Most business owners have what’s known as an “elevator speech.” Does your band have one? You should! So what’s an elevator speech anyway?
Definition: An elevator speech is a very short and concise description of who you are and what you do, which you should be able to convey to a total stranger in the time it takes to ride an elevator.
Don’t think of an elevator speech as a sales pitch, saying how great you are. Think of it as being similar to the opening paragraph in your band bio. You should be able to say what your music sounds like (not “well, we’re completely unique and don’t really fit into a genre”), who your band sounds like, and what set you apart from the thousands of other bands who probably sound a lot like you.
Your elevator speech should last no longer than a minute, but I’d generally recommend having 2 or 3 versions. Write and familiarize yourself with the one-minute version for when you come into contact with someone who has a little more time to listen to you. Then, create a 30-second version for when someone asks about your band, but you’re in a more rushed scenario. Finally, create a 10-15 second version that you could spit out if you’re just in passing.
Don’t just wing it when someone asks about your music. Be prepared. And don’t think that you can just write up an elevator speech and memorize it. The key is to be natural and passionate about what you’re saying. If you can’t get into it, neither will the person you’re talking to.
