How to Pitch an Idea to Your CEO in 30 Seconds or Less

How to Pitch an Idea to Your CEO in 30 Seconds or Less

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Have you ever found yourself stuck in the elevator with your boss or the company’s CEO with nothing intelligent to say or just plain tongue-tied?

Legend has it that Steve Jobs liked to ask his employees “So, what are you working on?” CEOs are busy people, but if you do find yourself alone with them in the elevator there is no reason not to pitch them your idea.

The objective is to gain and hold the attention of someone who probably has 10 other things on their mind. A well-crafted pitch should excite and convince your audience in the first 15 seconds.

The success of any pitch relies on it being concise, but it also needs a ‘wow’ factor. Be prepared to seize the moment when the opportunity does arise to make your pitch. It takes certain skills to effectively communicate a new idea; even in an innovative working environment, it can be difficult.

Here are 3 tips to make your pitch quick, exciting, and memorable:

Distil your idea into the length of a long headline – by which the story is easily and quickly grasped.

Thomas Jefferson famously said: “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” You should start by saying the single most important thing you want the CEO or listener to know about your idea or product. Chris O’Leary, the author of ‘Elevator Pitch Essentials’, suggests that if you can’t explain your concept in a sentence, try to formulate a basic explanation of your end product or service – and if that’s too difficult, use a metaphor.

Give three key benefits of your idea as examples if you are pitching a new initiative.

State three reasons why the CEO should support it. Emphasize why the person should care about your idea and stick to the most important and intriguing points. Avoid quoting dry figures or using overly technical language and buzzwords.

Reinforce the three benefits with one or two concrete and compelling details.

Keep it conversational – the aim here is not to close the deal, but to start the conversation. Plan a follow up – if your CEO does show interest have a packet ready for their desk that same day.

Do plan your pitch, but be sure your delivery sounds passionate and sincere – an overly rehearsed pitch will elicit disinterest. A perfect pitch should be short enough to maintain interest but long enough to include the important details! The goal is to quickly get your audience to understand your idea and what it can do for the company while leaving them wanting more.

Your pitch should be memorable and succinct with the overall aim spotlighting what makes your idea unique and valuable. It always helps to be prepared, who knows one conversation could elevate your career to new heights!

Also read: 6 Steps To Convert An Idea To A Sustainable Business

Tatiana Compton
About the Author
Tatiana Compton

Tatiana Compton is a freelance journalist who has covered accountancy and finance in both the UK and US.

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