Crafting Your Elevator Pitch: Talk About Your Business Like You Talk About Your Favorite Team
Imagine this: Someone asks you which NFL team you root for…or what’s your favorite coffee drink. Your response is immediate, passionate, and crystal clear.
"I'm a die-hard Indianapolis Colts fan! I love them because of their strong history, dedicated fan base, and never-give-up mentality, and I've been cheering for them since 2006."
or
"I'm a die-hard Starbucks Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso fan! It's the best coffee choice because of its perfect balance of sweetness and bold espresso, and I've been obsessed with it since it first hit the menu."
You know your answer because you’ve thought about it very often, you care about it, and it’s part of who you are.
Now imagine someone asks, “What do you do?” Can you answer with that same clarity, energy, and confidence?
Your elevator pitch is your chance to talk about your business with the same enthusiasm you have for your favorite team, band, or show. It’s your opportunity to leave a lasting impression, whether you’re at a networking event, pitching to a client, or talking to someone in line at Starbucks.
Here’s how to craft a pitch that feels as natural and passionate as talking about your fandom.
Step 1: Find Your “Super Bowl Moment” (Start With a Hook)
When you talk about your favorite team, you might start with their biggest win, their star player, or a game-changing play. Your business deserves the same energy. Begin your elevator pitch with something that grabs attention and gets people invested.
Examples:
“Did you know 60% of small businesses struggle to stand out online? I help fix that.”
“Imagine having a marketing strategy that works as smoothly as a well-executed play.”
This is your chance to set the stage and pique curiosity.
Step 2: Explain What You Do (Your Team’s Play Style)
Just like you’d explain your favorite team’s strengths—“We’re all about defense” or “We dominate on offense”—you need to describe what your business does in a way that’s simple and memorable.
Formula: “We [do what] for [whom] by [how].”
Examples:
“We help small businesses grow by creating affordable, high-impact marketing strategies.”
“I create eco-friendly packaging solutions that reduce waste and make brands stand out.”
Think of this as your “team identity.” It’s what you’re known for.
Step 3: Highlight Your MVP (Your Unique Selling Proposition)
What’s your business’s star quality? Just like your favorite team might be known for its quarterback or game-changing coach, your business needs a standout feature. This is your unique selling proposition (USP).
Examples:
“Unlike traditional agencies, I specialize in results-driven marketing for small budgets.”
“Our designs reduce packaging waste by 30%, helping brands save money and the planet.”
Your USP is what makes your business unforgettable—like the star player fans can’t stop talking about.
Step 4: Share the Stats (Prove Your Wins)
Great teams don’t just talk about how good they are—they back it up with stats. Your elevator pitch should do the same by highlighting specific results or tangible benefits.
Examples:
“We’ve helped over 100 small businesses increase their online visibility by 50% in six months.”
“Our solutions cut packaging waste by 30% while saving brands thousands of dollars annually.”
If you don’t have hard numbers, share an impactful outcome: “We make marketing easy so small businesses can focus on what they do best.”
Step 5: End With a Game Plan (Your Call to Action)
When you finish your pitch, make it clear what you want the other person to do next. Just like you’d invite someone to watch a game with you, invite them to connect with your business.
Examples:
“If that sounds interesting, let’s set up a time to chat.”
“Here’s my card—let’s connect to see how I can help you grow your business.”
“Visit my website for a free consultation.”
A call to action ensures your conversation doesn’t end in the elevator.
Follow these steps to craft a clear, concise answer to the age-old question, what do you do?
Tips to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch
Practice with Passion: Rehearse your pitch until it feels natural and full of energy—like when you’re talking about a big game or your favorite player.
Tailor It for Your Audience: Just like you’d talk about a team differently to a fellow fan versus a casual viewer, adjust your pitch based on who you’re talking to.
Keep It Tight: Aim for 30 seconds max—every word should count.
Be Authentic: Show genuine excitement about your business. People are drawn to passion.
Get Feedback: Test your pitch on friends, colleagues, or mentors and refine it based on their reactions.
Final Thoughts
Talking about your business should be as easy and exciting as talking about your favorite team, band, or show. Your elevator pitch is your moment to share what makes your business amazing, connect with your audience, and inspire them to want to learn more.
So, who do you root for and what’s your go-to coffee? Oh, and by the way—what do you do? Now, you’re ready to answer both with confidence and passion.