Time is short, attention spans are shorter, and trust is the currency of business. If you can’t explain who you are, what you do, and why you do it in under a minute, you’re losing opportunities—period. That’s where the elevator pitch comes in. It’s not just about selling yourself; it’s about building a foundation of trust quickly and effectively.
At Pitch59, we believe that a great elevator pitch isn’t just a rehearsed speech—it’s a conversation starter, an opportunity to connect on a human level. Unlike a sales pitch, which focuses on closing a deal, an elevator pitch is about sparking interest and establishing trust. That’s why we use the HERA model to help professionals craft pitches that aren’t just heard but remembered. Want to know more about the difference between an elevator pitch and a sales pitch? Check out our article Elevator Pitch VS Sales Pitch. Let’s break it down.
Humanize: Make It Personal, Make It Stick
People don’t trust businesses; they trust people. That’s why the first step in your elevator pitch is to humanize yourself. You need to be relatable, interesting, and unique—because if you sound like everyone else, you’ll be forgotten like everyone else.
How to Humanize Your Pitch:
- Start with your “why.” Why do you do what you do? Passion is contagious.
- Share something unique. Maybe it’s your background, your journey, or a surprising skill that ties into your work.
- Keep it natural. Avoid robotic, overly polished scripts. Speak how you’d talk to a friend.
Example: “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can connect people. After years of watching small businesses struggle to stand out, I created a platform that helps them make lasting impressions in seconds.”
Empathize: Speak to Their Pain (Shark Bites, Not Mosquito Bites)
Nobody cares about what you do until they understand why it matters to them. The key to grabbing attention is to empathize with your audience’s biggest challenges—what we call “shark bites” (big problems), not “mosquito bites” (minor annoyances).
How to Show Empathy:
- Acknowledge their pain. Show that you understand their struggle.
- Use their language. Speak in terms they would use, not industry jargon.
- Make it real. Use examples or scenarios they can relate to.
Example: “Small business owners waste hours at networking events, handing out business cards that end up in the trash. They need a way to stand out and be remembered.”
Resolve: Show How You Solve Their Problem
Once you’ve hooked them by speaking to their pain, it’s time to offer a solution. But here’s the catch—it has to be clear, concise, and credible.
How to Present Your Solution:
- Be direct. Say exactly how you solve their problem.
- Prove your credibility. Mention your expertise, experience, or results.
- Keep it simple. Avoid overwhelming them with too much detail.
Example: “That’s why we built Pitch59—a digital PitchCard that not only shares your contact info but also lets people see who you are through video, making sure you’re remembered long after the handshake.”
Act: Make the Next Step Effortless
A great pitch ends with a clear, easy call to action. If your audience doesn’t know what to do next, you’ve wasted your pitch.
How to Nail Your Call to Action:
- Make it simple. One action. One clear step.
- Make it compelling. Why should they act now?
- Make it easy. If it’s complicated, they won’t do it.
Example: “Click the link to my PitchCard, hit "Save Contact", then "Save to Contacts. It's that easy.”
Wrapping It Up: The Elevator Pitch in Action
When you put it all together using the HERA model, your pitch flows naturally:
“I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can connect people. After years of watching small businesses struggle to stand out, I created a platform that helps them make lasting impressions in seconds. Small business owners waste hours at networking events, handing out business cards that end up in the trash. They need a way to stand out and be remembered. That’s why we built Pitch59—a digital PitchCard that not only shares your contact info but also lets people see who you are through video, making sure you’re remembered long after the handshake. Just click the link to my PitchCard, hit "Save Contact", then "Save to Contacts. It's that easy.”
Simple. Clear. Impactful. And most importantly—memorable.
If your elevator pitch isn’t working, it’s not because people aren’t listening—it’s because you’re not making them care. Use the HERA model to build a pitch that not only introduces you but also creates a lasting connection. Because in business, it’s not about who you meet—it’s about who remembers you.
Need help crafting the perfect elevator pitch? Check out our article "Elevator Pitch Creator". You can also join our free webinar "Perfecting Your Pitch".