At Pitch59, we believe that meaningful connections are the foundation of successful business relationships. The reality is that the moment someone feels you’re trying to sell them something, their guard goes up. But when they feel understood, a foundation of trust begins to form. This distinction highlights the key difference between an elevator pitch and a sales pitch—and why the former must always come first.
As Jeff Bitton, our CEO, often explains, “Most business professionals don’t know there’s a difference between an elevator pitch and a sales pitch.” Understanding that difference can transform how you approach networking, relationship-building, and ultimately, growing your business.
Let’s break it down.
An elevator pitch and a sales pitch serve very different purposes, though they’re often confused. A sales pitch is designed to educate others about the value of your product or service, ultimately aiming to close a deal. It’s about answering the question, “Why should I buy from you?”
On the other hand, an elevator pitch is much more personal. It isn’t about selling—it’s about connecting. A great elevator pitch is a concise statement of who you are, what you do, and why you do it, delivered in a way that sparks trust and curiosity.
As Jeff puts it, “The purpose of an elevator pitch is to build that foundation of trust first; the purpose of your sales pitch is to close on a deal.”
The primary goal of an elevator pitch is to humanize yourself, build rapport, and create an opening for deeper conversations. It’s about laying the groundwork so that your sales pitch, when the time comes, doesn’t feel like a sales pitch at all. Instead, it feels like a natural extension of a trusted relationship.
Jeff reminds us, “People don’t like to be ‘sales pitched.’” This simple truth is why starting with an elevator pitch—rooted in connection rather than conversion—is so important.
Imagine meeting someone at a networking event. Before they’ve even introduced themselves, they dive into a rehearsed spiel about their product’s features and benefits. How would you feel? Likely overwhelmed, disinterested, or even annoyed.
Now imagine the same person starts with, “Hi, I’m Alex. I help small businesses solve one of the biggest challenges they face—getting found online. I’d love to learn about what you do and what challenges you’re working to overcome.”
This second approach isn’t just more engaging; it demonstrates genuine interest in the other person. It prioritizes connection over conversion.
Ultimately, people don’t buy products—they buy trust, solutions, and relationships. If your elevator pitch builds trust, the sales pitch becomes an invitation, not an imposition.
A truly effective elevator pitch does more than communicate who you are—it leaves an emotional impression. Here are the four key elements every elevator pitch needs:
Start by showing up as your authentic self. This isn’t the time for corporate jargon or rehearsed lines that sound like a brochure. Share something genuine about yourself—your passion, your purpose, or even a brief story that ties into why you do what you do.
For example: “I’ve always been passionate about helping others tell their stories. That’s what led me to create my company, a platform that helps people share their expertise in a way that’s authentic and memorable.”
When you humanize yourself, you become relatable, and relatability is the first step toward building trust.
The best elevator pitches aren’t just about you—they’re about the challenges your audience faces. Take time to understand their pain points, frustrations, or needs. Acknowledge them in a way that shows you care.
The easiest way to connect with someone is to let them feel heard. You don’t have to have all the answers right away—just start by asking the right questions.
This could sound like: “One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen in [industry] is [specific problem]. Does that resonate with you?”
Once you’ve established empathy, it’s time to position yourself as a potential solution. But keep it simple. Your elevator pitch isn’t about delivering every detail of your process or solution. Instead, focus on the high-level impact you can have.
For example: “I help small businesses get noticed online without spending thousands on ads, so they can focus on what they do best.”
Finally, wrap up with a clear and inviting next step. Your call to action doesn’t need to be a hard sell. It could be as simple as suggesting a follow-up conversation, sharing contact information, or even inviting them to check out your Pitch59 card.
For instance: “I’d love to learn more about your goals. If you’re interested, let’s connect and see if there’s a way I can help.”
Pitch59 is designed to make achieving these four keys easier than ever. With personalized, PitchCards, you can humanize yourself by sharing videos, testimonials, and your story in a way that’s memorable and genuine. These cards allow you to empathize with your audience by highlighting the pain points you solve and positioning your solutions effectively. They also include intuitive calls to action—whether it’s scheduling a meeting, visiting your website, or simply reaching out—all delivered in a seamless, user-friendly format that’s designed to foster trust and build relationships.
The truth is, people decide whether to trust you within seconds of meeting you. A well-crafted elevator pitch can make all the difference in that first impression. By humanizing yourself, showing empathy, and offering value, you pave the way for deeper conversations—conversations where your sales pitch feels natural and welcome.
An elevator pitch is your chance to show who you are before you show what you’re selling. Get that right, and you’ll never have to “sell” a day in your life.
At Pitch59, we’re passionate about helping professionals craft pitches that connect. Whether it’s through our innovative PitchCards or the insights we share, our mission is to empower you to build trust and leave a lasting impression.
Next time you’re in a networking setting, think about how you can show up authentically, understand the other person’s needs, and share your purpose. That’s the power of an elevator pitch—and it’s the first step to creating lasting business relationships.
At Pitch59, we’re here to help you master the art of the elevator pitch and turn first impressions into lasting connections. With our innovative PitchCards, you can showcase your expertise, build trust, and create meaningful relationships—all in a way that feels authentic and memorable.
Ready to elevate your pitch? Visit Pitch59 today and create your personalized PitchCard. It’s time to make a powerful first impression and grow your business like never before!