Tip#1: Include the Essentials
Your pitch should include your name, title, company, target market, and a “hook”. The hook should be benefit oriented and tell what makes you or your company special. For example “We are images consultants” is a feature oriented statement. “We help women look and feel their best” is a benefits oriented statement.

Keep it Flexible
Many marketing gurus will say to ‘rehearse your elevator pitch’. While it is true that you must be able to deliver your pitch at a moments notice, you must be cautious not to sound canned. Under what conditions, and to what people are you likely to deliver your pitch? Most likely these people have diverse interests and needs. It is important that your pitch accommodate these needs, therefore you must be able to adjust it on the fly.

Project, Enunciate, Exuberate
When introducing yourself you must speak clearly, convey enthusiasm, and demonstrate genuine interest in your prospect. This means that whether you are talking to the janitor or the CEO you must treat that person as the most important person in the world.

Spin your Speech
At every networking meeting there are numerous financial advisors, insurance agents, widget salesmen, and marketing professionals. To stand out from the crowd you must spin your speech. Tell who you are in a clever or creative fashion. For example: Instead of saying “I’m a civil law attorney”, say “I fight for the little guy.” Change “I’m a loan officer” to “I specialize in dead presidents”. A dentist may introduce herself as “I keep people smiling.”

Name Drop
Have a big client, special credentials or won a recent award? Don’t give a laundry list of every aspect of your achievements, but definitely mention one or two highlights.

Listen First
Speak Last People tend to be most interested in people who are interested in them. That is why when meeting others it is best to learn about them and their needs before delivering your elevator pitch. This enables you to demonstrate a genuine interest in the person (and your interest must be genuine). It also allows you to tweak your pitch to meet the unique needs of your immediate prospect.

Sample Elevator Pitches:
- "I keep your company out of Dilbert's comic strip! I'm Jane Smith, a management consultant specializing in change. If your company is experiencing rapid growth or change I can offer experience and wisdom to keep your employees happy and your profits in the black."

- “I’m a financial savior. If your company needs capital for expansion and the big guys won’t help, I’m the guy to call. I help cash strapped companies get the money they need, when they need it. From computers hardware to manufacturing equipment I can help.

- I’m an evangelist for better business, a stronger community, and increased employment. I help hundreds of businesses each year to increase their profits, connect with the community and achieve over all growth through participation in the Chamber of Commerce. Are you interested in growing your business?

About the Author: Marketing Consultant, Monique Danielle helps entrepreneurs and marketing managers create effective, cohesive communication strategies.  Her company, DivaDesignWorld.com delivers brand, web and print solutions to small to medium sized businesses. You may republish this article on your website as long as it remains unaltered, and links/credits remain in place.