I used to think a good elevator pitch was just explaining what my business does. I was wrong. After raising $3M in 60 days using ONE sentence (we later sold that biz for $42M), I discovered the power of a killer one-sentence pitch. Here's the truth: Your elevator pitch isn't about YOU. It's about THEM. Most founders make these fatal mistakes: 1. Focusing on features, not benefits 2. Using jargon nobody understands 3. Failing to spark curiosity So you get glazed eyes and lost opportunities. But there's a better way... I call it the "One Sentence to Rule Them All" framework: We help [TARGET AUDIENCE] avoid [PAIN POINT] and achieve [DREAM OUTCOME] using [UNIQUE MECHANISM]. Example: "I help entrepreneurs avoid stagnant businesses and add 7-figures in revenue using Scientific Entrepreneurship." The secret sauce? That UNIQUE MECHANISM. It's not just what you do, but HOW you do it that sets you apart. And here's the kicker: You need to TEST and ITERATE. Don't just create one pitch and call it a day. Use the scientific method: 1. Craft your pitch 2. Test it in real conversations 3. Note reactions and results 4. Tweak and improve 5. Repeat The ability to explain your value in one powerful sentence can be worth millions. So, what's your One Sentence to Rule Them All?
Writing An Elevator Pitch That Sells
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Summary
Creating an elevator pitch that sells is all about crafting a concise and memorable message that highlights what you do, who you help, and why it matters. It’s not just about explaining your work; it’s about engaging your audience and leaving them wanting to know more.
- Focus on benefits: Share how your work solves a specific problem or fulfills a need for your audience rather than listing features or using complex jargon.
- Craft a clear structure: Use a formula like “Who you are, what you do, and what’s in it for them” to create a natural flow that keeps your listener engaged.
- Test and refine: Practice your pitch in real conversations, pay attention to reactions, and adjust your wording until it sparks curiosity and interest.
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EVERY entrepreneur needs to have their 1-minute story down. No excuses. 😑 Here's my entirely unconventional (but successful) formula for nailing this: Most investors will tell you they want/need to hear your TAM, your GTM, and your competitive differentiation all in that first minute. 📊 But remember that old Henry Ford saying, "If I'd asked them what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse,"? 🐎 Same thing applies here. What they say they want versus what they *actually react to* are completely different. The reality is you're far more likely to confuse people by jamming 5 data points and 3 strategic plans while also trying to just get them to understand your product all in one minute. And the more numbers you throw out, the less likely your audience will remember any of them. 🫠 More information ends the conversation. Your 1-minute story should be a conversation-starter. That's where the Que PASA Elevator Pitch Formula™ comes in -- 🛗 PROBLEM 🆘 -specific, not broad -Create imagery with your words -NO market size numbers -As if you're speaking directly to your customer APPROACH 🫱🏽🫲🏻 -1 phrase or sentence -Your ultimate brand promise SOLUTION 🤓 -What is it -How does it help -Most layman's terms possible -DON'T say "disruptive" or any of the other classic startup adjectives ACTION 🎬 -1 traction data point OR 1 market size stat. Stick to 1 number. -Lead into a conversational ask (NOT "Money Pweeaze!") Start the whole thing by saying, "Here's how we pitch our customers..." Use the right words under this sequence and you'll communicate in such a fundamentally different way than the 99% of others who pitch. It's so compelling and refreshing your audience can't help but lean in with enthusiasm, versus pull back from confusion. I've been in Ubers with investors where I will read out our clients' pitches under this formula and get responses like, "that's the best intro I've ever heard," and "Can you connect us with the founder? That's really interesting stuff." Your first 60 seconds determines your next 60 minutes. ⏳ Start a conversation. Don't end it. #BelieveTheHype #GOATtoMarket