Pitched: Real Stories of Pitching Bold Ideas

Endings are also new beginnings; when we begin again, we do so with new insight and knowledge. In this final episode of the Pitched Podcast, we're taking a moment to reflect on the journey we've shared and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. We’ll share insights on why it's essential to recognize when it's time to pivot and repurpose content rather than just creating for the sake of it. Understanding and focusing on what truly matters can lead to growth and success, both personally and professionally. At some point, you’ll feel the need to pivot and refocus, so pay special attention to how to end what you’re doing on a high note. Farewell, Pitches Key ideas from the episode: When you create content, quality matters more than quantity. "I would rather end on a high note, having created content that I am super proud of, rather than scraping by to ‘just create content.’" Pivoting and transitioning doesn’t always mean scrapping everything. Sometimes, it just means adjusting what you’re doing to be more valuable and more curated. “I will be releasing a 6-ish episode public podcast that I will point new folks who discover me to." In doing this, the customer journey is enhanced and does a better job meeting the needs of potential clients. "Podcast guesting is an effective strategy whether or not you host your own podcasts." And do you know what podcast guesting includes? Pitching yourself to other podcast hosts. Know your strengths and play to them. Efficiency is key in nearly everything, and relevancy is even more important than that, which means you’ve got to stay on top of things and experiment. "We are going to be testing out some new ways to leverage some of the technology that's out there in the podcasting space in that show." Ending a podcast doesn’t mean abandoning your audience. There are so many ways to stay engaged. “Please connect with me on LinkedIn… Shoot me a connection request with a little note that says, I heard you on the Pitch podcast. I want to stay connected. Secondly, join our newsletter. I send out an email every other week and it always includes some behind-the-scenes podcast guesting support.” Full show notes and resources at: https://thepodwizegroup.com/farewell-pitches

In the world of pitching, whether it's for podcast guest spots or business partnerships, the devil is in the details. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it—and more importantly, how well you understand the person you're pitching to. In today's episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of what makes a pitch less than stellar and how you can avoid common pitfalls. From emails that miss the mark to LinkedIn messages that leap too quickly into a sales pitch, we're dissecting real-life examples to show you how to craft pitches that resonate, connect, and ultimately, convert. This episode highlights several pitches that fell flat, so pay special attention to how to personalize your messages, make them meaningful, and ensure they stand out. Key ideas from the episode: "Do we respond and apologize when we have messed up? Yeah, totally. If the response to us is respectful, we will absolutely eat crow and apologize." Angie highlights the importance of taking responsibility for mistakes in pitching and showing respect in the response to maintain professional relationships. "The quality of pitches that are being sent out is not high. So you have a huge opportunity to be able to stand out against the crowd." You have the advantage of delivering high-quality pitches that stand out from the mediocre ones, increasing the chances of getting noticed and accepted. The need for pitches to be relevant and aligned with the podcast's audience is emphasized to increase the chances of acceptance. Tailoring pitches to fit the specific interests and needs of the podcast's target audience will increase the likelihood of being considered for a guest spot. Offering grace when warranted is crucial, as some pitches may show genuine intent and effort to connect, even if they miss the mark. This encourages understanding and empathy towards pitches that may not be perfect, but still demonstrate genuine interest and effort in establishing a connection. Practical tips on pitching are shared, including the importance of personalization, clear topics, and understanding the podcast's audience. This highlights the key elements of an effective pitch, such as personalizing the message, providing clear and specific topics, and demonstrating an understanding of the podcast's target audience to increase the chances of success. Full show notes and resources at: https://thepodwizegroup.com/bad-pitches-do-this-not-that

