So, people come to me feeling just like that when their hair turn grey because paid ads are sucking the life out of them — and their wallets.

I bring a stroke of life back by helping them diversify their online traffic streams through Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest ads so that they can focus on growing their businesses instead of constantly stressing about what happens when one traffic source randomly goes dry.

Prospect: It sounds like we should totally have a chat sometime. My ads are driving me crazy! Let’s exchange business cards and we can find a time that works

Let’s break it down and let’s help you craft an elevator pitch that matches your style.

I don’t pitch.

I have conversations.

We’re all humans.

Everyone just wants to have a good time.

• Replace professionalism with kindness .
• Replace presentations with conversations .
• Replace the pitch deck with an elevator pitch .

People always try to teach us how to sell things, but nobody ever taught us how to sell ourselves.

I’m the guy Bay Area startup founders call in to help organize their ideas to help them bring aspiring billion-dollar ideas to life. In other words, I sign NDAs for a living.

Maybe you feel like your elevator pitch could be sharpened a bit. Maybe you feel like you sound a bit cringeworthy when you’re talking to strangers. Maybe you’re just up for trying something new.

Before jumping into your pitch, keep these two pointers in mind:

• Always tailor your words to the situation and person.
• Never give an unsolicited elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch needs to be prompted first.

My dream client walks into the elevator.

Here’s how I’d start the conversation.

I like to be super friendly and just say:

Hey! I don’t think we’ve met yet, I’m ______.

I listen carefully to their names and respond with a warm:

Great to meet you ______!

With a curious playful overtone in my voice, I then ask:

What do you do for a living?

Usually, they’re more than happy to talk about themselves whereafter they usually leave me with the golden prompt question:

And you, what do you do for a living?

This is where the elevator pitch conversation comes in.

Prepare the listener for the problem.

Every idea’s purpose is to solve a problem.

Before saying a single word about yourself, set the stage with an emotional analogy.

Humans are wired to process emotions we can relate to.

Not facts.

A problem is worthless if its pain points cannot be perceived.

By starting with a relatable emotion, we’re making sure the person feels empathetic towards the pain points of our customer.

Show the problem.

You might think here’s your opportunity to boast about what you do, but I like to stay problem-focused.

I love to craft a relatable mental image of my clients next.

We’re guiding the listener to step into the shoes of our customers.

Give the emotional benefit and the solution you bring.

You are here to save the day.

Show benefits over features — they say.

Show the emotion of the benefit — I say.

Simplify what you do to an emotional level.

To get to a point where you have your perfect elevator pitch conversation, I recommend following the following steps:

1. Fill in the blanks.
2. Read the pitch out loud.
3. Cut what feels uncomfortable.
4. Practice in front of a large mirror.
5. Practice with co-workers & friends.

Let your kindness do the work.