Mastering your networking 60-second pitch

Your 60-second intro is a staple of many networking groups – just like here at TNG-The Networking Group. 

But, let’s face it: explaining what your business does in just 60 seconds can feel daunting. 

You want to hit all the important points, keep your audience engaged, and leave them with a memorable impression… all in a minute or less.

The good news? With a little practice and a solid structure, you can nail your 60-second pitch and make it work in any situation.

When you’ll need to give your 60-second pitch
Sure, you give your pitch at TNG fortnightly meetings, but there are plenty of other situations where you’ll need to quickly explain your business.

Here are a few examples:

• Networking events: Anytime you’re at a business event, mixer, or even a casual meet-up, you might find yourself having to introduce yourself – quickly. Using your 60-second pitch is a great thing to use in this situation. So, you want it to be polished and ready to go! Here are some more tips for networking etiquette.
• Client meetings: Whether it’s a new client or someone you’ve just met, you’ll need a short, clear intro to explain what you do.
• Random opportunities: Ever bumped into someone in an elevator or at a coffee shop who might be interested in your business? A quick, engaging pitch comes in handy!
• Trade shows and conferences: You’re likely having quick conversations all day, so it’s crucial to be able to clearly explain your business to everyone you meet.
• Social media or videos: Introducing yourself online in a short video or webinar is the perfect chance to use your 60-second pitch to grab attention right away.

No matter where you are, being able to deliver a quick, clear pitch helps people understand what you do and how they might work with you.

And let’s be honest—being prepared for those unexpected moments is always a good idea!

How The Networking Group can help you perfect your 60-second pitch

The key to delivering a great pitch is practice. And what better place to do that than at your regular networking meetings? 

Each time you practise, you’ll refine your message and get better at it. Plus, when you’re in a room full of supportive people who know exactly what you’re working on, it’s the perfect chance to test it out and get feedback.

Here’s the best part: Your TNG fortnightly group is a safe space. 

You can try out different versions, play around with your delivery, and improve without the pressure of a sales pitch. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll become, and that confidence will show the next time you need to pitch outside the group.

How to write your 60-second pitch

Think about the purpose of your pitch

Your 60-second pitch is like your elevator pitch—it needs to be clear, concise, and memorable. 

Even though some people in the room may already know what you do, there’s always a chance someone new is hearing from you for the first time.

In just one minute, you want to:

• Share what makes your business unique.
• Let people know who you help and how.
• Explain what action you’d like them to take (like referring someone to you).
• Be memorable enough that people think of you when a referral opportunity pops up.

Ultimately, the goal is to make people want to do business with you or think of a referral on the spot. 

You want them to walk away knowing exactly what you do and who they can send your way.

Have a structure for your 60-second pitch

The best 60-second pitches are well-structured but still feel natural. Here’s a simple structure that can help you get started:

• Introduce yourself: Start with your name, your business name, and a short summary of what you do.
• Explain the benefits: Instead of just saying your job title, share the benefits of working with you. For example, instead of “I build websites,” you could say, “I create websites that boost conversions and grow brand awareness.”
• Tell a story: People love stories! Share a quick example of how you’ve helped a client or tell a short testimonial. It makes your pitch more relatable and interesting.
• Present a problem and solution: Mention a common problem your ideal clients face, then explain how you solve it. This shows the value you bring and makes it easier for others to refer people to you.
• Make referrals easy: Be specific about who your ideal clients are. The clearer you are, the easier it is for people in the room to think of someone who could use your services.
• Recap: Before you wrap up, repeat your name, your business name, and how people can get in touch with you.

An example of a 60-second pitch – The Bookkeeper

Introduce Yourself:
“Good morning, I’m Mike from Clear Numbers Bookkeeping. I help small business owners get a handle on their finances so they can focus on growing their business.”

Explain the Benefits:
“By working with me, you’ll have clear, accurate financial reports that help you make better decisions. I take the stress out of bookkeeping and ensure your taxes, GST, and payroll are all up to date.”

Tell a Story:
“Just last month, I worked with a local cafe that had been struggling with managing their finances. After cleaning up their books, I helped them reduce unnecessary expenses and create a budget that’s now helping them grow.”

Present a Problem and Solution:
“Many small business owners struggle with keeping their finances organised or knowing what’s really going on with their cash flow. I take that off their plate, providing peace of mind and real insights into their financial health.”

Make Referrals Easy:
“If you know a small business owner who’s feeling overwhelmed with their bookkeeping or isn’t sure how to manage their accounts, I’d love to help.”

Recap:
“Again, I’m Mike from Clear Numbers Bookkeeping. You can reach me at [website address] or chat with me after the meeting. Thanks!”

An example of a 60-second pitch – The Plumber

Introduce yourself:
“Hi everyone, I’m Sarah from Sarah’s Plumbing Services. We handle everything from small repairs to full plumbing installations for both residential and commercial properties.”

Explain the benefits:
“Working with us means you get reliable, timely service and peace of mind knowing the job is done right the first time. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a major plumbing emergency, we’ve got you covered.”

Tell a story:
“Last week, a family called us with a burst pipe late at night. We were there in less than an hour, fixed the problem, and even helped them with their insurance claim. They were relieved to get everything sorted so quickly.”

Present a problem and solution:
“A lot of homeowners don’t realise how much damage a small plumbing issue can cause if left untreated. We catch problems early, saving you from bigger, more expensive repairs down the line.”

Make referrals easy:
“If you know anyone dealing with plumbing issues or planning a home renovation that needs new piping, we’d love to help them out.”

Recap:
“I’m Sarah from Sarah’s Plumbing Services. You can reach us anytime at [website address]  or grab my card after the meeting. Thank you!”

Stand out from the rest

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to making your pitch stand out, but here are some tips to help you shine:

• Show some personality: People do business with people they like, so don’t be afraid to show your personality! When you let your authentic self come through, people are more likely to connect with you.
• Add a little humour: If it feels right, throw in a joke or a lighthearted comment. A little humour can make your pitch more engaging and memorable.
• Stick to the time limit: Be respectful of everyone’s time and keep your pitch within the 60-second window. It shows you’re professional and considerate of others.
• Mix it up: If you’ve been giving the same pitch for a while, switch it up. Relating your pitch to the meeting’s theme or tweaking it based on who’s in the room keeps things fresh and interesting.

Have fun with your 60-second pitch

At the end of the day, your TNG networking group is a safe and supportive environment for you to grow and improve. 

It’s a place where you can practise, learn, and get better without the fear of messing up. 

So have fun with it! Enjoy the process of refining your pitch and know that, over time, you’ll get even more confident.

With a little practice and a well-structured pitch, you’ll be ready to explain your business clearly and confidently in any situation. 

And who knows—you might even start to enjoy delivering your 60-second pitch!

Which means it’s time to start working on your 10-minute presentation!

Love the thought of networking in a supportive, local environment? Then join your local TNG group today. We have meetings all over New Zealand. 

Find your closest Networking Group (Your first two visits are free).