elevator-pitch

name	elevator-pitch
description	Guide to crafting elevator pitches in 30-second, 60-second, and 2-minute formats covering pitch structure with hook, value proposition, and ask, industry-specific adaptations, networking vs investor pitches, practice techniques, common mistakes, and personal brand integration. Use when the user asks about elevator pitch, or needs help with guide to crafting elevator pitches in 30-second, 60-second, and 2-minute formats covering pitch structure with hook, value proposition, and ask, industry-specific adaptations, networking vs investor pitches, practice techniques, common mistakes, and personal brand integration. Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of elevator pitch.
license	Apache-2.0
metadata	{"author":"foundry-skills","version":"1.0.0","tags":"career guide step-by-step","category":"career-development","subcategory":"career-growth","depends":"","disclaimer":"none","difficulty":"intermediate"}

Elevator Pitch Creator

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• User asks about elevator pitch
• User needs guidance on elevator pitch topics
• User wants a structured approach to elevator pitch

Do NOT use when:

• Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
• User needs emergency assistance

Questions to Ask the User First

1. What is the context? (networking event, job interview, investor meeting, conference, cold outreach, social setting)
2. Who is your target audience? (recruiter, potential client, investor, peer, executive)
3. What is your goal? (get a meeting, land a job, secure funding, build a relationship, sell a service)
4. What do you do? (role, industry, specialty)
5. What is your unique value proposition? (what makes you different)
6. What is the most impressive thing you have accomplished?
7. What do you want the listener to do after hearing your pitch? (exchange cards, schedule a call, visit your website, remember you)
8. How comfortable are you with public speaking? (beginner, moderate, experienced)

---

Step 1: Pitch Structure Framework

The Core Framework

ELEVATOR PITCH STRUCTURE:

1. HOOK (grab attention in the first 5 seconds)
   - Start with a surprising fact, question, or bold statement
   - Make them want to hear more

2. WHO YOU ARE (brief context)
   - Your name and role
   - Enough context for them to place you

3. VALUE PROPOSITION (the core)
   - What problem do you solve?
   - For whom?
   - How is your approach unique?

4. PROOF (credibility)
   - One specific achievement with a metric
   - A recognizable client, company, or outcome

5. ASK / CALL TO ACTION (what you want)
   - A specific, low-friction next step
   - Make it easy for them to say yes

---

Step 2: Pitch Formats by Length

30-Second Pitch (Elevator Classic)

30-SECOND PITCH TEMPLATE:

"{{HOOK -- surprising statement or question}}.

I am {{NAME}}, and I {{WHAT_YOU_DO_IN_PLAIN_LANGUAGE}}.

I help {{WHO}} achieve {{OUTCOME}} by {{HOW_YOU_DO_IT}}.

For example, {{ONE_PROOF_POINT_WITH_METRIC}}.

{{ASK}}"

I help B2B tech companies align their marketing and sales content
so that every piece drives revenue.

My last client saw a 45% increase in sales-qualified leads after we
restructured their content strategy.

I would love to learn about how your team handles content. Do you
have a card?"

RULES:
- Under 75 words
- Practice until it takes 25-30 seconds
- Conversational, not rehearsed
- Ends with an opening for dialogue

60-Second Pitch (Networking Standard)

60-SECOND PITCH TEMPLATE:

"{{HOOK -- engaging opening that connects to audience's world}}.

I am {{NAME}}, a {{ROLE}} who specializes in {{SPECIALTY}}.

The problem I see is {{PROBLEM_DESCRIPTION -- make it relatable}}.

My approach is {{BRIEF_METHODOLOGY_OR_DIFFERENTIATOR}}.

I have been doing this for {{TIMEFRAME}}, and the results speak
for themselves: {{PROOF_POINT_1}} and {{PROOF_POINT_2}}.

What I am really passionate about is {{CONNECTING_STATEMENT_TO_
AUDIENCE}}.

{{ASK -- question, meeting request, or conversation starter}}"

I am Marcus Rivera, a platform engineer who specializes in
developer experience and CI/CD optimization.

After I help them redesign their pipeline, they are shipping
multiple times a day with fewer incidents.

At my current company, I reduced deployment time from 45 minutes
to 4 minutes and cut failed deployments by 80%. Before that,
I built the platform infrastructure that supports 200 engineers
at a Series C fintech startup.

I am always looking to connect with engineering leaders who are
thinking about developer productivity. What does your deployment
process look like today?"

