1. Identify Your Objective
First, determine the goal of your pitch. Are you presenting your company as a solutions-provider for potential clients? Looking to showcase a brand-new product? Targeting a specific market? Figure out one or two points that you’d like to convey the most and begin there.

2. Focus on Strengths
Don’t list a smorgasbord of services in your pitch that no one will ever remember. Instead, explain what your company does and how it helps customers, and provide benefits you offer. Have a demonstrative example, ideally with a financial metric. You want to show how you’ve helped a client boost revenues or expand, for example.

3. Use Simple Language
Don’t use obscure words or industry terminology because you’ll quickly lose your audience. Be engaging and enthusiastic, while being as clear as possible about what you do and what you offer.

4. Shoot for 20 Seconds
News flash: People have short attention spans. That means you have limited time to make a good first impression. Make sure your pitch is about 20 – 30 seconds tops. Cover relevant info without going into too much detail. Your pitch should be compelling and invite a continued conversation.

5. Leave Them Wanting More
Provide a hook in your elevator pitch that intrigues your audience. Maybe your hook is fast delivery or in-house design. It could be a well-known company that you’ve worked with. No matter what, always be ready to answer any follow-up questions to build on the conversation.

6. Practice Your Delivery
Once you’ve written your elevator pitch, rehearse it in front of a mirror or in front of others. Don’t memorize – remember you want to sound natural and confident. Use a stopwatch to make sure it lasts only about half a minute. Finally, be flexible and create a pitch that can evolve as you do.