The 30-Second Speech That Could Transform Your Business

Last week, I was sitting with a friend—a highly experienced consultant who has helped countless businesses succeed. He’s built an incredible career, delivering value in ways most people could only hope to. But right now, he’s looking for a new opportunity, and as we were talking, I asked him a simple question: “What’s your elevator pitch?”

And guess what? He didn’t have one.

It wasn’t that he didn’t know what he did or that he lacked confidence in his skills. It was just that he hadn’t distilled his value proposition into a concise, compelling statement that he could deliver smoothly. Instead, he hesitated, searched for the right words, and pieced together something that didn’t quite hit the mark. I stopped him and told him, “Before you meet with anyone else, the first thing you need to do is craft your elevator pitch and commit it to memory.”

This moment reinforced something I already knew: having an effective elevator pitch isn’t just important—it’s essential. The way you introduce yourself and what you do can open doors that you didn’t even know existed. A well-crafted elevator pitch turns a casual conversation into an opportunity. It sets the stage for deeper discussions, builds credibility, and ensures that you’re ready whenever the moment strikes.

The reality is, you never know where your next client, business partner, or investor will come from. You could be at a conference, a networking event, or even grabbing coffee when someone asks, “So, what do you do?” If you stumble through your answer, you risk losing their interest before the conversation even begins. But if you have a polished, confident response, you can pique their curiosity and turn a fleeting interaction into something meaningful.

For those who haven’t given much thought to their elevator pitch, now is the time. Start by thinking about what you do, who you help, and the impact you create. Keep it short, clear, and compelling. Think of it as your personal commercial—a quick snapshot of your expertise that leaves the listener wanting to know more.

But thinking about your pitch isn’t enough. You have to practice it. Say it out loud. Refine it. Make sure it flows naturally. Try it in front of a mirror or with a friend. The goal is to commit it to muscle memory so that when the moment comes, you don’t have to think—you just deliver. The more you practice, the more confident and effortless it will become.

Here’s the elevator pitch I use:

“At Admiral Business Solutions, we provide high-level financial strategy and fractional CFO services to help businesses scale, optimize cash flow, and drive profitability. With over 25 years of executive experience across industries, I specialize in turning financial data into actionable strategies that fuel growth and stability. Whether it’s financial planning, contract negotiations, or operational efficiencies, I help business owners make confident, informed decisions. Let’s talk about how I can help your company thrive.”

What do you think? Does it clearly convey what I do? Does it spark interest? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And more importantly, I encourage you to craft your own elevator pitch, practice it, and be ready. Because when opportunity knocks, you don’t want to be the one fumbling for words.