RULES:
- 100-150 words
- Include 2 proof points
- Leave room for conversation
- Adjust complexity to audience

2-Minute Pitch (Panel, Interview, Detailed Introduction)

2-MINUTE PITCH TEMPLATE:

SECTION 1: HOOK AND CONTEXT (20 seconds)
"{{COMPELLING_OPENING_THAT_FRAMES_THE_PROBLEM_OR_OPPORTUNITY}}.
This is something I have dedicated my career to solving."

SECTION 2: BACKGROUND AND JOURNEY (30 seconds)
"I started in {{ORIGIN}}, where I learned {{FOUNDATIONAL_SKILL}}.
That experience led me to {{KEY_CAREER_MOVE}}, where I discovered
my passion for {{SPECIALTY}}.

Today, as {{CURRENT_ROLE}} at {{COMPANY}}, I focus on {{WHAT_YOU_DO}}."

SECTION 3: VALUE AND DIFFERENTIATION (30 seconds)
"What sets my approach apart is {{DIFFERENTIATOR}}.

While most people in my field {{COMMON_APPROACH}}, I {{YOUR_UNIQUE_
APPROACH}} because {{REASON_IT_WORKS_BETTER}}."

SECTION 4: PROOF AND IMPACT (25 seconds)
"The results have been significant:
- {{ACHIEVEMENT_1_WITH_METRIC}}
- {{ACHIEVEMENT_2_WITH_METRIC}}
- {{ACHIEVEMENT_3_WITH_METRIC}}"

SECTION 5: FORWARD-LOOKING AND ASK (15 seconds)
"Going forward, I am focused on {{FUTURE_DIRECTION}}, and I am
looking to {{WHAT_YOU_WANT -- connect with, work with, build}}.

{{SPECIFIC_ASK_OR_CONVERSATION_OPENER}}"

RULES:
- 200-300 words
- Tell a brief story arc (past, present, future)
- 3 proof points with metrics
- End with clear direction for conversation
- Maintain energy throughout (do not trail off)

---

Step 3: Industry-Specific Adaptations

Technology

TECH PITCH TEMPLATE:

"I build {{TYPE_OF_TECHNOLOGY}} that helps {{WHO}} do {{WHAT}}.

Currently at {{COMPANY}}, I am working on {{PROJECT/PRODUCT}}
which {{VALUE_IT_DELIVERS}}.

Before this, I {{PREVIOUS_NOTABLE_WORK}} at {{COMPANY}}, where
I {{ACHIEVEMENT_WITH_METRIC}}.

My technical focus is {{STACK_OR_SPECIALTY}}, and I am particularly
interested in {{EMERGING_AREA}}.

{{ASK}}"

Sales / Business Development

SALES PITCH TEMPLATE:

"Companies in {{INDUSTRY}} are losing {{$AMOUNT_OR_METRIC}}
because of {{PROBLEM}}.

I help them fix that. I am {{NAME}} with {{COMPANY}}, and we
provide {{SOLUTION_IN_ONE_SENTENCE}}.

Our clients typically see {{RESULT_WITH_METRIC}} within
{{TIMEFRAME}}. For example, {{SPECIFIC_CLIENT_RESULT}}.

Would it be worth 15 minutes to see if we can deliver similar
results for your team?"

Creative / Design

CREATIVE PITCH TEMPLATE:

"You know how {{COMMON_FRUSTRATION_YOUR_AUDIENCE_RELATES_TO}}?

I solve that through {{YOUR_MEDIUM/APPROACH}}. I am {{NAME}},
a {{CREATIVE_ROLE}} who specializes in {{SPECIALTY}}.

My work has been featured in {{NOTABLE_PLACEMENT}} and I have
worked with brands like {{NOTABLE_CLIENTS}}.

I would love to show you some recent work. Can I share my
portfolio link?"

Startup / Entrepreneur

STARTUP PITCH TEMPLATE:

"{{MARKET_SIZE_OR_PROBLEM_STATEMENT}}.

We are {{COMPANY_NAME}}, and we are building {{PRODUCT_IN_ONE_
SENTENCE}} for {{TARGET_CUSTOMER}}.

We are different because {{KEY_DIFFERENTIATOR}}.

We launched {{TIME}} ago and already have {{TRACTION_METRIC}}:
{{SPECIFIC_NUMBERS}}.

We are currently {{STAGE}} and looking for {{WHAT_YOU_NEED --
funding, partners, advisors, customers}}.

I would love to tell you more. Do you have 10 minutes for coffee
this week?"

Consultant / Freelancer

CONSULTANT PITCH TEMPLATE:

"Most {{TARGET_CLIENT_TYPE}} struggle with {{PROBLEM}}.

I am {{NAME}}, and I help them {{OUTCOME}} through {{YOUR_SERVICE}}.

