The Story Behind the "Elevator Pitch" (And How to Nail Yours)
At Olympic Elevator, we know a thing or two about elevators. But today, we’re not talking about cables, hydraulics, or machine rooms. We’re talking about a phrase that’s climbed its way into everyday business lingo: the elevator pitch.
It’s short. It’s snappy. And just like a real elevator ride, it needs to get you from floor to floor fast. So where did this term come from? Why does it matter? And how can you craft one that doesn’t leave your listeners stuck between floors?
Let’s take this to the top.
What Is an Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that sums up who you are, what you do, and why it matters, all in the time it takes to ride an elevator.
That’s roughly 30 to 60 seconds. Think: the time it takes to go from the lobby to the 10th floor without awkwardly checking your phone.
It's called a "pitch" because you’re pitching something: your business, your idea, your brand, your big dream. The goal? To grab attention, spark interest, and open the door (literally or figuratively) to a longer conversation.
Where Did the Term Come From?
Like many great things, the exact origin of the elevator pitch is a little fuzzy. But there are a few popular stories:
Hollywood Origins
Legend has it the term dates back to Hollywood screenwriters in the early 1900s who knew that if they ever found themselves in an elevator with a big-shot producer, they had mere seconds to pitch their movie idea before the doors opened and the exec walked away forever. If you could deliver your pitch in that tiny window, you might just score a deal.
Madison Avenue Marketing
Another theory traces the phrase to advertising and marketing circles in the 1970s and 80s, where quick, persuasive messaging was king. The idea: if you can’t explain your concept clearly in under a minute, it’s probably too complicated.
The Startup Boom
In the 1990s and early 2000s, as tech startups exploded, the elevator pitch became a go-to tool for entrepreneurs pitching to investors, sometimes literally during chance encounters at conferences or industry events.
Wherever it started, the idea stuck. And today, everyone from job seekers to CEOs to your local coffee shop owner needs an elevator pitch in their back pocket.
Why Does an Elevator Pitch Matter?
We live in a world of short attention spans and fast first impressions. Whether you’re networking, interviewing, selling, or fundraising, you rarely get more than a few seconds to make someone care.
A strong elevator pitch helps you:
Communicate your value clearly
Spark curiosity
Start meaningful conversations
It’s not about closing the deal right then and there. It’s about opening the door to opportunity.
What Makes a Good Elevator Pitch?
It’s Short (Think 30-60 Seconds)
Brevity is key. This isn’t the time for a deep dive into your 10-year vision. Imagine you’re literally in an elevator. If you haven’t made your point by the time the bell dings, you’re out of luck.
It’s Clear and Simple
Skip the jargon. Speak like a human. If your grandma or a teenager wouldn’t understand what you’re saying, it’s too complicated.
Instead of:
“We leverage AI-powered analytics to optimize synergistic solutions for multi-vertical markets.”
Try:
“We help businesses use data to make smarter decisions faster.”
It Answers Three Questions
A great elevator pitch covers:
Who you are
What you do (or what your idea is)
Why it matters or how it helps
Example:
“I'm with Olympic Elevator. We help building owners and managers move people smoothly, safely, and efficiently by installing, maintaining, and modernizing elevators that keep life and business moving.”
It Has a Hook
What makes you memorable? A surprising fact, a bold claim, or a clever line can make your pitch stick.
Example:
“Did you know the average person spends 13 hours a year waiting for elevators? Luckily, we build them to move a little faster than that.”
It Ends With an Invitation
The pitch is the conversation starter, not the full conversation. End with something like:
“I’d love to tell you more. Do you have a card?”
“Let me know if you’d like to grab coffee and talk further.”
How to Craft Your Elevator Pitch (In 5 Steps)
If you’re ready to write your own pitch, here’s a simple five-step formula to help you get there:
Start with the problem you solve. What need, challenge, or desire are you addressing?
Explain your solution. How do you solve it? What do you offer that’s unique?
Add a credibility boost. Any quick facts? Years in business? Impressive clients?
Make it personal. Who are you in this story? Why does this matter to you?
Call to action. What do you want them to do next?
Write it out. Then say it out loud. Revise it until it feels natural, not memorized, but confident and conversational.
Some Quick Examples (With an Elevator Twist)
Since we’re Olympic Elevator, we couldn’t resist having a little fun with this. Here are some industry-inspired elevator pitches:
The Classic Elevator Pitch
"At Olympic Elevator, we help buildings move people smoothly, safely, and efficiently. We install, modernize, and maintain elevators so that tenants, employees, and customers can get where they’re going without hassle. We’d love to help you upgrade your ride."
The Speedy Startup Pitch
"We’re the Uber of elevators: smart, connected systems that improve wait times, energy efficiency, and rider experience."
The Personality Pitch
"Elevators are like air. Nobody notices them until they’re not working. At Olympic Elevator, we keep things moving so your building and your business never skips a beat."
Common Elevator Pitch Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned professionals fall into these traps:
Talking too long: If it takes more than 60 seconds, trim it down.
Using buzzwords: Phrases like "synergy," "pivot," or "disruptive innovation" can turn off listeners.
Sounding robotic: Your pitch should sound like you, not like a brochure.
Forgetting the audience: Tailor your pitch to the person you’re speaking to.
Skipping the call to action: Always leave the door open for a next step.
Practicing Your Pitch
A great pitch doesn’t happen overnight. Practice makes polished:
Say it out loud. The way words sound in your head and out loud are very different.
Record yourself. Play it back to catch awkward phrasing or filler words.
Get feedback. Try it on friends, colleagues, or mentors.
Tweak for context. You may need different versions for networking, sales, or investor meetings.
Final Thought: Your Next Ride Could Be Your Next Opportunity
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a job seeker, or just someone who loves a good story, your elevator pitch can open doors. Craft it. Practice it. Own it.
And if you’re ever stuck in an actual elevator (hopefully one we installed), you’ll have something ready to say.
Want to learn more about elevators that actually move people, not just ideas? Get in touch with Olympic Elevator. We’re the real deal when it comes to taking things to the next level.
