The Best Financial Advisor Elevator Speech (With Examples!)

Imagine stepping into an elevator. The doors close, and you have a captive audience for just a few floors. The person beside you might be your next ideal client, but they turn to you and ask, “What do you do?”

Now, the clock is ticking. You’ve got seconds—not minutes—to make a memorable first impression. 

What do you say?

For financial advisors, mastering the elevator speech is more than a clever exercise; it’s an essential tool for growing your business. Obviously, it actually rarely occurs on an elevator, but the time frame is the key. Whether you’re at a networking event, chatting with a business owner, or connecting with someone on LinkedIn, an attention getting pitch opens doors. It can lead to new clients, referrals, or even a meaningful connection that lasts beyond the “elevator ride.”

Here’s the thing: most advisors get it wrong. They use jargon-filled phrases like, “I’m a senior wealth manager specializing in high-net-worth wealth management and financial planning analysis…” (This is where you typically see the prospect mentally clock out and look up to see how many more floors until freedom)

Sound familiar? 

Unfortunately, that approach doesn’t spark curiosity. It doesn’t resonate. And it certainly doesn’t lead to, “Tell me more.”

The best financial advisor elevator pitch is short, engaging, and tailored to highlight your value proposition. It’s not just about describing what you do—it’s about inviting a conversation. Because, ultimately, you’re not selling financial services. You’re solving pain points. You’re helping people achieve their financial goals.

In this article, we’ll explore how to craft an elevator speech that works. We’ll share elevator pitch examples, proven strategies, and actionable tips to help you create a pitch that doesn’t just sound good—it gets results.

Ready to make the most of those precious seconds? Let’s dive in.

What is an Elevator Speech for Financial Advisors?

An elevator speech is more than a rehearsed line; it’s your chance to make a lasting impact in those precious first moments of meeting someone. For financial advisors, this is often the moment when curiosity sparks, trust begins, and the seeds of a future client relationship are planted.

The term “elevator speech” comes from the idea of explaining what you do during the span of an elevator ride. Traditionally, this might mean 30 seconds to 1 minute, but today’s fast-paced world demands something sharper, faster, and more memorable. In fact, some of the best financial advisor elevator speeches are no more than a single sentence that leads to a conversation.

Think about it: When someone asks, “What do you do?” they’re not looking for your full bio or a list of financial services. 

They’re giving you an opportunity to stand out. And standing out doesn’t mean sounding like every other financial planner or wealth management professional out there. It means showing how you help people in a way that’s unique to you.

A good elevator speech starts with identifying your target market. Are you talking to business owners? Small businesses? Someone who might need life insurance? The more specific you can be, the more likely you are to create a connection.

For example, if your target audience is entrepreneurs, your elevator pitch might focus on helping them protect their business for generations. Or, if you’re speaking with families, it might center around creating a legacy through effective financial planning. The key is to craft a message that resonates with their pain points.

Ultimately, your elevator speech is about creating a conversation, not delivering a sales pitch. It’s not about listing things that don’t directly mean something to your client, like being a CFP® professional or working for an RIA. Instead, it’s about inspiring curiosity. Because when your pitch lands, it’s not just a pitch—it’s the beginning of a relationship.

The Objective of a Financial Advisor’s Elevator Pitch

Let’s cut to the chase: your elevator speech isn’t about dazzling someone with your intricate investment management or the features of your wealth management process. It’s about achieving two things, plain and simple:

1. Making them curious enough to ask, “How do you do that?”
2. Getting their business card—or their asking you to please follow up.

Think of your elevator pitch as a well-crafted appetizer, not the whole meal. Nobody wants a 3-minute lecture on financial services while just making polite conversation at a charity function. Your job is to spark curiosity, not cause them to fake a phone call to escape.

Imagine this: you’re at a networking event, and a business owner asks, “What do you do?” 

Most advisors panic and give a lengthy, overly detailed response that sounds like they’re reciting their business plan. Yawn. Some will avoid it all together. Don’t be that person… 

Instead, say something like:

“I help people retire with a smile instead of spreadsheets.”

It’s short, it’s intriguing, and it gets them asking questions. From there, if they ask, you can dive into how you work with small businesses, families, or high-net-worth individuals to create a tailored financial planning approach. You’ve piqued their interest without sounding salesy.

