The term “elevator pitch” has a fascinating history. Some sources claim it originated in the 1850s when Elisha Otis showcased his automatic braking system for elevators. Otis, standing on a platform, ordered an assistant to cut the ropes, demonstrating the system’s safety. Today, Otis Elevator Company’s glass elevators at the Empire State Building remind us of this famous demonstration’s success.
However, other sources believe the elevator pitch concept stemmed from mid-20th century Hollywood culture. The idea was that when you found yourself in an elevator with a movie executive, you had only seconds to pitch your script or movie idea. The famous pitch for “The Lion King,” “Bambi in Africa,” exemplifies this succinctness.
Over time, the business community adapted the elevator pitch to convey messages about products, services, or ideas to potential investors, clients, or employers. Elevator pitching became so prevalent that even Harvard and Princeton University’s career centers dedicated blog posts to teach job seekers this art.
Instead of an elevator pitch, crafting a value statement can initiate meaningful conversations and establish connections. A value statement demonstrates empathy, a desire to help, and a deep understanding of the person’s needs and pain points you’re speaking to. It requires active listening and adapting your message based on feedback and cues.
For example, when networking with nonprofit professionals, you can highlight your commitment to social causes and your contribution to the public’s welfare. You might say, “I spend 15 to 20 hours per week volunteering at a community center, teaching low-income families financial literacy using my financial management skills.” To create a deeper impact, put yourself in the shoes of the people you serve. For instance, “By learning financial management skills, these parents can save money for medical emergencies and avoid going into debt” or “As these parents make better financial decisions, they can buy laptops for their kids, ensuring they can do their homework and keeping them on track in school.”
Similarly, when explaining complex technologies like Digital Scroll Compressor Technology for Refrigerated Food Transport, a simple and powerful value statement helps a non-technical audience understand its applicability. Take Emerson Electric as an example: “Our technology helps companies like Dole protect and preserve bananas during thousands of miles of ocean travel, ensuring fresh arrival at local stores.” This value statement clearly illustrates a desired outcome for anyone involved in shipping perishable products.
5 Steps to Craft an Impactful Value Statement
- Know your audience and tailor your value statement to address their specific needs.
- Keep it concise, aiming for one or two sentences that clearly convey your value.
- Use clear and compelling language, avoiding confusing jargon or technical terms.
- Adapt your value statement to different situations, such as networking events or job interviews.
- Practice and refine your value statement, seeking feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors.
A well-crafted value statement captures the essence of what you or your business provides in a concise and impactful manner. It emphasizes the value you bring, the problems you solve, and the benefits you offer, setting the stage for deeper connections and mutual success.
Harrison Monarth, the CEO and founder of Gurumaker and author of “Executive Presence: The Art of Commanding Respect Like a CEO,” is an executive coach who teaches effective leadership to C-suite leaders, senior executives, and high-potential managers for professional and organizational success.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