In the past year, I have worked with {{NUMBER}} clients including
{{NOTABLE_NAMES_IF_ALLOWED}}, delivering results like
{{SPECIFIC_METRIC}}.

My approach is {{BRIEF_METHODOLOGY_DIFFERENTIATOR}}.

Are you currently dealing with {{PROBLEM}}?"

---

Step 4: Networking Pitch vs. Investor Pitch

Key Differences

NETWORKING PITCH:
- Goal: Build a relationship
- Tone: Conversational, curious, warm
- Focus: Who you are, what you are interested in
- Ask: "I would love to connect" / "What do you work on?"
- Length: 30-60 seconds
- Key: End with a QUESTION (make it about them)

INVESTOR PITCH:
- Goal: Get a meeting or investment
- Tone: Confident, data-driven, visionary
- Focus: Market, traction, team, ask
- Ask: "We are raising $X" / "Can I share our deck?"
- Length: 60 seconds to 2 minutes
- Key: End with TRACTION and a specific ask

INVESTOR PITCH STRUCTURE (60 seconds):
"{{PROBLEM_STATEMENT -- big, clear, relatable}}.

{{MARKET_SIZE -- how big is this opportunity}}.

We are building {{SOLUTION}} that {{HOW_IT_WORKS_IN_ONE_SENTENCE}}.

We launched {{TIMELINE}} ago and already have {{TRACTION}}:
- {{METRIC_1}}
- {{METRIC_2}}
- {{METRIC_3}}

Our team includes {{NOTABLE_CREDENTIALS}}.

We are raising ${{AMOUNT}} to {{WHAT_THE_MONEY_WILL_DO}}.

I would love to share our deck. Can I follow up with you this week?"

---

Step 5: Practice Techniques

The 5-Stage Practice Method

PRACTICE SYSTEM:

STAGE 1: WRITE IT OUT
[ ] Draft your pitch following the template
[ ] Edit ruthlessly (cut any word that does not add value)
[ ] Read it out loud -- does it sound natural?
[ ] Time it (be strict about length)

STAGE 2: MEMORIZE THE STRUCTURE (NOT THE WORDS)
[ ] Know your 5 beats: Hook, Who, Value, Proof, Ask
[ ] Practice filling in each beat differently each time
[ ] You should be able to give the pitch differently every time
    while hitting the same key points
[ ] Do NOT memorize word for word (sounds robotic)

STAGE 3: MIRROR PRACTICE
[ ] Stand in front of a mirror
[ ] Deliver the pitch 5 times
[ ] Watch your body language (open posture, eye contact, genuine expression)
[ ] Smile at the beginning and end
[ ] Time yourself

STAGE 4: RECORD AND REVIEW
[ ] Record yourself on video
[ ] Watch it back (painful but essential)
[ ] Check for: filler words (um, uh, like, so), pace (too fast?),
[ ] Re-record and compare

STAGE 5: LIVE PRACTICE
[ ] Practice with a friend or colleague
[ ] Ask them: "After hearing that, what do you think I do?"
[ ] Ask: "What was the most memorable part?"
[ ] Ask: "What was confusing or unnecessary?"
[ ] Practice in low-stakes real situations (casual networking)
[ ] Refine based on reactions

Practice Drills

DRILL 1: THE 10-SECOND VERSION
Reduce your pitch to one sentence. If you only had 10 seconds,
what would you say?

"I help {{WHO}} solve {{PROBLEM}} by {{HOW}}, and my clients
typically see {{RESULT}}."

DRILL 2: THE QUESTION VERSION
Start with a question instead of a statement.
"Have you ever {{RELATABLE_EXPERIENCE}}? That is exactly what I solve."

DRILL 3: THE STORY VERSION
Lead with a brief anecdote.
"Last month, a client called me because {{SITUATION}}. Within
{{TIMEFRAME}}, we {{RESULT}}. That is what I do every day."

DRILL 4: THE CONVERSATION STARTER
Instead of a pitch, make it a two-way dialogue.
"I work in {{FIELD}} -- specifically, I focus on {{SPECIALTY}}.
What I find most interesting right now is {{TREND}}. Have you
seen that in your work too?"

