Elevator Pitch vs. Sales Pitch: Why Trust Comes First

At Pitch59, we believe that trust is the foundation of every meaningful business connection. Yet, as Jeff Bitton, our CEO, points out, “Most business professionals don’t know there’s a difference between an elevator pitch and a sales pitch.” Understanding this difference can revolutionize how you approach networking and building relationships.

What’s the Difference?

A sales pitch is designed to educate others about your product or service and convince them to make a purchase. It’s focused on answering, “Why should I buy from you?”

In contrast, an elevator pitch is personal and relational. Its purpose is to build trust by succinctly sharing who you are, what you do, and why you do it. As Jeff explains, “The purpose of an elevator pitch is to build that foundation of trust first; the purpose of your sales pitch is to close on a deal.”

The key to a great elevator pitch isn’t about selling—it’s about connecting. People don’t like being “sales pitched,” but they do respond to authenticity, empathy, and genuine interest in their challenges.

Why Elevator Pitches Come First

Imagine meeting someone at a networking event, and they immediately dive into a detailed product pitch. Chances are, you’d feel overwhelmed or put off. Now imagine they start by introducing themselves with curiosity and understanding, offering a brief, relatable explanation of what they do.

This second approach opens the door to trust. An elevator pitch lays the groundwork for a relationship where a sales pitch, if it happens, feels natural—not pushy. People don’t buy products; they buy solutions and relationships, and trust is the glue that binds them.

The 4 Keys to a Great Elevator Pitch

A great elevator pitch includes:

1. Humanizing yourself with an authentic introduction.
2. Empathizing with others by acknowledging their challenges.
3. Explaining how you can help solve those challenges concisely.
4. Ending with a call to action to continue the conversation.

Pitch59 makes this process effortless. With PitchCards, you can share your story, highlight your solutions, and provide clear calls to action in a format that’s designed to build trust and leave a lasting impression.

Ready to take your networking to the next level? Visit Pitch59 to create your personalized PitchCard today and start turning first impressions into lasting connections!

Read the full article at https://bit.ly/elevator-vs-sales