Developing my 60 second elevator pitch

In my last blog, I told you briefly about a business expert that I have recently found. His name is Tim Berry. The reason that I like Tim Berry is because I see his passion in his YouTube videos and I hear his experience, but mostly I trust him.

While doing research for this blog, I found his video on the “60 second pitch.”  I felt that this was something that I needed to fine tune and really develop. This blog is based on something that I plan to incorporate into my business and put it into my plan.  Having a pitch will give a listener a sneak preview of who and what my company does. Then I can have an opportunity to give them the figure and a more detailed description and vision by submitting my business plan later.

I am asked often what my business is about and to be honest, I tell what it does but not who we are. I feel that is a missed opportunity to sell my vision and plan.  This pitch will them help me change and fine tune my mission, description and goals in the plan.

Berry breaks down the 60-second pitch into four parts. Within those four parts there are goals that must be accomplished before moving onto the next. So, equally each part is 15 seconds. Those parts are, The Story, The Solution, The Difference and The Ask.  Let’s explain each one.

The Story

The story is designed to pull your listener in. You have to tell them why you felt the need to do something. Tell them why you felt the need to create. Berry explains that this is the time to give examples and a name to go along with the story. You want to create a sense of empathy and compassion. This allows the listener to open up to receive the next part.

The Solution

After the story, you want to tell the listener how your company can help the person in “The Story.” How exactly does your service and/or product solve the issue of the person in the first section? Do you make life easier? Do you create a new life for them? How does your product or service create a better life for that person and therefore others?

The Difference

A well-known book says, “There is nothing new under the sun.”  I do believe that. So you have to tell that listener, why and how are you difference from the other companies that are out there doing what you do. Is it your training? Your technology? Tell them the difference.

The Ask

Tell them briefly about the business here and then hit them with, ‘The Ask.” There is a reason why you are telling this particular person or crowd. What do you need from them to help your company? This is the time to express your need.

The pitch explains the, “Why” about your company. I believe that this is the most important section of your business plan. Your mission is important. You may think that it is just a few sentences, but ultimately your mission defines your goals, wants and plan.

Developing your pitch will put into words what you really want to do.

Resources:

http://timberry.com

http://www.entrepreneur.com/author/197

http://www.linkedin.com/in/timberry

http://youtu.be/_PUBulGR42o