But here’s the kicker: a great financial advisor elevator speech isn’t just about the words you use. It’s about understanding your target market and their pain points. 

For example:

• If you’re talking to a business owner, focus on helping them transition their company into their retirement dreams.
• Chatting with the big-wig CEO from New York? Mention how you navigate the complexities of tax planning and estate planning in one of the most challenging financial landscapes.
• Engaging with a parent? Highlight how you help families balance today’s expenses while securing their children’s future.

A good elevator pitch should feel like a conversation, NOT a pitch. Ask questions. Questions open the door to meaningful discussions—and set you apart from every other financial advisor who’s begging for business.

Key Components of the Perfect Elevator Speech

Creating the perfect elevator speech is a bit like building a good sandwich—start with a solid base, add a layer that grabs attention, and finish with a satisfying bite. For a financial advisor, this means crafting a pitch that’s short, sharp, and leaves the listener hungry for more.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with a Captivating Hook

The opening line is your first impression—your chance to stop someone in their tracks before their brain goes, “Oh no, another sales pitch.”

A great opener doesn’t sound like it came from a business plan. It should spark curiosity. For example:

• “I take the stress out of money.”
• “I help business owners sleep better at night.”
• “I combat financial confusion with clarity and confidence.”

See what’s happening here? These lines aren’t just catchy—they hit on the pain points your target market feels every day. They’re engaging and make people think, “Wait, tell me more.”

2. Add a Brief Explanation

Once you’ve hooked them, it’s time to reel them in with a simple, relatable explanation. Think of this as the “meat” of your pitch (or tofu, for my vegan readers). Avoid industry jargon that makes you sound like a walking finance textbook.

For example:

• “Most people think wealth management is about spreadsheets and stock picks. I help people focus on what really matters—spending time with family and meeting their financial goals without the stress.”
• “I create tailored financial planning strategies for small business owners so they can build a legacy, not just a balance sheet.”

This explanation shouldn’t sound like a lecture. Instead, it should feel like you’re having a conversation with a friend who needs your help.

3. Engage Through a Question

Here’s the secret sauce: turn the spotlight on them. Ask a thoughtful question to keep the conversation flowing. This step is critical for avoiding the dreaded “Okay, cool…” response that signals they’ve mentally checked out.

Try something like… ”If you don’t mind my asking…”:

• “What are your thoughts on the upcoming tax changes?”
• “How are you managing employee retention in this market?”
• “What’s the most important thing you want to pass to the next generation?”

By asking a question, you shift from pitching to connecting. And isn’t that what being a financial advisor is really about—helping people?

4. Close with a Subtle Call to Action

Here’s where most people fumble. They deliver a great elevator pitch and then… nothing. Don’t leave the conversation hanging. Instead, close with a light, non-pushy call to action. 

For example:

• “I’d love to stay in touch. Do you have a business card?”
• “I’d love to add you to my private mailing list where I share insights about investment management, financial planning, and good stories that come across my desk.”
• “I’ve got a webinar coming up next week on this exact topic —want me to send you the link?”

It’s about planting the seed, not sealing the deal. The goal is to keep the conversation going beyond the elevator ride.

5. Add Your Personality

Let’s face it: most salespeople and advisors sound the same. What makes you memorable is your personality. Don’t be afraid to add a dash of humor or a unique perspective. 

For example:

• “I’m like Google Maps for your money. Except I actually get you to your destination.”
• “I manage money, emotions, and occasionally, spreadsheets. But mostly, I make sure my clients retire with more vacations than worries.”
• “What do I do? I make sure your retirement looks more like sipping cocktails than clipping coupons.”

Humor can make you relatable and memorable—a winning combo in a crowded market.

By nailing these components, you’ll create an elevator pitch that doesn’t just sound good—it connects, engages, and leaves a lasting impression.

Our Founder’s Elevator Pitch: The Gold Standard

When Bill Good, our founder, crafted one of his best elevator pitches, he didn’t just create a clever one-liner—he created a blueprint for financial advisors everywhere. Bill’s approach is equal parts curiosity, humor, and clarity, designed to disarm the prospect and spark a genuine conversation.

Here’s how it goes:

Financial Advisor: “Bill, what do you do?”
Bill: “We build roads and sewers.”
Financial Advisor: “Wait… What?”
Bill: “OK, not really. We build infrastructure for financial advisors so when they flip the switch, the lights go on.”

