How To Prepare For This Week’s Discussion Post

To prepare for this week’s discussion post: Watch these Linkedin Learni

To prepare for this week’s discussion post: watch these LinkedIn Learning videos from the series Giving Your Elevator Pitch with Todd Dewett (use your student login for LinkedIn.com if prompted): Benefits to an Elevator Pitch, Making an Initial Connection, Structuring Your Pitch. Read Robert W. Bly's article "The 3-Part Elevator Pitch Formula You Need to Know." For this week’s discussion, please respond to the following: develop a 30-second elevator pitch for your selected company (whether you're working with the snack food company scenario or the company of your choice), using the tips provided in the videos and article. Enclose your elevator speech within quotation marks. Provide a rationale for the components included in your pitch. Optional: Week 9 Video Response Challenge is to make a video of your elevator speech; this is not required but provides practice. If you choose to record a video, you still need to provide your written elevator speech with a rationale. Find the resource Kaltura Help [PDF] helpful for recording and uploading your video. Post at least one substantive comment to another student's post, including a brief description of your company: name, business, and products or services offered.

Paper For Above instruction

The task involves crafting a compelling 30-second elevator pitch for a selected company, synthesizing insights from LinkedIn Learning videos and Robert W. Bly’s article on effective elevator pitches. An elevator pitch functions as a concise summary that captures the essence of a business’s value proposition, designed to engage potential clients, partners, or investors quickly and persuasively. To develop an effective pitch, one must incorporate the core principles outlined in the instructional resources—benefits, initial connection, and structured messaging—and align them with the unique aspects of the chosen company.

In a professional environment, an elevator pitch is more than just a brief speech; it serves as a strategic communication tool that communicates the company's value, builds rapport, and fosters interest within a limited timeframe. The videos by Todd Dewett emphasize that benefit statements should clearly articulate what value the company offers, making the pitch relevant and impactful. Making an initial connection involves establishing credibility and relevance early in the conversation, often through personalized or engaging opening lines. Structuring the pitch according to the proven three-part formula—introduction, explanation of value, and a call to action—ensures clarity and flow, making the message memorable.

In crafting my elevator speech for a hypothetical company, I chose "GreenTech Solutions," a company dedicated to providing eco-friendly energy solutions. My pitch is as follows: "GreenTech Solutions helps homeowners reduce their carbon footprint by providing affordable, solar-powered energy systems that are easy to install and maintain. We’re committed to making sustainable living accessible for all, saving you money on energy bills while protecting the planet." This encapsulates the benefit—cost savings and environmental impact—while establishing credibility through ease of installation and maintenance. The opening statement connects with environmentally conscious homeowners, and the call to action subtly invites further engagement.

The rationale behind this pitch’s components is rooted in clarity and relevance. The opening line establishes relevance by identifying the target audience—homeowners interested in sustainability. The core message emphasizes benefits—cost savings and environmental protection—key motivators for the target demographic. Mentioning ease of installation addresses potential barriers to adoption, and the closing statement invites ongoing dialogue or interest. Each component aligns with Bly’s three-part formula: a concise introduction, a clear description of the value offered, and an implied call to action, ensuring the pitch is memorable, compelling, and actionable.

Optional video recording of this pitch could serve as a valuable practice for real-world networking situations, allowing speakers to refine their tone, body language, and delivery. When recording, the technical guidance from Kaltura Help would ensure a professional presentation, with clear audio and visuals. Regardless of whether one records or writes, the fundamental aim remains to craft a succinct, persuasive message that clearly conveys the company’s unique value and motivates the listener to take further action.

Engaging with peers by commenting on their pitches allows for critical feedback and shared learning. Reviewing others' approaches can highlight different strategies for engaging opening lines, benefit statements, and calls to action, enhancing collective understanding of effective elevator pitch techniques. Additionally, providing a brief overview of one’s own company—its name, business focus, and main products or services—further contextualizes the pitch and offers peers insight into different business sectors and target markets.

References

  • Bly, R. W. (2011). The 3-part elevator pitch formula you need to know. Business Writer. https://www.businesswriter.com/articles/3-part-elevator-pitch-formula
  • Dewett, T. (n.d.). Giving Your Elevator Pitch. LinkedIn Learning Series.
  • LinkedIn Learning. (n.d.). Giving Your Elevator Pitch with Todd Dewett. https://www.linkedin.com/learning
  • Crainer, S., & Dearlove, D. (2004). The Ultimate Business Library. Capstone Publishing.
  • Thompson, L. L. (2017). Making the Pitch: How to Pitch Your Business and Win. Entrepreneur Press.
  • Rogers, S. (2020). The Art of the Elevator Pitch. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org
  • Gallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds. St. Martin’s Press.
  • Fay, B. (2021). Effective Communication Strategies for Business Leadership. Routledge.
  • Seitz, D., & Richardson, A. (2016). Business Writing Today: A Practical Guide. Pearson.
  • Grunig, J. E. (2009). Public Relations and Strategic Management. Routledge.