goals.(or whatever is appropriate)” would make it too clumsy and clunky.
Jacob Cass (@justcreative) on Oct 13, 2008 said:
Hi Doug,
The statement I provided was only an example… I was just thinking that it could do with something on the end of it to really reinforce your sales pitch.
Lisa Manson on Oct 22, 2008 said:
Mine: **better late than never : ) **
Hi, I’m Lisa & I run krush design + marketing.
We’re a boutique design studio that offers visual business solutions. We’re all about ideas, action & results!! Essentially we give your business… the art of being seen!
Marnie B on Oct 27, 2008 said:
Micro businesses refer to a business usually with less than five employees, including the owners.
David on Jul 16, 2009 said:
Personally, I’m not too comfortable with the idea of pitching myself in ‘business speak’. I guess I’m just not there yet.
When asked the question, I usually say something about my aesthetic, strengths and method. That way they can gauge how good a match I’d be for their project.