Hey there, Nathan Jamail here! Let’s talk about something we’ve all been told to master—the elevator pitch.
For years, sales pros have been coached to have a tight, polished 30-second spiel that sums up who they are, what they do, and why someone should care. But let’s be real… most of the time, elevator pitches feel forced, scripted, and, honestly, forgettable.
The truth is, times have changed. Buyers are more skeptical of rehearsed sales talk, and people want real connections, not canned presentations. So, what should you do instead? How can you introduce yourself in a way that actually builds a relationship rather than making someone feel like they’re being pitched?
Let’s dive into some fresh, effective, and natural ways to introduce yourself in sales—without the stale elevator pitch.
Why It’s Time to Ditch the Elevator Pitch
Imagine this: You meet someone at an event, and the first thing they do is rattle off a rehearsed, 30-second spiel about how amazing they are and why you should care. How do you feel? Probably a little overwhelmed… maybe even tuned out before they finish.
That’s exactly what happens when we launch into an elevator pitch without first engaging the other person. People don’t want a speech—they want a conversation.
An effective introduction should:
- Feel natural and authentic
- Spark curiosity
- Encourage dialogue, not just a monologue
- Make you memorable in a good way
So, let’s talk about better ways to introduce yourself that leave a lasting impression.
Start With a Question, Not a Statement
One of the best ways to break the ice is by asking a question instead of making a statement. This shifts the focus from you to them—and that’s a good thing.
Instead of:
“Hi, I’m John, and I help businesses scale their revenue by 30% through data-driven solutions.” (Yawn.)
Try:
“What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in your business right now?”
This instantly gets the other person talking about themselves (which, by the way, people love to do). It also gives you valuable insight into what matters to them—allowing you to tailor your response in a meaningful way.
Share a Quick, Relatable Story
People remember stories, not stats. Instead of listing your job title and value proposition, share a short, relatable story that highlights what you do.
For example, instead of:
“I’m in sales coaching. I help teams improve their close rates through better communication.”
Try:
“Funny story—I once coached a team that was struggling to close deals because they were afraid to ask for the sale. In just 90 days, they increased their close rate by 40%, all because we focused on one simple tweak: confidence in the ask.”
A well-placed story does three powerful things:
- It makes you relatable—People connect with stories.
- It shows results without bragging—You’re sharing a win without sounding like you’re reading a résumé.
- It creates curiosity—The person will likely ask, “Wow, how did you do that?” And boom, you’re in a real conversation.
Be Unexpected & Inject Some Humor
Want to stand out? Say something different from the usual “Hi, I’m [name], and I do [thing].”
A little humor or an unexpected approach can instantly make you more memorable.
Instead of:
“I help businesses optimize their operations.”
Try:
“I help businesses make more money and have fewer headaches. Think of me as a business therapist, but without the couch.”
The key here is to be authentic to your personality—don’t force humor if it’s not your style. But if you can be a little playful, people will remember you and be more open to continuing the conversation.
Focus on the “Why” Before the “What”
Instead of diving straight into what you do, start with why you do it. People connect with passion and purpose.
For example:
“I got into sales coaching because I was tired of seeing great salespeople burn out and quit. Now, I help teams build confidence and close deals without the stress.”
This kind of introduction does two things:
- It makes you relatable (we’ve all felt burned out before)
- It creates intrigue, making people want to hear more
Lead with why, and the “what” will naturally follow in conversation.
Keep It Conversational, Not Scripted
Above all, ditch the script. People can tell when you’re delivering a rehearsed pitch, and it immediately feels inauthentic. Instead, aim for real conversations that flow naturally.
Think of your introduction as something flexible—adjusting based on who you’re talking to, where you are, and the vibe of the conversation.
Instead of thinking, “I need to nail my elevator pitch,” think, “I need to start a great conversation.”
Final Thoughts: Introductions That Actually Work
In today’s world, sales success isn’t about having the perfect pitch—it’s about building real connections. The best way to introduce yourself isn’t through a memorized script, but through a genuine, engaging conversation.
So next time you meet someone new, ditch the elevator pitch and try:
Asking a question to spark engagement Sharing a quick, relatable story Using humor or an unexpected approach Leading with your “why” before your “what” Keeping it natural and unscripted
The goal isn’t to impress—it’s to connect. And when you do that, the business will follow.
Now go out there and make some real introductions!