In just a few seconds, Bill hooks you with an unexpected response, piques your curiosity, and seamlessly transitions into explaining what he really does. The beauty of his pitch is that it isn’t just informative—it’s engaging. It prompts follow-up questions like, “How do you do that?” or “What does that mean?”

And Bill doesn’t stop there. He uses the follow-up opportunity to explain the value proposition of our financial advisor marketing system:

Financial Advisor: “So, what do you really do?”
Bill: “We make the Bill Good Marketing System. It’s all the infrastructure a financial advisor needs to double production, work half as much, and have a better life.”

This approach highlights what makes Bill’s pitch so powerful:

1. Unexpected Opener: Saying “roads and sewers” catches the listener off guard and makes them want to learn more.
2. Clear Value Proposition: Bill shifts the conversation to how his work helps financial advisors achieve their goals.
3. Engagement: His pitch invites questions, keeping the conversation flowing naturally.

What Financial Advisors Can Learn From Bill’s Pitch

Bill’s elevator speech teaches us three key lessons:

1. Be Memorable: Your opening line should grab attention—don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
2. Focus on Benefits: Instead of listing your services, explain the pain points you solve and the outcomes you deliver.
3. Keep It Conversational: Your pitch isn’t a monologue. Leave room for questions and let the listener steer the conversation.

Whether you’re talking to a business owner, networking at an event, or connecting with someone on LinkedIn, Bill’s pitch is a reminder that less is more. It’s not about saying everything—it’s about saying the right thing to spark interest and start a relationship.

As you craft your own financial advisor elevator pitch, think about how you can capture the essence of what you do in a way that’s unexpected, relatable, and results-driven—just like Bill.

An Example of a Good Elevator Pitch

Now let’s dive into how this would work for you. You’re at a charity dinner filled with HNWIs, and you’re chatting with Jack Jackson, CEO of Jackson Electronics. Jack asks the all-too-familiar question:

Jack: “What do you do?”
You: “I take away worry.”

This opener is brilliant because it’s short, unexpected, and emotionally charged. It doesn’t sound like a generic sales pitch and immediately piques Jack’s curiosity. “Worry” is a universal pain point, and everyone wants to get rid of it.

Jack: “Hmmm… How do you do that?”
You: “Let me ask you a question. One of these days, you will need to get the equity in Jackson Electronics over into a retirement account so you can live happily ever after, correct?”

The beauty of this step is that it flips the conversation. Instead of rattling off your credentials or a list of financial services, you engage Jack by asking a question. This technique makes the conversation about his goals and challenges, not your expertise.

Jack: “Of course.”
You: “How many chances to get it right?”
Jack: “One, I guess.”

This line creates urgency. By framing Jack’s retirement planning as a “one-shot deal,” you emphasize the high stakes involved. It’s not just about transferring wealth—it’s about getting it right the first time.

You: “So everything you have worked for your entire life depends on getting this right the first time, right?”
Jack: “I guess.”

Here, you reinforce the emotional weight of the situation. Jack starts to feel the importance of solving this pain point correctly, which sets the stage for your pitch.

You: “That worry is what I help remove. My team and I help people like you spend their time enjoying retirement, rather than sweating the details.”

This closing line is gold. You don’t overwhelm Jack with technical jargon about tactical investment management or tax planning. Instead, you focus on the outcome: peace of mind. 

3 of the Best Elevator Pitch Templates

Crafting the perfect elevator speech often begins with inspiration. Here are some examples from seasoned financial professionals that show how to capture attention, build curiosity, and spark meaningful conversations—all while keeping it short and engaging. These elevator pitch examples follow the structure of a strong opening, a brief explanation, and a light call to action.

1. Financial Misunderstanding

You: “I combat financial misunderstanding.”

(Cue the puzzled look.)

You: “Do you ever see financial news headlines? They sensationalize and withhold the full picture. They also don’t fit your unique situation. My job is to simplify and clarify what is going on in the world. That allows us both to make great decisions on the way to your financial dreams.”

Why it works: It’s unexpected. You take a relatable frustration (confusing financial news) and position yourself as the solution. It’s conversational and value-driven, not salesy.

