Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi,

I am curious to hear anyone`s thoughts regarding sending a elevator pitch by email.  The premise here is that you have the email address of someone whom you would love to give an elevator pitch to and that the email address is your only option of contacting this person. I am very curious to hear how you would handle that. Both positive and negative thoughts are very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

The problem with email communication in general is that the tone often comes off wrong. Additionally, part of the elevator pitch is the ability to really sell your idea with all of your self ... which usually means voice, expressions, body language, etc.

So ... for those reasons, I think I`d rather pitch in person.

The point of an elevator pitch rests on an opportunity of some sort, to be in close proximity with a physical person for about 60 seconds.

To ask about sending an email elevator pitch is to use a mixed metaphor. In the case of email, it would be an unsolicited proposal.

From your question, I infer that the "person" is not someone with whom you have much (if any) relationship because you only have their email- so I` assuming your reason for contacting them would be to start some dialogue?

It`s been my experience that the "traditional" elevator pitch isn`t the best way to begin if this is your situation. As you craft your initial approach message consider:

1. What do you know about the person that you can use as a "bridge" to establishing some level of communication?
2. Why do you think they might be interested in learning more about you and your business?
3. Besides the potential investment $$, what other reasons do you have for connecting with this person?

Hope this helps.

 

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How did you only get the persons name and email?

 

 

HI,

Thanks for all the great replies. Lot`s of valid points have been raised.  That is what I was hoping for. Thanks for the advice.

I agree with you about tone. That is one big drawback with email.  The reason I brought up the email option is pretty simple, distance. The person I have in mind lives on the other side of the country from me. So I figure my chance of running into them are pretty slim.

Just another thought: Most people that are actively involved in early-stage investments work with pretty sophisticated spam filters that won’t accept any emails from senders that are not on their list of authorized senders. General queries or unsolicited finance requests are typically routed to a secondary email address and often reviewed by a junior associate/personal assistant.

Your chances of getting through to this individual are minimal.



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Jackson Steiner
http://www.JacksonSteiner.com

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