Part II: How Public Is Your Elevator Pitch

Last month I shared how “Wowed” I was with the Public Elevator Pitch I saw in the lobby of the International Law Offices of Stephenson Harwood (Hong Kong) while in Asia for the 2017 STEP Asia Conference.

It was during the 2017 STEP Asia Conference when it really resonated and “Wowed” me to… “I Get It”; I got Zapped! We, at Morris+D’Angelo, have always had the first and most important Building Block of our Brand in this statement; “We’re Not Just Another CPA Firm”. Eureka!

Now, What Does This Mean for You

The realization after years of doing “Business” (with traditional and evolving financial concepts) is that a basic understanding of the Services, Products or Information that my Business provides is paramount and more importantly, if my objective is to grow my Business, it is beyond paramount that not only potential Customers intuitively know and understand the Financial Services and “Brain-Capital” we provide, but “Everybody” on our team at Morris+D’Angelo embrace and commit to our Branding Message and Statement; our Branding Building Blocks… “We’re Not Just Another CPA Firm”

At Morris+D’Angelo, We “Continually” Focus on these areas:
1 – Families
2 – Their Multiple-Generations
3 – Their Wealth and Financial Protection

What Makes a Good Elevator Pitch:

First, understand that being able to present an effective elevator pitch (speech) is a crucial skill for Companies with an eye on Growth, Accountability, and Reputation. As I alluded to “…after years of doing business…”; it’s important to know your audience and tailor your message accordingly.

Deciding on what to say is the first step and then you’ll want to think about how to say it so that it will resonate with your audience or the person standing in front of you. Here are just a few things I’ve learned along the way that might help.

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what your organization does. You can also use them to create interest in a project, idea, or product – or in yourself. A good elevator pitch should last no longer than a short elevator ride of 20 to 30 seconds, hence the name.

It should be interesting, memorable, and succinct. It also needs to identify what makes you – or your organization, product, idea, or service – Valuable to Your Customer.

When to Use an Elevator Pitch
The Elevator Pitch is beyond just for the needs of a Salesperson, it’s for any and all who wish to ascend the Company Ladder or create significant amounts of Success that will translate into dollars.

Creating an Elevator Pitch. What’s In It?

It will take time to get your pitch “just” right. You’ll likely go through several versions before finding one that is compelling, or maybe you’ll create a few different versions to suit different audiences you may come into contact with. Bottom-Line, you will have to practice. In this case, Practice Makes Perfect.

1. Identify Your Goal
What is the objective of your pitch? What do you want and don’t forget, What’s In It For Them?

Is the Pitch to inform potential customers about your organization, product, information or service?

2. Explain What You Do
Be able to describe what your Business does. Focus on the problems that you solve (What’s In It For Them) and how you have helped people. Provide information or a statistic that shows the value in what you do.

3. Communicate Your USP (Unique Selling Proposition)
Identify what makes you, your organization, or your idea, unique. You’ll want to communicate your USP after you’ve talked about what you do.
e.g. “We do not bill by the hour”

4. Put It All Together
When you’ve completed each section of your pitch, put it all together and Practice

It should be no longer than 20-30 seconds; shoot for 20 seconds. Otherwise, you risk losing the person’s interest or monopolizing the conversation and we all know too many people who are more than willing to take up your time.

Don’t be one of “Those” to others
— Be Short Sweet and to the Point about What’s In It for “Them”

The Elevator Pitch

Key Points
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in what your organization does. You can also use one to create interest in a project, idea, or product. Quick now count to 20…

It needs to be succinct while conveying important information.

To craft a great pitch, follow these steps:
• Identify your goal
• Explain what you do
• Communicate your Unique Selling Position (USP)
• Put it all together
• Practice, Practice, Practice (Hint: I’m guessing you carry a video camera in your back pocket)

We at Morris+D’Angleo are committed to Helping You and Your business grow. If you have any questions or would like to see a presentation on Elevator Pitches, please contact me or my office in Portland, Oregon or San Jose, California.

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Daniel Morris
Daniel frequently provides Media Content via Workshops, Podcasts and Printed Articles on topics like Cross-Border Transactions, Wealth Preservation and Planning, Global Banking and many other high-level financial topics that serve and demonstrate the Value of our Global Network that should be of interest to those who need Private High-Wealth Services. If you wish for Daniel to speak to you or your Professional Group, please contact us.

Morris+D’Angelo is the industry leader for many High-Wealth Customers and Organizations.

707 SW Washington St., Suite 1100
Portland, Oregon, 97205

503.749.6300 – Portland Office
408.292.2892 – San Jose Office

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