Go Pitch Yourself

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:

• Why I believe that pitching is not just about selling or convincing, but also about sharing ideas, asking for what you want, and advocating for your voice to be heard
• My personal experience of seeking medical care for my daughter after her accident
• What I needed to do in order to advocate and pitch in this real-life situation - including the importance of following up
• Why advocating for your ideas extends beyond business and into all areas of life
• Why I'm excited about how the podcast is going to develop in 2024!

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:

• How Laura got the initial opportunity through a referral from a previous client
• The importance that Laura placed on building trust and rapport with her contact in order for them to become her champion and advocate for her proposal internally
• How Laura recognized the opportunity to expand her proposal, and how she was able to progress it successfully
• Why pricing is rarely the real objection when working with the right target market - focus on solving problems and providing value
• The reason Laura decided to dedicate her career to helping other consultants Land and Expand their own proposals

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:

• A little about Shawn's background and the concept of the Brave Yes Mindset
• Shawn's first attempt at pitching to the organizers of this particular group
• How a little research helped her to make a second pitch
• How the presentation went, the feedback Shawn received, and the unexpected opportunities that came from it
• Why taking risks can level up your business

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:

• The offer from Nikki's coach that made her spend $5,000 in a day
• What was contained in the package she came up with, what she priced it at, and how she pitched it to her audience
• The immediate response that Nikki received
• Nikki's thoughts about discounted offers - "What you should charge is what will people pay"
• The effect that appearing on podcasts has had on Nikki's business
  Details of the free training that Nikki is offering for Pitched listeners

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:

• An introduction to Ken and the work he does at TurningPoint
• How Ken's established leadership style, centered on openness and vulnerability, led him to pitch two lousy options to his team
• The unexpected solution that Ken's team presented to him, and the positive outcomes that followed their intervention
• Ken's takeaways from the experience

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/pitched-layoff-team