Elevator pitch examples

1. To attract investors
“Has this ever happened to you? You’re rushing to get the kids out the door in the
morning so you can get them to school on time and not be late for an important meeting
— and then you realize that you can’t find your car keys. This happens all the time to
me. In fact, did you know that the average suburban professional misplaces their keys
more than five times per month? That’s more than 600 million times per year! Using
bluetooth technology, I’ve created a low cost key fob that helps people find their keys
and other lost items in record time, making it easier to get out the door on busy
mornings. We’ve got a working prototype and now we’re looking to raise funds to go
into large-scale production. We’ve got some new team members on board with
extensive manufacturing experience and supply chain expertise, so we’re hoping to get
to market in the next six months.”

Why it works: The only thing missing is the name introduction — but with this landslide of info,
it’s easy to see why investors would want to learn more. Not only is this elevator pitch
transparent in terms of where the company is right now, but it has an air of confidence, too.

2. To ignite interest
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and my company develops and designs personalized online
sales funnels [what your company does]. That means two things: one, online customers
enjoy a flawless user experience tailored to their needs and interests, and two: our
clients get automated solutions that dramatically boost sales [unique business
proposition]. We helped our last client increase online revenue by 120 percent month-
over-month [hard numbers behind your results]. Does your company have any
experience with e-commerce automation? [engaging question]”
Why it works: This ignites interest because it presents the hard facts and then follows
them up with numbers that move the needle. It can be an exciting way to gain a new
client.

3. To gain customers
“I’m Megan Moran, and I am the owner and wardrobe stylist at The Style Foundry. We
are a full-service wardrobe styling business that helps you take the stress out of getting
dressed through our styling services. A typical customer cycle starts with a Closet
Cleanse, where I clean out your closet, tell you what to keep and get rid of, take
pictures of all of the yeses and then upload them to an app/website where I mix and
match them into over 100 different outfits from what you already own. From there, I am
able to really see what’s missing and what you need. We can tackle that by personal
shopping, which is done in-person at your favorite stores or ones I suggest; virtual
shopping, which is done online (I send you my finds, you buy what you like, and then
when all of the items arrive at your house, I come in for a fitting); or through our mobile
boutique, which we can pull up in your driveway and fill it with our pieces that best fit
your style and shopping list. It’s the best of online and boutique shopping.”
Why it works: If you’re someone who needs this particular service, this elevator pitch is
equal parts convincing and captivating. You have all of the info — and your interest is
sparked.

5. The one that worked IRL

“Hi, I’m [NAME]. I got your email address from [NAME]. My co-founders and I founded
Grasshopper and Engine Yard, in which Amazon, Benchmark, and NEA invested. Our
new company, Chargify, is a simple recurring billing management tool. We’re looking for
angel capital to fill in some gaps. Maybe you’re interested in such an investment?”
Why it works: This is a real example from a real company. This one led to other
interests and helped them meet their goals. It’s effective because all of the information
is straightforward and encouraging, without taking up too much time in someone’s
inbox.
Elevator pitch example #1:

Did you know that demand for high-end Mexican food in the U.S. has grown
by over 100 percent in the past two years? Foodies are looking for more than
just the generic, Americanized tacos and burritos in record numbers.
I plan on opening a modern, Latin-themed restaurant that elevates Mexican
and other Latin American dishes. I’ll use classic ingredients and modern
techniques that will help demonstrate how Mexican food is much more than
what most people think.
We’ve tested the market by catering several high-end events, and are ready
to move to a full-service restaurant. I’ve opened several other successful
restaurants and food trucks, so I expect the launch to go very smoothly.
Elevator pitch example #2:

I’m opening a new gift and specialty shop downtown that helps young, urban trendsetters find
unique and creative gifts and housewares that will impress friends and coworkers.
Elevator pitch example #3:

Has this ever happened to you? You’re rushing to get the kids out the door in the morning so you
can get them to school on time and not be late for an important meeting—and then you realize
that you can’t find your car keys.
This happens all the time to me. In fact, did you know that the average suburban professional
misplaces their keys more than five times per month? That’s more than 600 million times per
year! Using bluetooth technology, I’ve created a low cost key fob that helps people find their
keys and other lost items in record time, making it easier to get out the door on busy mornings.
We’ve got a working prototype and now we’re looking to raise funds to go into large-scale
production. We’ve got some new team members on board with extensive manufacturing
experience and supply chain expertise, so we’re hoping to get to market in the next six months.
Elevator pitch example #4:

My company is developing a new kind of affordable surfboard for beginner surfers so that they
can learn to surf without having to invest the $1,000 plus that traditional surfboards cost.
Hopefully this article has inspired you to work on your elevator speech and refine it to a short,
information-filled presentation. If you want to test drive yours, feel free to connect with me on
Twitter. You can also download a free pitch deck template if you need to make a pitch
presentation.

Noah Parsons is the COO of Palo Alto Software, makers of LivePlan, the award-winning online
business planning software.

