THE 5 SECOND RULE: DOES YOUR BRAND PASS?

This person is clearly working her on-point elevator pitch.

The elevator pitch is a short and pithy way to frame up your value for your audience. 

An elevator ride usually takes less than a minute, and by the time you get someone’s attention, say hello, and tell them your pitch, you’ve got about 5 seconds to make an impression.


Otherwise, your pitch will be on the floor, deemed dirty, and left for someone’s Golden Doodle to gobble up. Gross.

The gold standard for an elevator pitch is 5 seconds. 

(BTW FIRST, let’s back up - you have to define your Value Proposition. If ya missed it - check out my handy worksheet here. Ok now back to the Elevator Pitch…)

Are people curious about what you do within that 5-second micro time frame? And do they have some semblance of an idea about what you’re trying to achieve?

If you’re saying “Yep, I’m good,” then no need to read further. 

If you’re saying NOPE, then stay with me a minute...

It’s critical to get it right. Because your elevator pitch is how people will instantly know if you are right for them or not. They will quickly know your value, and they’ll be interested to know more.

Clarity and brevity are your BFFs here. 

If you’ve done your job here, the RIGHT people will follow you out of the elevator, into the lobby, and into a coffee shop to start wheelin’ and dealin’ and handshakin’. 

Here are some of my fave examples of elevator pitches…

I’ve actually timed reading these all aloud, and DING DING DING! They all passed my 5 second rule test.

Do these things, and you’ll be well on your way to a great elevator pitch:

• Be inspired by the above amazing elevator pitches

• Take the time to craft some of your own

• Make sure the elevator pitch lines up with your value prop conceptually (is it right for the audience? Does it tick all the boxes? Is it catchy and easy to say?)

• Start testing out the elevator pitch among colleagues and friends. See what sticks!

• As always, ring me up if you’re stuck.