“If you can’t explain it simply you don’t understand it well enough.” | Albert Einstein
Do you know your "why" well enough to give an elevator pitch for it?
Let me start by saying that I love the concept of an "elevator pitch."
Wikipedia defines "elevator pitch" as "a short description of an idea, product or company that explains the concept in a way such that any listener can understand it in a short period of time."
Your ability to make an elevator pitch is a good litmus test for how well you understand something.
Let's break down the definition of an elevator pitch...
First off, elevator pitches are short. They succinctly describe an idea, product, or company. Words are few and specifically chosen to leave a powerful impact with the listener.
Next, elevator pitches are for any listener to understand. They can provide anyone with an enhanced understanding of the topic. Anybody listening to an elevator pitch should gain an understanding of the subject being discussed.
Finally, elevator pitches are given in a short period of time. They have been honed, revised, and perfected in their delivery. Nothing is left to chance. How you communicate your pitch is essential. Practice it until you've developed a concise delivery.
So, let's think about your elevator pitch in terms of your "Why". What is your fundamental purpose for "Why" you are on this earth? This should be the transcendent driving force behind everything you do. This is THE single most important key to living a legacy life. Do you know what that is? Can you state it in the form of an elevator pitch that people could understand and be influenced by?
Chances are, you have thought much about this but may never have put it into words on paper that capture the essence of your why? So, how do you do it?
Simon Sinek provides a great framework on how to do this. He says that there are two primary components of a Why We Exist Statement. They are Contribution and Impact. There is the contribution that the person makes to the lives of others and the impact of that contribution over time. These two are the building blocks of a “Why” statement.
A “Why” statement can be written in this format:
TO (what is the contribution) SO THAT (what is the impact).
Using mine as an example, my "Why" is -- To inspire and equip leaders to live a legacy so that they can leave a legacy and show the way for the next generation.
Take a moment and think through your “why” statement. What is the contribution you would like to make? And, what impact do you hope to have? It really is that simple!
Now it’s your turn. Using the above formula, give it a try. Don't worry about making it perfect. Done is better than perfect. Just finish it and then share it with me -- I’d love to know. You can drop it in the comments section or email it to me at bill@billcoxcoaching.com.
