Having the perfect elevator pitch on standby can make the difference between landing a new client and simply saying hello to that potential client. Whether you are actually in an elevator, passing them on the street, or bumping into them just before they catch a flight, you generally have about 30 seconds to win them over, so you need to make every second count. Your prepared speech should be very brief, but still succinctly communicate enough information to grab the potential client’s interest.
The perfect elevator pitch needs to have the following:

A clear objective

Are you trying to land a job? Are you selling a product or service? Are you promoting a business or organization? These are the questions you should consider when crafting your pitch so that you can be sure the person you are pitching to will know exactly what it is you are looking for or offering.

Solution to a problem

Don’t just explain what you do; explain how you solve a problem. For example, telling them your business offers printers and managed print services isn’t that interesting. Instead, tell a potential client what your service can do for them:
“My company analyzes printing issues and identifies the best customizable solution for each individual company or office, maximizing efficiency by allowing employees to focus on their expertise without the headache of printing issues.”

Something Unique

Chances are, you’re not the only person or business that does what you do, so what makes you special? Make sure your pitch highlights what makes you unique. For example:
“While most managed print services focus on selling the most high-tech printers available, we cater to the specifics of each office and their budget, no matter how big or small.”

A well-practiced yet natural delivery

You never know when you’ll need to whip out your elevator pitch, so make sure you have practiced it enough times to be able to deliver it with confidence anywhere from an elevator to a cocktail party. It is also important for your pitch to sound natural, not robotic. You will need to be able to work your pitch into conversation naturally, and make small changes to tailor it to your audience.
 
Remember, your pitch needs to be brief, informative, and engaging. When crafting your pitch, make sure you include all of the aforementioned elements, and be ready to engage the audience by asking them a question at the end of your pitch. Always have your business cards ready, and make sure your pitch has the audience tucking the card away for later instead of tossing it in the nearest trashcan.