You’ve heard of Shark Tank, where hopeful inventors bring their products to sink or swim in front of investors. But have you heard of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch, the entrepreneur’s equivalent? If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to succeed on a show like this or even to get invited to stand in front of the panel, this episode will give you an insider’s perspective. Joy Hoover is the innovative mind behind ESOES Cosmetics, whose flagship product is a lipstick that doubles as a safety device with a panic button and drink test strips in one cute package. Joy’s mission in life lies in social justice and safety activism, and to empower and protect women in dangerous situations. In this episode, Joy shares her exhilarating journey of pitching ESOES Cosmetics on Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the intense preparation, the pitch itself, and the rollercoaster of emotions that came with the experience. If you wonder whether you’re coming across as authentic and retaining your identity when delivering your pitches, pay special attention to how Joy managed to not only do that but also how she left a lasting impression on millions of people in a high-stakes, high-pressure television show. Key ideas from the episode: How Joy was put on the spot to give a 60-second pitch with no time to prepare, despite having never given one before: "My investor raised her hand and said, 'She will, but I want her to go first.' I stood up and did my pitch, and everyone was kind of like, 'Whoa.' That moment opened the door for me to be considered for the show." The significance of Joy's distinctive personal branding in making a memorable impression and standing out in a crowd: "My hat and my outfit are part of my branding. People are like, 'Who is this girl?' It helps me grab attention and be remembered." Why practicing her pitch and wordsmithing it to fit the strict 60-second format was crucial for Joy's success on the show: "I practiced it over and over again, even recording myself and playing it in my ear. It was pivotal to stay on track and make every second count." The strategy behind Joy's decision to immediately follow up with contacts and opportunities, maintaining momentum and not missing her shot: "I emailed the venture capitalist right after the event. I didn't want to miss the opportunity. My philosophy is always to shoot my shot and follow it through until I hit the target. I knew I had to be proactive and seize the moment." Joy went through the gamut of emotions, especially after VC investors turned her down: “And then over the loudspeaker is, “Joy, come back to the elevator.” And I was really shocked because I was like, what is this? I hadn't seen this happen before, ever, on the show.” The benefits Joy experienced from participating in the show, beyond just the potential for investment, including increased confidence and public exposure for her brand and mission: "It was an incredible experience that built my confidence and allowed me to connect with a wider audience. It opened doors and opportunities beyond just the investment aspect." Full show notes and resources at: https://thepodwizegroup.com/entrepreneur-medias-elevator-pitch

Your podcast is more than just a show—it can be the primary pitch for your business, services and projects, and open the door to opportunities you might never otherwise have access to. My guest today is an expert in leveraging a podcast far beyond reaching listeners, and creating shows that build strong networks and create massive credibility. And he’s in a position to know. Dave Jackson has been podcasting since before most people knew what a podcast was, and has been a huge part of shaping the industry. He's the brain behind the School of Podcasting, where he guides aspiring and established podcasters in creating impactful shows. In our conversation, Dave talks about his podcasting journey, how he has seen the industry change over the years, and shares some excellent tips for creating an effective show. This is an episode filled with nuggets of wisdom, and you should pay special attention to how he talks about leveraging the episodes you create and appear on for professional credibility. Key ideas from the episode: "I've watched this industry grow from its infancy," Dave Jackson reflects on his extensive experience in the podcasting world - he started in the industry in 2005. Dave emphasizes that podcasting is a networking strategy: "It's not just about the listeners, it's about connecting with people who can open doors for you." The strategic use of podcast episodes as personal pitches has been a game changer. Dave explains, "Each episode is an opportunity to present yourself and your ideas to the world." He highlights the importance of content quality: "Your podcast is your brand. Every episode should reinforce the trust and credibility you're building with your audience." This means you can and should enforce a good recording environment and tools on your guests. Dave shares a key insight into audience engagement: "Engaging listeners is important, but the real magic happens in the relationships you build through your show." He suggests you speak to a single person instead of a “hey everybody!” style, and ensure the discovery and experience of your show on websites is up to date. Reflecting on the evolution of podcasting, Dave notes, "The industry has changed, but the core principle remains: be authentic and provide value." Dave's advice to aspiring podcasters: "Focus on your message and the people you're trying to reach. That's where your podcast's true power lies." Full show notes and resources at: https://thepodwizegroup.com/my-podcast-is-my-pitch/

