How do you respond to elevator pitch questions?

1 Know your goal

Before you attend any networking opportunity, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and who you want to connect with. Your goal will shape your elevator pitch and your response to questions. For example, if you are looking for a job, you might want to highlight your skills, achievements, and value proposition. If you are looking for a client, you might want to showcase your services, benefits, and testimonials.

2 Prepare your answers

You can't predict every question that might come your way, but you can anticipate some common ones and prepare your answers in advance. For example, you might be asked about your background, your current projects, your challenges, your goals, or your interests. You should have some concise and relevant stories or examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your credibility. You should also have some questions of your own to ask the listener and show your curiosity and engagement.

3 Tailor your response

While having some prepared answers is helpful, you should also be flexible and adaptable to the situation and the listener. You should tailor your response to their needs, interests, and expectations. For example, if they are in a similar field or industry, you might use some jargon or technical terms. If they are in a different field or industry, you might use more simple and accessible language. You should also try to match their tone, pace, and energy level.

4 Focus on value

One of the main objectives of responding to elevator pitch questions is to convey your value and how you can help the listener or their organization. You should avoid being too self-centered or boastful and instead focus on how you can solve a problem, fill a gap, or create an opportunity for them. You should also use specific and quantifiable results or outcomes to back up your claims and show your impact.

5 End with a call to action

The last thing you want to do is to end the conversation abruptly or awkwardly. You should have a clear and compelling call to action that invites the listener to take the next step with you. For example, you might ask for their contact information, their availability for a follow-up meeting, their feedback on your idea, or their referral to someone else. You should also thank them for their time and attention and express your interest in staying in touch.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?