When you have your own business the first question you usually get is “Oh really, what kind of business?” Many new entrepreneurs struggle with how to exactly tell others what they do. They fumble with finding the right words or stutter it out unsure of what to say. Having a prepared elevator pitch makes explaining exactly what you and your company does easy.

An elevator pitch, also referred to as an elevator speech, is a brief description that outlines what your company does in 20 to 60 seconds, which is about the time of an elevator ride. This brief statement is often the first impression to customers, clients, or prospective investors. Every business owner knows the importance making a good first impression.

Before you begin writing there are three things to think about.

1. Who is your target? Remember who you are giving your elevator speech to, you do not want to give the same speech to a client that you would to a prospective investor. Tailor your speech to your intended audience. A little tweaking can make a difference between getting the sale or not.

2. What does your company solve? Highlight how your services make life easier for the customer or bring happiness to them. Play it up but do not lie, or give false hope, be sincere and honest. False promises only lead to bad reviews.

3. What is your unique selling proposition? So what is it that makes your company or item different from another? What makes your product unique? Look at your product or service from many points of view and think about who would benefit from what you offer. Point this out in your speech.

Now write eight to ten sentences introducing yourself and what you do. Remember you do not want to sound robotic or practiced. It should be natural and fluid. Be relaxed and personable while saying who you are, your company's name, what you offer, and what makes you different. Finish with a call to action, meaning what you want them to do, such as making an appointment, or buying your product.

Write out several versions, for different targets and then practice, practice, practice. The more you practice the more natural it will sound. Say it out loud, try it on your family and friends, and remember to smile while you say it.

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