I believe that pitching is about sharing ideas, asking for what you want, and making your voice heard. Today's episode is a personal one, where I share a recent experience that taught me the importance of advocacy in all areas of life, not just in business. In December, my daughter, an avid horseback rider, had a riding accident that resulted in a broken collarbone and a facial laceration. This incident put me in a position where I had to advocate for her medical care, ensuring she received the best treatment possible, including a transfer to a children's hospital and attention from a pediatric plastic surgeon. Throughout this ordeal, I realized that the skills we use in business, such as pitching and following up, are just as applicable in our personal lives. Advocating for my daughter's care required the same determination and persistence as following up on a business lead or pitching a podcast. As we step into the new year, I encourage you to commit to advocating for yourself and your ideas, both in business and in life. Don't be afraid to follow up until you get an answer, and remember that advocating for what you want is always worth it. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/pitching-beyond-business

When talking about podcast guesting, the initial impact is obviously from listeners hearing you. But suppose you really focus on leveraging the relationship that you create with the host. In that case, you're able to expand that interview's impact beyond what you might have originally intended. Similarly, my guest today was able to build a relationship with a corporate client, and then expand a $35k project into $250k. And she was able to do this by identifying the correct way to pitch what she could offer - and getting her client so on board that they effectively pitched her services for her! Laura Khalil has consulted for some of the world's largest brands, such as GE, Intel, and Twitter. Nowadays, she works with other consultants to help them find, attract, and sign bigger B2B clients. One of her trademark strategies is Land and Expand, a way to grow your consulting business by starting with a smaller contract and then expanding into larger deals. In this conversation Laura talks about how she used it to gain a corporate contract and then leveraged it to grow her business within that company. I want you to pay special attention to when Laura talks about identifying and coaching champions at the organizations that you are pitching, and how to support them as they push for your deal to get approved and fast-tracked. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/250k-corporate-contract

Where you focus your visibility goals depends on the stage your business is at, what your priorities are, and where your target audience happens to be. Although our focus, both on the podcast and at the Podwize Group, is on pitching clients for visibility through podcast guest appearances, I've always been clear that the basics of pitching are the same, no matter the opportunity. Today’s conversation with Shawn Fink touches on an opportunity I know many of us would LOVE to have: a paid keynote speaking opportunity. Shawn is a business design strategist who helps female entrepreneurs and creators cultivate brand demand. Tune in to hear how Shawn was able to connect with a warm contact at her target organization and provide clarity around her topic and its potential impact. I hope you'll be able to use some of that advice in your own pitches! Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/paid-keynote-presentation

Have you hesitated to share an offer that you believe would be a definite "yes" for your ideal audience, despite its incredible value? My guest today, Nikki Rausch, faced a different scenario. In 2020, she pitched an offer that not only brought in $49,000 within the initial seven days but continues to significantly impact her business even after three years. In this episode of Pitched, Nikki, the Founder and CEO of Sales Maven, recounts her experience pitching a new offer to her audience in 2020 and the profound effect it had on her business. Her approach to sales centers around authenticity and fostering genuine connections, making her story particularly inspiring for our listeners. What resonates with me most from my conversation with Nikki is her ability to craft an offer that meets multiple needs of her audience, implement it swiftly, and benefit from it over the long-term. In fact, the $49,000 generated in this offer's first seven days has grown into hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue over the past three years. If you've been holding onto an idea or offer for an extended period, I hope Nikki's story jumpstarts you to pitch it! Sometimes, taking the leap is the hardest part, as overthinking often leads to talking ourselves out of pitching entirely. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/game-changing-offer

In 2015, Ken Schmitt, founder and CEO of boutique recruiting firm TurningPoint Executive Search, pitched two similarly awful options to his small team: either laying off staff or working with an organization that wasn't aligned with their company's values. However, by being open and vulnerable in his pitch to the team, Ken was offered a third option that he hadn't considered. Pay close attention to the impossible situation that Ken was in, with regard to his business and his team, and how the work culture he has fostered helped to create a solution. I also love the value that Ken and his team place on preserving their brand's reputation. How you can apply this thinking to your future pitching opportunities? Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/pitched-layoff-team

