---
title: 2 Elevator Speech Examples - One Works, the Other Doesn't
description: "Here are two elevator speech examples I've seen salespeople use: one method repels prospects, while the other entices them."
image: https://www.jillkonrath.com/hs-fs/hub/110248/file-250387281.jpg
---

# [Jill Konrath](https://www.jillkonrath.com/)

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![elevator speech examples](https://www.jillkonrath.com/hs-fs/hub/110248/file-250387281.jpg?width=280&height=210&name=file-250387281.jpg)There are multitudes of ways to answer the question "What do you do?". Your answer has the power to make or break your opportunity with a potential client.

Below are two different elevator speeches I've seen salespeople use: one method repels prospects, while the other entices them.

## The Impresser: How to Repel Prospects

The Impresser wants to set himself apart – no, above – others. His elevator speech sounds like this:

*“I work with only the best companies in the industry. Elite Enterprises and SNOB are my biggest customers. I work closely with their CEO, Terry Gucci. I’m sure you’ve heard of her. We handle their COQS financial systems, specifically in the re-arbitration of the micro-funding from their international and intergalactic commercial markets.”*

Impressed? You should be, because the Impresser goes to great lengths to ensure you understand just how important he is. **High-falluting words and industry-specific acronyms fill his elevator speech.** Also, you’ll hear lots of name-dropping; well-known people and top-notch companies are part of the repertoire.

The trouble with the Impresser’s elevator speech is that it’s off-putting. **Most people don’t like the implications of intellectual superiority or elitism. **They’re intimidated by the big words and won’t ask questions that might make them look stupid. Again, another elevator speech that doesn’t deliver results.

## The Attractor: How to Entice Prospects

The Attractor’s elevator speech is magnetic to the right listeners because **it’s focused on their needs, issues and concerns**. Here are several examples:

 - *“I work with people who are struggling to sell their products or services into large corporate* *accounts.”*

 - *“I help small businesses win big contracts with large corporate customers.”*

 - *“I help technology companies who struggle launching important new products into the market* *and want to improve their time-to-profitability.”*

These are some of the different Attractor elevator speeches I have used. Each one of them has been successful for me. **They all invite and stimulate further discussion **– which is exactly what I want!

**You can download my ebook, [Attracting More Customers](https://www.jillkonrath.com/attracting-more-customers/), to learn more about elevator speeches.**

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