DRILL 5: ADAPT TO AUDIENCE
Practice adjusting for:
- A technical expert in your field
- A non-technical executive
- Someone at a casual social event
- A potential client at a conference
- A recruiter at a job fair

---

Step 6: Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

COMMON PITCH MISTAKES:
1. TOO LONG
   Problem: You lose attention after 60 seconds
   Fix: Cut ruthlessly. If it does not serve the goal, remove it.
2. TOO VAGUE
   Problem: "I help companies grow" -- what does that mean?
   Fix: Be specific. "I help B2B SaaS companies increase trial-to-paid
   conversion by redesigning their onboarding flow."
3. TOO JARGON-HEAVY
   Problem: Audience does not understand your terminology
   Fix: Use plain language. Explain what you do like you would
   to a smart friend outside your industry.
4. NO PROOF
   Problem: Claims without evidence are not credible
   Fix: Include at least one specific metric or example.
5. NO ASK
   Problem: The conversation dies after your pitch
   Fix: Always end with a question or clear next step.
6. SOUNDS REHEARSED
   Problem: Robotic delivery kills connection
   Fix: Memorize the structure, not the words. Vary your delivery.
7. ALL ABOUT YOU
   Problem: Listener does not see how it relates to them
   Fix: Frame everything in terms of the value to your audience.
8. NEGATIVE FRAMING
   Problem: "I used to be in finance but I hated it, so now..."
   Fix: "My background in finance gives me a unique perspective on..."
9. TOO MODEST
   Problem: "I kind of help with marketing stuff"
   Fix: Own your expertise. "I am a marketing strategist who specializes
   in demand generation for enterprise SaaS."
10. NO ENERGY
    Problem: Monotone delivery with no enthusiasm
    Fix: If you are not excited about what you do, why should they be?

---

Step 7: Personal Brand Integration

Aligning Your Pitch with Your Brand

PERSONAL BRAND ALIGNMENT:

Your pitch should reflect your broader personal brand:

BRAND AUDIT:
- What 3 words do you want people to associate with you?
  1. {{WORD_1}}
  2. {{WORD_2}}
  3. {{WORD_3}}

- What is your professional reputation?
  "{{NAME}} is known for {{QUALITY/SKILL/APPROACH}}"

- What is your unique perspective or approach?
  "Unlike others in my field, I {{DIFFERENTIATOR}}"

CONSISTENCY CHECK:
Does your pitch match:
[ ] Your LinkedIn headline and summary?
[ ] Your resume summary?
[ ] Your website/portfolio messaging?
[ ] How colleagues and clients describe you?
[ ] Your content and thought leadership?

BRAND STATEMENT FORMULA:
"I am a {{ROLE}} who believes {{CORE_BELIEF}}. I bring {{UNIQUE_
COMBINATION}} to help {{WHO}} achieve {{OUTCOME}}."

---

Pitch Refinement Checklist

FINAL PITCH CHECK:

CONTENT:
[ ] Clear problem statement (audience understands the pain)
[ ] Specific value proposition (not generic or vague)
[ ] At least one quantified proof point
[ ] Clear call to action or conversation opener
[ ] Tailored to the specific audience and context
[ ] Free of jargon (or jargon is explained)
[ ] Tells them WHY to care, not just WHAT you do

DELIVERY:
[ ] Fits within the target time limit
[ ] Sounds conversational (not memorized or scripted)
[ ] Starts strong (first sentence grabs attention)
[ ] Ends strong (clear ask or engaging question)
[ ] Delivered with genuine energy and enthusiasm
[ ] Comfortable enough to adapt on the fly
[ ] Eye contact maintained throughout

FOLLOW-UP:
[ ] Business card or contact info ready to exchange
[ ] LinkedIn connection message prepared
[ ] Follow-up email template ready
[ ] Portfolio or website ready to share if asked

---

Pitch Library: Have Multiple Versions Ready

YOUR PITCH LIBRARY:

CASUAL (party/social): 15-second version
"{{BRIEF_CONVERSATIONAL_DESCRIPTION}}"

STANDARD (networking): 30-second version
"{{FULL_30_SECOND_PITCH}}"

DETAILED (interview/conference): 60-second version
"{{FULL_60_SECOND_PITCH}}"

COMPREHENSIVE (panel/keynote intro): 2-minute version
"{{FULL_2_MINUTE_PITCH}}"

CLIENT-FOCUSED: For potential customers
"{{CLIENT_ORIENTED_PITCH}}"

RECRUITER-FOCUSED: For job opportunities
"{{JOB_SEARCH_ORIENTED_PITCH}}"

INVESTOR-FOCUSED: For funding (if applicable)
"{{INVESTOR_ORIENTED_PITCH}}"

Each version should hit the same core message but with
different levels of detail and different emphases.

---

This skill provides elevator pitch creation guidance. The best pitch is one you have practiced enough to deliver naturally while still sounding fresh. Invest time in practice -- it pays dividends at every networking event, interview, and professional interaction.

Output Format

ELEVATOR PITCH OUTPUT
=====================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps

Example

Input: "Help me get started with elevator pitch"

Output: A structured elevator pitch plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

Edge Cases

• Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
• Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
• Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.