For the first episode of Pitched, I'm sharing a conversation I had with my friend Kristen Carbone of the tech company Brilliantly. In it, Kristen shares a very particular experience she had of pitching her wearable femtech product to a room full of potential investors - who were all men. Pay close attention during our conversation to learn what Kristen gained from this encounter. It's something that is relevant to many pitching scenarios - whether you're seeking funding, establishing partnerships, or securing podcast interviews. It was great to hear Kristen reaffirm my long-held belief in this essential practice! Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/pitching-femtech-investors/

In the last episode, I talked about how podcast guesting has evolved since I began working in the podcasting space. In this episode, I'm talking about another evolution - the evolution of the Go Pitch Yourself podcast. When we launched the show in September 2019, we focused on giving you the tools to pitch yourself (the clue's in the title!) for podcast guesting opportunities. However, during the summer hiatus, I realized that Go Pitch Yourself no longer aligns with our company's direction. And as our focus at the Podwize Group has shifted, the time has come to widen the topics we cover here. Introducing... "Pitched: Real Stories of Pitching Bold Ideas." It's all about behind-the-scenes conversations, getting into the details of life and business with fascinating people. We're stepping away from generic business owner interviews and diving deep into specific, juicy topics. All of our past episodes will remain in this feed, but starting October 10th, you'll see new artwork, and be the first to experience our fresh format and focus. We'll continue offering podcast guesting insights through segmented Spotify playlists of past episodes, as well as updates on developments in the podcast guesting space specifically. Stay tuned wherever you're listening right now, and we'll see you next time for the first episode of Pitched! I can't wait for you to hear where we're going next. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/pitched-pitching-bold-ideas

Having worked in the podcasting space since late 2017, in this episode I take a quick journey through all the ways that podcast guesting has evolved since then. Back in the day, there weren't too many people using podcast guesting as a way to grow their authority. Because of this, when I started I was pitching for a variety of things - TV appearances, online publications, as well as podcast interviews. All the positive changes I've seen in podcast guesting have transformed it from a tactic to a long-term, intentional marketing strategy. Listen in to hear, not only how the podcast space has grown, but how my business and the way that we work with clients has evolved to keep up with this changing landscape. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/evolution-podcast-guesting

Whether or not podcast guests share their interviews is a common topic of conversation in the podcast community, with hosts frequently expressing frustration and seeking solutions. In this episode of "Go Pitch Yourself," I share the reasons some guests may be less likely to share their interviews and offer up strategies hosts can take to better support them in sharing their episodes. In addition to sharing what hosts can do to encourage sharing, I also share several actions that podcast guests can take to help ease the perceived 'pain' of helping promote the host's podcast. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/guests-sharing-interviews

…or How I Spent My Summer Vacation. For the last five episodes of the podcast, we've been sharing new versions of some of our most-downloaded episodes from the past four years. As we come to the end of our Summer Lovin' series, I am reflecting on what I've learned over the past few months. This summer, I took some time to think about the future direction of the Go Pitch Yourself podcast, so I also share my thoughts around that, alongside some of the trends I've been noticing in the podcasting space. However, if you have a topic around podcast guesting or hosting (or both) that you would like me to cover, reach out to me on LinkedIn @angietrueblood. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/summer-recap

Are you wondering about effective ways to connect with the podcast hosts you want to pitch to? Or maybe you're a podcast host who wants to engage with your listeners outside of your recording sessions. If that resonates with you, then this episode is a must-listen, as we delve into strategies for enhancing podcast engagement. For the final part of our Summer Lovin' series featuring our all-time most-downloaded episodes, we present my chat with Kevin Chemidlin from May 2022. Kevin is the mastermind behind a unique method for expanding podcast audiences that gets impressive results. With his inaugural podcast, Philly Who?, Kevin achieved over 100,000 downloads and generated more than $140,000 in revenue within just 18 months. Drawing from his experiences, Kevin shared his expertise with fellow podcasters, leading him to launch the "Grow the Show" podcast and brand. Although Kevin's primary focus is on podcast hosts, the engagement strategies he outlines here are relevant for podcast guests seeking to develop meaningful connections within their specific niches. And even if you hate social media, when you hear the amazing results that Kevin's Targeted Daily Engagement technique has achieved, I'm sure you'll be able to find 15 minutes a day to grow your show. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/engagement-strategies-for-podcasts-updated

