I have always found that throughout the course of a day, I am certain to meet up with someone who asks ‘So, what do you do?’, whether this be online, in person, or on the phone. Every encounter that you have is a business opportunity. That’s why having a 15-second pitch that tells about yourself and what you do is a must. A 15-second pitch is a business essential. It will sell your business to potential clients, serve as an effective introduction at networking events or seminars, and be the grabber that attracts an investor’s attention.

The length of your pitch is important. You want to draw in your listener, keep them interested and convey essential information about what you do without taking up too much of their time or providing them with too much information at one time. With that said, here’s how you can create the perfect pitch:

First, organize your thoughts. Write down on a piece of paper a few sentences about what you do, what is unique about what you do, who you do it for, the solutions or benefits of what you do, and why you are the best at what you do. Write words or short phrases that best describe what you do, your clients and your significant achievements. But remember, your pitch should only focus on one thing. If, for example, you’re a software developer and website designer, you would need to create two separate pitches.

Second, develop your pitch. Take your descriptive words and develop sentences that specifically convey what you do. The key here is to keep it short, but effective. Your pitch should end with a sentence that invites the listener to respond to a desired action, such as setting up a meeting, providing your business card, or sending them more information. Here’s an example of an effective 15-second pitch: “I make learning fun! I am a software developer for interactive math and reading programs for preschool children. I have 12 years of experience and some of my clients are LeapFrog and Playschool. Would you like my business card?”

Lastly, practice, practice, practice. Recite your 15-second pitch in front of the mirror so you become comfortable with it. You might also want to use a video camera or tape recorder to see and hear how your pitch will sound to others. Practice it on family members or friends. You want to memorize your pitch, but keep it natural so it doesn’t sound staged.

Above all else, make your 15-second pitch memorable. You want your listener to remember your encounter for when the situation arises when they or someone they know needs your services. Delivering a pitch that “wows” them will certainly put you at the top of their list.