We’ve all been told the same thing: “You need a killer elevator pitch.” The idea is simple, craft a perfectly polished, 30-second spie
We’ve all been told the same thing: “You need a killer elevator pitch.” The idea is simple, craft a perfectly polished, 30-second spiel that sums up who you are, what you do, and why you’re amazing. Sounds smart, right?
But here’s the problem: no one actually cares.
Why? Because most elevator pitches feel rehearsed, robotic, and frankly, forgettable. They’re designed to impress, not connect. In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, people don’t want a rehearsed monologue. They want something real. Something that makes them lean in, not tune out.
What to Do Instead: The Art of Connection
Forget the pitch. Focus on creating conversations that stick. Here’s how:
1. Lead with a Hook, Not a Title, Instead of saying, “I’m a social media strategist,”
try:
“I help brands turn boring content into viral moments people can’t stop sharing.
It sparks curiosity, invites questions, and makes people want to know more.
2. Make It About Them, Not You, Shift the focus. People love to talk about themselves (it’s science).
Ask questions like:
“What’s been the biggest challenge for your business this year?”
Then, weave your story into their problem. Suddenly, you’re not pitching, you’re offering value.
3. Tell a Quick Story, Humans are wired for stories, not stats. Share a micro-story:
“Last month, I worked with a brand that was struggling to connect with Gen Z. We changed one thing in their strategy, and their engagement tripled. It was wild.”
Stories are memorable. Data is forgettable.
4. Be Human, Not a Highlight Reel, Ditch the corporate jargon. Talk like a person.
Instead of,
“I leverage data-driven insights to optimize marketing performance,”
try,
“I figure out what makes people click, like, and buy, and help brands do more of that.”Simple. Relatable. Real.
The Takeaway: Connection Over Perfection, No one’s sitting around thinking, “I really hope I hear a great elevator pitch today.”
But people are looking for genuine connections. They remember how you made them feel, not how polished your pitch was.So, the next time you’re tempted to recite your perfectly crafted spiel, pause. Take a breath. And instead of pitching, start a conversation.That’s where the real magic happens.