Elevator pitches work like headlines in the newspaper by creating a hunger for more information. I remember in Working Girl when Melanie Griffith stepped on the elevator with the boss and had the ride to the top to convince him that the idea belonged to her and not the character played by Sigourney Weaver. That was an elevator pitch in every sense of the word.
I have used the elevator pitch in areas not related to writing. Several years ago, the PTA in our county wanted every child to have a certain vaccine free of charge. I was fortunate to be a part of Leadership Chattanooga at the time. The CEO of the hospital spoke to our group one day. While he was speaking, I sat staring at him trying to think of a way to talk to him about this impossible task—a free vaccine for each child at school sites. When he finished speaking, he quickly exited the room. I hated for this opportunity to pass, so I got up to follow him. By the time I reached the hall, he was almost to the front door. I quickly shouted his name and he turned. I had about 45 seconds to tell him what I wanted. I spit out my elevator pitch. With his interest perked, he invited me to his office the next day to discuss the matter in more detail. Eventually, every child in middle school had the opportunity for the free immunizations. Somehow I would like to think the elevator pitch had a lot to do with it.
The elevator pitch is short and easy to memorize so that any prospective editors, agents, and media can easily take note of it and hear the enthusiasm in the voice.
I think if I had recited an elevator pitch like I was reciting something from memory with no feeling, there would be many unvaccinated children today.
I have used the elevator pitch in areas not related to writing. Several years ago, the PTA in our county wanted every child to have a certain vaccine free of charge. I was fortunate to be a part of Leadership Chattanooga at the time. The CEO of the hospital spoke to our group one day. While he was speaking, I sat staring at him trying to think of a way to talk to him about this impossible task—a free vaccine for each child at school sites. When he finished speaking, he quickly exited the room. I hated for this opportunity to pass, so I got up to follow him. By the time I reached the hall, he was almost to the front door. I quickly shouted his name and he turned. I had about 45 seconds to tell him what I wanted. I spit out my elevator pitch. With his interest perked, he invited me to his office the next day to discuss the matter in more detail. Eventually, every child in middle school had the opportunity for the free immunizations. Somehow I would like to think the elevator pitch had a lot to do with it.
The elevator pitch is short and easy to memorize so that any prospective editors, agents, and media can easily take note of it and hear the enthusiasm in the voice.
I think if I had recited an elevator pitch like I was reciting something from memory with no feeling, there would be many unvaccinated children today.
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