Crafting your business pitch
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EmailPractice writing the key components to a strong marketing pitch.
Whether you are promoting yourself, marketing a business or advocating for a cause, a strong elevator pitch helps you make a memorable first impression. An elevator pitch is a brief introduction used in networking situations, such as career fairs, professional events or conferences, but it can easily be adapted for other purposes.
A good pitch should last about 30 to 60 seconds and feel natural, not scripted. The goal is to spark interest and encourage the listener to continue the conversation. Every pitch should end with a clear ask or call to action. This is a step that guides the listener toward the response you hope to receive.
Elevator pitches for entrepreneurs
For youth entrepreneurs, the elevator pitch becomes a concise marketing tool. It is a short, prepared message that clearly describes your business, highlights what makes it unique, and communicates how it meets a need. In just a few sentences, your pitch should:
- Provide a marketing statement about your business.
- Briefly describe your product or service.
- Identify the problem you solve.
- Explain how your product or service helps your target audience.
The tone should feel conversational and engaging rather than pushy or overly sales-oriented. The goal is to spark curiosity and invite the listener to learn more.
To practice, Michigan State University Extension recommends including these details when developing a business-focused elevator pitch:
- Your name (and your company or organization, if relevant).
- Your product or service.
- A positive, distinctive statement about what makes your product or service unique.
- The problem you solve or the need you address.
- Ask or call to action, such as how someone can buy or access your product, the investment you are seeking, or the next step you want the listener to take.
Once you’ve written your pitch, practice it with friends, family or trusted business colleagues to build confidence and ease. Remember, no one else knows what was on your brainstorming notes. They’ll simply feel your enthusiasm and positive energy for your business.
MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. To find out how to get involved as a Michigan 4-H youth participant or an adult volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office.