An elevator pitch is one of those things you wish you had right at the moment you need it. That’s why preparing one in advance is a good trick.
Originally coming from the startup scene, having an elevator pitch ready can be super helpful for musicians as well. In the first place, an elevator pitch is a short summary of who you are and what you do.
However, the idea is to keep it so short you can tell it to someone in the time it takes to ride an elevator. Hence the name.
Having an elevator pitch ready can be super helpful for musicians
One of the reasons why an elevator pitch can be helpful for you as a musician is for networking purposes. Especially now where everything moved online. When you are in a Zoom call with 40 other people and you’re asked to introduce yourself, it’s better to be short and concise!
Being able to stand out will help people to remember you. After all, one of the goals of networking. Also, it can help you overcome networking anxiety. How?
For once, an elevator pitch can be prepared and practised in advance. The more you practise it the more it will become second nature for you. If you are still unsure, ask a friend to stand proxy and rehearse in a friendly setting.
What is more, if you are in a setting where you’re talking to an industry professional, having an elevator pitch can make all the difference. Again, it shows that you’re well prepared and mean business.
How to exactly prepare an elevator pitch?
There is no rule set in stone for this. However, you want to keep it short. Equally, use language that sounds colloquial. You don’t want to sound phoney or artificial. Next, make sure to hit all the important points like who you are and what you do.
- Start with a brief introduction
- Mention your artist name and musical style
- You can quote your most important achievement so far (don’t mention that you’ve learned to play the piano when you were four years old)
- If you have good numbers on social media/ streaming you can mention them too. Also, if you have any dedicated fan group/ forum.
- Say what makes you stand out. What differentiated you from other artists?
One thing to keep in mind is being aware of the objective.
Will it be for that “chance meeting” model? A presentation for social networks? To sell your new show? Promote a new song?
*source: MAGROOVE
On the other side, you want to be aware of the target audience you’re aiming at. Your elevator pitch may vary depending if you’re talking to fellow musicians on a networking event or industry experts.
Getting a sense of timing is equally important
Here’s the thing: you don’t want to rush. If you’re meeting someone for the first time, be sensible of when you are placing your elevator pitch. Surely you don’t want to get it out there as soon as possible just for the sake of it.
Be vary for the right time. However, don’t wait too long or the other person might not be concentrated on you anymore. Finding the right balance is a skill you need to practise as well as your elevator pitch in the first place.
Of course, try and listen to the other side as carefully as possible.
When you are meeting someone for the first time, listen before speaking! Listening with an open mind is one of the keys to making effective connections because it gives you a sense of what you and the listener have in common.
*source: Astrid Baumgardner
There you have it, creating an elevator pitch can feel daunting at first. However, don’t forget that it will help other people to remember you and your music. And that makes it worthwhile, don’t you think?
More to read:
How To Boost Your Online Self-Confidence As A Musician
Digital Sales Funnel Explained For Your Music Project
Data Storytelling For Musicians