10 Tips: How Do I Sell Myself in 30 Seconds

One of the most important skills an entrepreneur can have is selling themselves. Entrepreneurs in all industries should be able to pitch their ideas and their potential to fulfill their goals. However, individuals should be able to pitch themselves quickly: ideally in 30 seconds or less.

You’re probably asking: What does a lawyer know about selling? As a lawyer, I have to “sell myself” many times a day in front of judge, jury, prospective clients, professional meet and greet, etc. I have about 30 seconds to sell myself and get a person or group’s attention.

The “30 Seconds” rule is where the term “elevator pitch” comes from. Think about the last time you were on an elevator, heading to the office or lunch. Now, imagine someone who could help you reach your goals is next to you, yet they know nothing about you or your newest and best idea for a startup. You have less than a minute to impress the person with your knowledge, experience, personality, and cutting-edge ideas. What do you say?

This exercise is helpful for individuals who seek to further their careers and lives and does not need to be limited to only the elevator. Vital life moments like this can occur anywhere, from a social gathering to a chance encounter on the street, to the first quick seconds of a job interview.

While being able to sell oneself is an essential business talent, many individuals are unable to present their accomplishments and qualifications to others. Some entrepreneurs are more comfortable writing out a long, detailed resume than giving a quick verbal soundbite to a stranger.

However, wherever you are, selling oneself in 30 seconds is a vital skill. Luckily, skillful self-advertising can develop, and entrepreneurs can perfect this art as they practice.

In this article, we will briefly outline how individuals can convince others that their ideas are interesting and cannot be ignored or forgotten. After all, one of the keys to a great pitch is to leave the audience wanting more.

Without further ado, here are nine proven ways to sell oneself in under 30 seconds and craft the ideal “elevator pitch.”

1. Utilize a Built-in Audience
   The best way to develop a fast, informative pitch about oneself is to practice it with the people who know you best, namely your friends and family. Practice makes perfect, and when entrepreneurs have a built-in audience, they feel comfortable making tweaks to their routines and trying new things.When entrepreneurs first come up with an initial pitch, try this “rough draft” out on friends or family. Then, stay open to their suggestions and critiques, and do not be afraid to ask questions about what worked and what did not. It may also help individuals to explain to their audience what they are trying to accomplish with the pitch. For example, is it about a specific project or the entrepreneur’s unique talents? Is the pitch being created in pursuit of a specific job opening, or is it based on making a connection with someone who can help the person’s career?Being open to criticism is one of the most important parts of writing anything, including an elevator pitch. Your second draft may become a much different pitch than the first, which is all right. Revising the pitch takes time.

   Sometimes, entrepreneurs find that colleagues can also make for a helpful audience, especially because an individual’s work colleagues know them in a different capacity than their family and friends. If open to helping with the pitch, Colleagues are also aware of the entrepreneur’s accomplishments and can help refine the elevator pitch.

   So, come up with a story, and begin workshopping it with an audience that will not be afraid to critique the pitch. Comments such as “It’s perfect” are not helpful, either, since they do not include objective feedback.

   For entrepreneurs working on their ideal elevator pitch, having a helpful, critical audience is a key part of their eventual success.

2. Intend to Create Dialogue
   Practice and revision are two hallmarks of creating a dynamic elevator pitch. However, as entrepreneur shapes their pitch, they should also pay attention to the audience’s reaction.A well-crafted pitch, just like any interesting story or television program, created intrigue within the audience. Put simply; a compelling story creates interesting questions.Some elevator pitches are well-written and slick, but they do not include the type of substance that initiates conversation. Instead, make sure that there are elements of the pitch that leave the audience wanting to know more.

   This technique is easy to test. Once the entrepreneur reworks the pitch a few times, they should test it out on a friend, family member, or colleague who has never heard it. If they want to ask a question or two by the end of the 30 seconds, then the entrepreneur is on the correct track.

3. Possess Clear Goals
   Let’s get into some more specific aspects of selling oneself in 30 seconds. Many entrepreneurs struggle to figure out what exactly to include in their elevator pitches. What are the most important messages to convey in less than half a minute? Some individuals struggle to distill their “essence” into such a small package. For example, should they discuss their skills and interests or focus on their ideas?The answer to this type of content-related question is this: return to the initial planning stage of the pitch. What is the entrepreneur hoping to accomplish? What are their goals with this elevator pitch? Are they looking for a new job, career, connection, or something completely different?For example, an entrepreneur who works in software design may have an excellent idea for a new iPhone app. However, the entrepreneur’s only chance to pitch the idea occurs daily in the elevator with the CEO next to her.

   This person’s pitch will focus more on their software idea than themselves. However, if the person was seeking a job instead of pitching an idea, the pitch would be very different and probably reflect some of the individual’s qualities and qualifications.

   Therefore, here are three simple questions to help organize and focus the pitch:

   • Who is the individual?
   • What does the entrepreneur do now?
   • Where do they want to go next, and what do they want from this experience?
     