2. The Retirement Fun Facilitator

You: “I facilitate retirement fun.”
Prospect: “What does that mean?”
You: “So many stress and worry over the financial details of retirement. My team and I take that stress and worry off our clients with a clear cash flow outline so they can focus on what retirement should be all about, having fun.”

Why it works: It’s lighthearted but purposeful. You zero in on a universal pain point—worry—and flip it into a promise of peace and enjoyment.

3. The Green Wealth Creator

You: “I create green wealth.”
Prospect: “Green wealth? What’s that?”
You: “I’ve found there are two parts to everyone’s financial lives. There is the blue side which represents all the fun and good things we can do with money. Then there is the yellow side which is usually what can trip us up. It’s the laws, taxes, and investment choices. My job is to manage the yellow to such a degree that the blue can be achieved. And when you combine yellow with blue, you get green wealth.

Why it works: It’s visual, engaging, and different. The metaphor makes complex financial concepts easy to understand, and the phrase “green wealth” sticks in their mind. You’ve introduced yourself as a problem-solver who turns financial confusion into clarity.

What Makes These Examples Work?

Each pitch has a few things in common:

1. They’re short. A great elevator speech is like the first chapter of a book—it gets the listener to turn the page.
2. They’re focused on the listener. Whether it’s helping families, business owners, or retirees, every example ties back to solving a problem or addressing a pain point.
3. They spark curiosity. The opening lines are designed to stop people in their tracks and make them ask, “Wait, what?”

The goal isn’t to explain everything you do. It’s to create enough interest for the conversation to continue. 

Make These Pitch Templates Your Own

A template is a guide, not a rulebook. It’s the spark, not the flame. The best elevator speech isn’t one you copy from someone else—it’s one that feels like you. Authentic. Human. Memorable.

Think about your audience. Are you talking to business owners who see their company as their legacy? Or parents who are juggling financial goals with college tuition? Maybe it’s someone who doesn’t know what investment management even means but knows they’re not sleeping well at night. Your job isn’t to talk at them—it’s to meet them where they are.

Start with these examples. Tweak the words. Add your voice. Test them out. The best elevator speeches come from practice. Try them at a networking event, during a casual coffee chat, or even when someone on LinkedIn messages you, “What do you do?” Notice what gets people leaning in and what gets the polite nod. Adjust as you go.

Here’s the thing: your pitch should grow with you. As you work with more clients, refine your niche, and uncover what you truly love about your work, your elevator speech should evolve too. Keep it fresh. Keep it real. Because the best conversations don’t come from memorized scripts—they come from genuine connection.

So, start here. Use the templates as a foundation. But don’t stop there. Make them yours. And then go out and start conversations that matter. Because the words you choose? They’re just the beginning. It’s the relationships you build after the pitch that really count.

Your Elevator Speech is Just the Beginning

An elevator speech is more than a clever opener. It’s your first opportunity to connect, to demonstrate value, and to invite curiosity. It’s the spark that lights the fire of a meaningful relationship. But let’s be honest—crafting the perfect elevator pitch is only one piece of the puzzle.

At Bill Good Marketing, we understand that growing your practice takes more than just a great conversation starter. It requires a comprehensive approach to marketing, lead generation, and client engagement. Whether you’re working on mastering cold calling, seminar marketing, or building a referral pipeline, we’re here to help.

For over 45 years, we’ve been the trusted partner for financial advisors looking to scale their business. From crafting targeted campaigns to perfecting your unique value proposition, we specialize in the tools and strategies that help advisors like you connect with new clients, nurture relationships, and grow your AUM. Think of us as your marketing infrastructure—the foundation that keeps your practice running smoothly and growing steadily.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, our financial advisor coaching program ensures that you have everything you need to thrive. We’ve worked with thousands of advisors, refining our strategies and adapting to the ever-changing financial landscape.

And if the thought of creating a business plan that integrates all these elements feels overwhelming, don’t worry. That’s what we’re here for. We’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you focus on what you do best—building relationships and helping your clients achieve their financial goals.

So, the next time you step into an elevator and someone asks, “What do you do?”, know that you’re not just answering a question. You’re creating an opportunity. And at Bill Good Marketing, we’re here to make sure you have everything you need to make the most of it.

Let’s start the conversation. Reach out today and discover how we can help you take your practice to the next level.