"I'm a sales rep at Better Than the Rest Cable. We help hotels across the U.S. pair
with the perfect cable provider and plan for their region and needs. With regional
experts assigned to each account, we help hotels identify the most cost-effective and
guest-delighting cable plan for them. On average, we're able to save hotels up to 25%
on their annual cable bills."

Elevator Sales Pitch Examples

Example #1
“Hi, my name is Linda and I am here representing ______ water filters. Are you
familiar with our products? We are moving into several new markets and I am
hoping to bring you to the forefront of our brand new campaign. By choosing our
water filters, you are making a decision to provide your employees with fresh,
clean water. Our products are made with a new type of filtering system that is
built to provide healthy water free of dangerous minerals and other types of
pollutants. I know that you are based in the downtown area where having a clean
water system is very important. Our company will have a booth set up in Room 3
tomorrow afternoon where we will be giving out free samples of our water filters.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon. Here is my business card in
case you have any further questions and would like to get in touch…”
Example #2
“Hi, my name is Ben and I from _____ technology services. It’s great to meet
you. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of us, but we have done extensive business with
_______ and _____. We have found great success with these clients and I am
here looking to help other businesses. Our products have helped cut costs at
______ by 15 percent, since they are built to use less electricity and have longer
lifespans. Unlike other products put out by ______, ours do not have to be
replaced, which cuts down on unnecessary costs. We also have a staff of
experts at the ready for any necessary repairs or tech support your office may
need in the future. By integrating our products into your current setup, your
company will run at a smoother rate. We are giving a talk on this tomorrow at
2:30 pm in the convention hall and I am inviting company leaders to the
presentation. Here is the schedule and a list of the products we will be
presenting. I look forward to seeing you there…”

Elevator Pitch Example for Students

“Hi, my name is Ashley and I am a third-year business major at _______
University. I am interested in international relations as a possible career and I am
well prepared for the internship you are offering. In addition to taking classes, I
have spent my time volunteering with ______ and working with ______. This
internship appeals to me, since I would be doing work in the field where I wish to
work. My skills include ______, _______ and _______. Here is my resume. I
look forward to learning more about the position. What would be the best way to
get in touch?”

Elevator Pitch Example for Job

Seekers
“Hi, my name is Sean and my background is in architectural design. I majored in
architectural engineering and have long been fascinated by the structural design
choices. I am seeking a position that will allow me to use the skills and strengths
I acquired as a student and employee. I have worked on several major projects
in the field and would bring that experience to your company. I started out
working as an intern at my current firm and was able to move up in just one year.
I am now looking to take my skills to a new and exciting position. Would you like
to take a look at my resume?”

Generic Elevator Pitch Example

The following is a standard pitch format that can be applied to almost any
situation.

My name is <<NAME>>, the CEO of <<COMPANY>>. Our company

manufactures <<PRODUCT>> for <<TARGET CUSTOMER>> that allows
them to <<YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION>>.
Unlike <<OUR COMPETITION>>, we <<PRIMARY COMPETITIVE POINTS
OF DIFFERENCE>>.
<<CALL to ACTION>>

Using this format, here is a Hydrolyzier elevator pitch example:

Hi, my name is Bob Smith, and I am the CEO of Hydrolyzier Water Company.
We manufacture the Hydrolyzier MaxLite, a commercial-grade water
purification system that uses a tri-plane osmotic process that dramatically
reduces the content of impurities in drinking water. Unlike competing systems,
our patented osmotic process uses one-third of the power of a traditional
water purifier while reducing the installation space to half. Our modular
construction takes less than 36 hours to install, and best of all its price is less
than 60% of similar systems. If you go to our YouTube channel, you can
watch a video showing the Hydrolyzier in operation in a remote village in
Ghana, West Africa

A Sales Pitch Example

If you are pitching in a sales situation, here is a format you could use:

Have you ever <<THE SITUATION THAT THE PROSPECT FACES>>?

<<COMPANY NAME>> manufactures <<PRODUCT LINE>> for <<TARGET
MARKET>> so that you can <<PRIMARY VALUE PROPOSITION /
BENEFIT>>.
Unlike <<TRADITIONAL ALTERNATIVES/COMPETITIVE OFFERINGS>>,
<<OUR PRODUCT>> is <<COMPETITIVE POINT OF DIFFERENCE>>.
<<CALL TO ACTION>>.

Using this format, here is Hydrolyzier’s elevator pitch:

Have you ever had a situation that required a low power, small footprint, water
purification system for a remote settlement? Hydrolyzier Water Company
manufactures the Hydrolyzier MaxLite, a commercial-grade water purification
system that uses a tri-plane osmotic process that dramatically reduces the
content of impurities in drinking water. Unlike competing systems, our
patented osmotic process uses one-third of the power of a traditional water
purifier while reducing the installation space to half. Our modular construction
takes less than 36 hours to install, and best of all its price is less than 60% of
similar systems. We have successfully installed the system in many remote
communities. They have found it to be easy to install, reliable, and
inexpensive to operate. Our most recent installation is in a remote village in
Ghana, West Africa which we have documented in a 5 minute YouTube video.
May I send you the link?