     
4. Be Aware of the Time
   It may appear repetitive to emphasize timing in an article about a 30-second pitch, but this aspect is crucial for individuals learning to sell themselves effectively.Entrepreneurs must practice ensuring that they can get through their pitch in under 30 seconds. Use the timer on your phone or stopwatch, and be aware that when you try your pitch out in public, there may be distractions such as other conversations, people getting on and off the elevator, or other area noises, depending on where you are.We recommend that entrepreneurs reach the point where their pitch is under 30 seconds. When individuals speak in public, they often stumble over their words or slow down. Also, if the pitch does not exceed 30 seconds, there will be time for questions if they arise.

   Some people find that timing their pitch places extra pressure on them, but they can overcome this obstacle through positive thinking and practice. After all, if entrepreneurs cannot perform when they are timing themselves at home, they will probably have trouble performing the perfect pitch in public.

5. Create an Outline
   Accomplished writers create outlines for their works, and a pitch is no different. When creating their pitch, entrepreneurs should use materials such as resumes, social media profiles, and past cover letters to highlight the details they want to include. Then, they should break the details into 4-5 brief snippets that work together to show why the individual or project is excellent and well worth the audience’s time.When selecting information, individuals should cast a wide net and choose the best facts from the collection. Here are a few details to focus on:
   • Professional experience
   • Work background
   • Special Skills
   • Honors and accomplishments
   • Goals and ambitions

   Once the individual has 4-5 ideas, they should create an outline using bullet points. The outline will provide material for the pitch and usually also provide room to weave the points together into a coherent message.

   Another way to view selling oneself in 30 seconds? Telling an excellent story.

6. Craft a Story
   People everywhere love stories, from movies to television series on Netflix to bestselling novels. So when entrepreneurs envision their pitches as stories, they gain a new perspective on the preferences of their audience.Many of our best teachers and professors did not simply deliver the material. Instead, they told stories that showed how and why the course material was relevant.When people sell themselves, they try to do a similar thing: show that their ideas are relevant and interesting. Therefore, one question to consider is: what can entrepreneurs add to their pitch to make it memorable and unique?

   Thirty seconds is not long, and individuals are often surprised by how quickly it goes by. However, find time to use the elements of the story in the elevator pitch. Think of the ways that the different points relate to each other. Ask yourself:

   • Does the pitch have a clear beginning?
   • Is there an end to the pitch that creates interest and questions?
   • How does the end of the pitch relate to the start of it?
   • Are all the points building up to something, or is the pitch a list of accomplishments that begs to be organized?

   People want to hear a good story, so in the pitch, entrepreneurs should make sure that they are telling one.

7. Forget Slang and Jargon
   Elevator pitches must be written and well-executed. Even if an entrepreneur has an excellent pitch, the pitch doesn’t live up to its potential if the audience does not understand part of it.Although many of us use casual language and slang with colleagues around the office, there is no place for slang in an elevator pitch. Instead, use appropriate, respectful language and speak clearly. An elevator pitch is not a time for harsh opinions, politics, or culture wars. Instead, the pitch is a testament to the individual’s ideas and personality. They are selling themselves, not attempting to lobby for an opinion or make a point. Slang is best used in casual settings, along with friends. In this case, the entrepreneur should avoid slang and overly relaxed language.On the other end of the spectrum, individuals should also not include technical terms and too much industry jargon in their pitch. Many entrepreneurs think large words and elusive, technical concepts make them appear more intelligent. However, the most effective pitches involve simple phrasing and clear and direct messages. Save the jargon and specialized language for other opportunities at work.

   It may help to think about how one’s parents would view the pitch, or children, depending on their age. Would they understand it? How about a typical high school student?

   For example, for those in fields such as finance, making the pitch digestible for non-financial minds is essential. Remember, clarity is key.

8. Record Oneself for Practice
   When entrepreneurs have a focused, clear elevator pitch ready to be put to the test, it is time to record themselves. Before pitching to the desired audience, record the pitch and play it back. It may help to record it and then wait an hour before doing so for a fresh outlook.Recording the audio is helpful, but if individuals can take a video, or have someone help them do so, this will be even more beneficial. Again, the pitch is the focus, but humans are visual beings, and entrepreneurs should prepare because multiple people will probably stare at them as they speak.After viewing the video, reflect on questions such as:
   • How does the person look as they give the pitch? Enthusiastic? Bored? Interested?
   • Is the pitch believable with the visual component? Is it convincing?
   • Is the overall impression trustworthy?
   • Does the person seem natural and sincere, or the opposite?

   Sometimes, taking videos makes people nervous. Remember that nerves are normal, but “acting” or “playing a role” is easy to spot. Entrepreneurs should remember to be themselves.

9. Stay Confident
   Whether a person speaks in an elevator or addresses a room full of people, their confidence comes through. If entrepreneurs struggle with believing in themselves, they should practice until they feel confident about the pitch and the information inside of it. Confidence inspires trust in the audience and attracts attention. Believing in oneself and believing in the ideas in the pitch are two things that are easy to spot and contribute to the overall success of the elevator pitch.
10. Learn, Improve, and Continue to Pursue the Highest Goals

When entrepreneurs put the time in, they should be proud of what they accomplished. Not every elevator pitch is perfect, and selling oneself takes time and effort. However, if you have followed these steps, chances are you have a powerful, informative pitch on your hands. Remain confident, learn from your mistakes, and accomplish your goals by selling yourself and your ideas in under 30 seconds.