How My Elevator Pitch went from Pitch-Panic to Pitch-Perfect
When I worked as a Senior Project Manager for a global consulting firm, leading teams of management and tax consultants for small to medium-sized businesses, I was bouncing between two to three cities every week. Being the extrovert that I am, striking up conversations with random strangers was my superpower. You’d think I would’ve had my elevator pitch nailed-down, right? Well, not quite. Anytime someone asked, “So, what do you do?” I’d dive into a rambling mess of buzzwords that sounded like a corporate word salad. I’m pretty sure I left most people scratching their heads, wondering if I was in consulting or speaking another language entirely.
When I launched my own coaching business, the pressure was on. I didn’t have a big sales team behind me anymore — I had to be my own sales force, and it was clear that mastering my elevator pitch was going to be a make-or-break skill. I knew I had to get it right, and it all clicked when I found my secret weapon!
Toastmasters Was My First Stop
To kick things off, I joined Toastmasters. It seemed like a smart move, and to be fair, it was a great start. Toastmasters helped me get comfortable speaking in front of an audience, cut down on using filler-words like, “Um” and “you know”, more importantly, Toastmasters helped me learn the art of storytelling. It gave me a solid foundation and boosted my confidence in public speaking. But when it came to my elevator pitch, I still felt like I was delivering a five-paragraph essay when all I needed was a quick, catchy sentence.
I needed something more targeted. That’s when BNI came into the picture.
BNI Gave Me the Practice I Needed
Joining BNI (Business Networking International) changed everything for me. I joined the BNI Wealth Builders Chapter near my home, looking to make connections and grow my business. What I didn’t realize was how much this group would help me polish and perfect my elevator pitch.
We meet every Tuesday morning for breakfast and our weekly chapter meeting. Our chapter is a group full of like-minded professionals, all eager to support each other’s businesses. During every weekly meeting, we each take turns introducing ourselves and our businesses in a 60-second elevator pitch in front of the room. Sixty seconds may sound short, but it’s the perfect amount of time to deliver a clear, concise pitch. This weekly practice session became my personal training ground. Week after week, I tweaked my pitch, streamlined my message, and learned to deliver it with confidence.
These 60-second intros forced me to get laser-focused on what I offer and who I help. It wasn’t just about practicing — it was about fine-tuning my approach until it felt natural and resonated with my audience.
Stepping Up with the Feature Presentation
Once I had my 60-second pitch down, I took the opportunity to take my elevator pitch to the next level with the BNI Feature Presentation. This is when one member each week gets the spotlight for a full 10 minutes to dive deeper, share their story, and showcase their expertise. It’s like your own mini–TED Talk but with a room full of supportive colleagues cheering you on.
During my first Feature Presentation, I shared my journey from being the queen of rambling airport conversations to confidently pitching my business in any setting. By the end of my talk, I had the room engaged, laughing, and eager to refer clients my way. It was a breakthrough moment — I realized that all the weekly practice had transformed my confidence and made my pitch effortless.
The Magic of BNI Referrals
The biggest surprise was how BNI turned out to be more than just a place to practice my pitch. It became a real community focused on helping each other grow. The BNI philosophy of “Givers Gain” means we actively refer business to fellow members, creating a powerful network of trust and collaboration.
If I need a plumber, I don’t hesitate — I call Sarah Kennedy from K.O.S. Elite. When I need financial advice, Chris Malkin at Edward Jones is my go-to. For a friend needing a great divorce attorney, I send them straight to Claudia Capriles at MC Family Law. When it comes to property insurance, I always recommend Diamond Bolden. These referrals aren’t just business transactions — they’re based on real relationships built over time.
Having a network like this not only boosted my business but also gave me the confidence to deliver my pitch with clarity, knowing I had a whole team of people who believed in me.
The Winning Formula • Practice, Support, and Consistency
Mastering my elevator pitch didn’t happen overnight, but BNI gave me the perfect space to practice and improve consistently. The combination of regular feedback, a supportive environment, and the accountability of showing up each week helped me fine-tune my message until it was pitch-perfect.
Now, when someone asks what I do, I don’t hesitate. I say, “For over 20 years, I’ve been helping small businesses boost sales, streamline processes, and drive profitability. What sets me apart from other business coaches are four key things: (1) my extensive experience, (2) my Lean Six Sigma expertise in process improvement, (3) my specialized programs for Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned, and Minority-Owned businesses, and (4) a unique ‘Pay Only When You’re Awarded’ grant-writing service that delivers results without the upfront risk.” It’s quick, it’s memorable, and it gets people interested. No more stumbling or second-guessing — just a confident, clear pitch every time.
If you’re ready to polish your own elevator pitch and make powerful business connections, I’d love to have you join me at a BNI Wealth Builders Chapter meeting here in Weston, FL. You’ll get to experience the energy, meet incredible professionals, and see firsthand how BNI can help you refine your message and grow your business.
Click the link below to RSVP as my guest — I can’t wait to introduce you to the group that helped me go from pitch panic to pitch perfect.
Be My Guest at Our Weekly BNI Chapter Meeting
Keep On Pitchin’,
Jo