Along with developing and nurturing business relationships, lead generation is the root of why we want to guest on podcasts. So you will have an idea of where you want the conversation to go, and the action you want listeners to take. But forcing the issue might be so far out of your comfort zone, and you really don't want to appear too salesy. Have no fear! In one of our all-time most-downloaded episodes, Nikki Rausch shares some great ideas about how you can turn up for podcast guest appearances, connect with the host, deliver great content to the audience, AND generate sales leads - all without coming across as sleazy! Listen again as part of our Summer Lovin' series, and notice how Nikki clearly has a plan of where she wants to lead the audience and plants seeds in a natural way throughout the interview. It's a masterclass of being intentional about how you show up as a podcast guest! Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/generating-leads-podcast-interviews-update

If pitching yourself for podcast visibility opportunities makes you worry that you don't have your opt-in / landing page / social profiles etc. finalized, then pitching a podcast quickly (aka messily!) might be just what you need. Continuing our Summer Lovin' series, where we're re-sharing the content from five of our most downloaded episodes, today I lay out the minimum steps needed to get a targeted pitch out to your ideal podcast. I think this one has been so popular because it shows that your pitch doesn't need to be perfect to be successful, as well as containing actionable steps to take. Don't get me wrong, the parts of a 'messy' pitch are similar to those of a more finessed one. But trying to send out the perfect pitch can stop you from taking any action at all. So if you've ever delayed sending a pitch because you think that you need to have everything all tied up in a bow, this episode will help you to feel more energized in your marketing. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/pitch-a-podcast-quickly-update

If you listened to our previous episode, you should have an idea of the type of podcasts that you want to pitch yourself to as a guest. But how do you go about finding these shows? Luckily, there are a number of podcast databases and networks that allow you to search for shows, and pitch podcast hosts (or guests). For the second part of Summer Lovin' series, I'm bringing you an update of a previous episode where I reviewed four podcast databases - Podcast Hawk, Podcast Guests, PodMatch, and The Podcast Collaborative - with my friend and former colleague Kim Stewart. We describe how each service works, the different price points, what the user experience is like, and who we think will benefit from using them. This episode was really popular when we first released it in 2022, so I'm excited to revisit this topic and note any changes that I've noticed. Please note: I would always recommend that you prioritize building relationships with hosts and guests, as opposed to viewing a podcast appearance in purely transactional terms. But if you're just getting started guesting on podcasts, these services can give you a real jump-start. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/podcast-databases-networking-sites-update

If you are interested in knowing where to pitch yourself as a podcast guest, today I'm spilling the beans on the strategy we use to identify the types of shows we pitch our clients to. Today's episode is the first in our Summer Lovin' series, where we're digging into and re-sharing some of the content from five of our most downloaded episodes. So, long-time listeners might remember that we covered the topic of the One-Liner for Pitchable Podcasts (or OPP) in May 2022. An OPP is a simple one-line statement - "I pitch to podcasts that speak to *blank* about *blank*". And it's the basis of whether your interviews will have any impact on your business - because if you don't know the shows to look for, you'll be searching podcast directories without direction. However, even if you have heard some of this material before, this is not just a repost. As you'll hear, we've refined and developed the OPP process, which is still key to the work we do at the Podwize Group. And interestingly, we've had a shift in the types of shows that we pitch our clients to, that you might want to use in your own pitching process! Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/where-to-pitch-yourself-2

It's the 100th episode of the Go Pitch Yourself podcast! In this special episode, I reflect on where the show has been since we launched in September 2019, look forward to where it's going, and thank YOU for riding this podcasting wave with me. I also share some personal highlights and memories, along with some questions and comments from you, my listeners. In addition to that, I share how you can help to shape the future of the Go Pitch Yourself podcast. Visit our short listener survey at thepodwizegroup.com/listener23 to get involved. Topics covered include: Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/go-pitch-yourself-100