What do you need to know about an Elevator Pitch ?
What is an Elevator Pitch?
An extremely concise presentation of an entrepreneur's idea, business model, company solution, marketing strategy, and competition delivered to potential investors (or other audience).
What an Elevator Pitch is NOT: It is not a "sales pitch." Although it is important to convey the message of how great your service or product is, you do not want to use the entire pitch on this one aspect. Tell your audience how you will run your business and turn it into a success!
What will the CEO Conference judges look for in an Elevator Pitch ?
- A pitch lasting between 60-90 seconds (approximately one minute).
- A solid, convincing pitch that stands out amongst the rest of the competition.
- Winners will receive cash prizes (last year's 1st-prize-winner took home $2,500).
Are JC students required to pitch at the conference?
Juniata students are required to attempt a pitch at the conference. Last year three Juniata students made it to the finals, and one student even took home the fifth place cash prize (pictured below). Students can use the information below to help them prepare their pitch for the conference, or students can contact Communications Professor Sarah Worley (worley@juniata.edu) for extra assistance. Also students should bring some rough form of their pitch to the interview, so the judges can hear what students have to pitch. (No student is expected to have a fully perfect pitch ready for their interview prior to the conference.)
Last year's Juniata students who made it to the finals of the CEO Elevator Pitch Competition.
(Left to Right) Sarah Roby '09 with her 5th place prize, Travis Paul '08, and Cassandra Hale '10.How do I write my Elevator Pitch?
*The information below is adapted from http://www.businessknowhow.com/money/elevator.htm
(Where to begin...)
Your pitch must answer the following Six Questions:1) What is your product or service?
(Briefly describe what it is you sell. Do not go into too much detail, since you do not want to bore your audience.)2) Who is your market?
(Briefly discuss who you are selling the product or service to. Discuss the industry of your product or service, and discuss how large the targeted market actually is.)3) What is your revenue model?
(Simply discuss how you expect to make money!)4) Who is behind the company?
(Tell the audience a little about you and your team's background as well as achievements.)5) Who is your competition?
(Briefly discuss who they are and what they have accomplished. Successful competition is not a bad thing; it validates your business model and/or concept actually works.)6) What is your competitive advantage?
(Effectively communicate how company is different and why you have an advantage over the competition.)(Making your pitch a winner...)
Your pitch must contain the following content:1) A "hook"
Open your pitch by getting the audience's attention with a "hook" -- a statement or question that piques the audience's interest so they want to hear more.2) About 150-225 words
Your pitch should go no longer than 60 seconds.3) Passion
CEO judges will be looking for high energy and dedication from competitors.4) A Request
By the end of your pitch, you must ask for something. Whether you request to give them your business card, schedule a full presentation, ask for a referral, or simply ask for them to put their full faith into what you're offering, you must ask for something.5) Your name and title
It might sound obvious, but don’t forget to state your full name and role in the company you’ll be creating.More resources available online:
The Art of an Elevator Pitch
Perfecting Your Pitch, part one: Assume Short Buildings
What's an Elevator Pitch? And Why Your Brand Needs One.Need some more help writing/practicing your Elevator Pitch?
Contact Communications Professor, Sarah Worley - worley@juniata.edu
Mainpage - What is CEO? - Why & How to APPLY? - Elevator Pitch info - 2005 pictures - 2006 pictures
Past attendees' opinions - Contact/questions info