Eliminating the Elevator Pitch Stress

IApril is Stress Awareness Month, and let’s be honest—there are few things that crank up the stress levels quite like the dreaded 60-second pitch! You know the one: you stand up, palms sweating, voice shaking, and suddenly forget everything you do for a living. Even in the most relaxed networking environment, it can feel like a high-pressure performance. But fear not! With the right ingredients, you can turn those 60 seconds into a recipe for success – especially at one of our network’s supportive gatherings. 

 

Here’s how to make sure your pitch hits the mark every time: 

 

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to make their business name stick. Start and end your pitch with your name, and your business name too. Why? Because someone might miss it at the start, and if they love what you say, they’ll want to make a note of it by the end - and if they’re checking the attendance list later, your name will ring a bell. It’s so simple and effective, but so often forgotten! 

 

 

“I’m a photographer” is fine. But “I snap at people for a living” is memorable! Adding a bit of humour or a quirky hook makes you stand out. You only have 60 seconds, so don’t try to cram in everything you do - pick one thing that really showcases your expertise. A prop, a poem, a quick story - anything that makes you more engaging - will go a long way. 

 

 

People don’t just want to know what you do; they want to know how you can make their lives or businesses better. If you’re a Virtual Assistant, don’t just list the services you offer. Instead, tell them how many hours you’ve saved a business owner, or how you’ve helped someone focus on growth instead of admin. If you’re a financial advisor, don’t just mention pensions - talk about the time you helped someone retire years earlier than they expected. People connect with stories, not service lists. 

 

 

Make it really clear who you’re looking for when it comes to referrals. Instead of saying, “I work with small businesses,” be specific: “I’d love an introduction to a business owner drowning in admin who needs to free up time.” The more detail you give, the easier it is for others to think of potential clients for you. 

 

 

You’ve nailed your pitch—now what? Give people a way to stay in touch! Mention your Facebook group, your upcoming event, or your mailing list. Whatever it is, make sure they know exactly where to find you and what the next step is. 

 

Everyone in the room would love to help you build confidence and take the stress out of your networking experience. There’s no better place to practise and perfect your pitch than at one of our meetings! Book now, and you’ll soon be pitching like a pro.