A Retail “Elevator Pitch” – Do You Have One?

Whether you are a retailer or a wholesaler, there will always come an opportunity when you need to share a condensed version of your business into a short elevator pitch. For wholesalers, this is particularly important since you are usually sharing these details with retailers in an effort to land a new account. For retailers it is equally as important since you often need to gain trust and respect from a valued vendor or someone from the press. The key to a successful elevator pitch is to keep it short and simple. Yes, you heard me right… simple. And short… about 30 seconds and no more than 45 to be exact.

[tweetmeme]Here are a few tips to help you create your perfect retail based elevator pitch.

1. Always think of the final consumer. Whether you are talking to the press, a vendor or a retailer, the ultimate goal is to make sales with the final consumer (last customer to make a purchase without plans to resell it) in mind. Make sure you recognize and respect who this consumer is at one point in your pitch.

2. Offer points of benefit about your business. But remember… don’t offer points of benefit that will influence you, but rather explain how your business benefits your audience, the final customer and possibly your demographics.

3. Don’t get into the little details. If a favorite song from your youth inspired you, there is no need to share these details in your quick pitch. Instead focus on the now and stress what your business currently offers, how it’s unique and who your customers are.

4. Keep an eye – and an ear – on the time.It’s easy to get lost in your words when talking about your business, so stay focused. If you practice your elevator pitch at home / in front of the mirror / with friends, it will get easier to recognize your strengths and weaknesses,  as well as how you are doing with time.

5. Keep a mental checklist of points to cover. A perfect elevator pitch can exist, but remembering it can often be a challenge. Create a mental checklist of three to five points you want to cover in your elevator pitch, then mentally check each one off as you deliver your pitch . The goal is keep this pitch about 30 seconds long…. so remember, short, sweet and simple is the way to go!

If delivered effectively, questions will typically follow a great elevator  pitch. So don’t worry about not saying enough – your time will come if you deliver your pitch right. Stay focused and practice if you need to. Afterall, practice makes perfect, so get started!