Explore every episode of the podcast 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.

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

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:

• What is femtech?
• Kristen's story and why she developed the Brilliantly Warm wearable tech solution
• Why Kristen wanted to approach external funders to develop her product
• What she learned from the experience of pitching a femtech product to a room full of men, and why she won't be discouraged from doing it again
• The preparatory work that Kristen now does before pitching herself

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:

• How the summer hiatus led me to re-examine what I want to achieve with my business and the podcast
• The exciting topics we'll be covering in our new show, Pitched: Real Stories of Pitching Bold Ideas
• What is new and what is staying the same
• My plans for organizing past and future episodes into playlists
• How to follow and listen to Pitched

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:

• The things I did - and didn't do! - for clients when I began my freelance career
• The different metrics used to measure the value of a podcast guest appearance
• Podcasts now - more competition and the growth of 'pay-to-play' transactional relationships
• Changes in marketing and promotion efforts - from growing an email list to Facebook to LinkedIn and beyond
• What I call the long game of podcast guesting - growing networks and referral partners, and getting in front of new audiences
• How the way we work with and pitch our clients has changed

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:

• The common practice of podcast hosts using guest interviews as a growth strategy rather than a content strategy
• The importance of and how to make it easier for guests to share their interviews
• Why guests not sharing their interviews may be an indicator that you and your guest aren't 'connecting' in a way that maximizes collaboration
• The impact that exploring unique topics with your guests can have on their willingness to share your podcast with their audience
• How guests can be proactive in knowing when episodes go live
• The role that a template can play in repurposing your guest interviews 

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:

• How I tend to overcomplicate things - can you relate?!
• What I noticed about podcast listening and production over the summer months
• Should it be the podcast guest's job to grow the host's show?
• A personal example about the power and value of connections made through guesting on podcasts
• Hints of some of our upcoming topics, and how you can get involved 

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:

• Why Kevin became a full-time podcaster
• What he learned from growing the audience for his local-interest podcast and how this applies to podcasts more generally
• Why having a really focused idea of the potential audience demographic for your podcast can actually lead to growth
• Details of Targeted Daily Engagement, Kevin's signature approach to growth, how it works, and some incredible results
• Coming from the other side, how TDE can be an engagement strategy for podcasts, helping guests connect with hosts - with suggestions on how to approach hosts

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:

• How Nikki is able to gauge the power of podcast appearances
• The ways that Nikki takes podcast interviews and turns them into lead-generating opportunities without being salesy and spammy
• Ways to reinforce your authority by offering bite-sized, actionable steps that listeners can implement to get a 'quick win'
• How much free content should you offer up in a podcast interview?
• The impact that being featured on podcasts has had on Nikki's business

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:

• What are the minimum steps needed to send a targeted pitch?
• The different parts that go into making a 'messy' pitch, including clarifying what you want to achieve, and how to craft a one-topic pitch template
• How to identify your ideal listener and the shows they are listening to
• How 'Pitching Messy' can help motivate you to keep going for the long haul

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:

• An update on podcast matching services and things that I've noticed within the podcasting space
• The importance of finding community and building meaningful relationships with hosts, rather than seeing podcast opportunities as transactional
• Why using a Podcast Database can be good for Podcast Guests who don't have the time to research new shows - and how they can help Podcast Hosts to find guests
• Our reviews of four Podcast Databases - with pros and cons for Podcast Hawk, Podcast Guests, PodMatch, and The Podcast Collaborative    
• A reminder of the benefits of appearing on so-called "small" shows

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:

• What has changed in the way that we pitch clients to shows, and why we now sometimes pitch to podcast hosts who could be viewed as competitors
• The ways that some podcast hosts are looking for guests who will be of interest to their audience because of their values, rather than the service they provide
• A description of how you can come up with your own OPP
• How using several OPP statements can help to define what you talk about on different shows
• Examples of how I use a number of different OPPs in my own podcast pitching

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:

• An extended Podcast Loves of the Week segment!
• The numbers - stats from where we started to where we are now
• Comments and questions from you, my listeners
• What I would do differently and the things that I'm most proud of
• Plans for the summer and how you can help to shape the future direction of Go Pitch Yourself

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/go-pitch-yourself-100

Can podcasting and social media play nicely together? How does social media strategy for podcasters differ from other industries? Is there a best social media platform for podcast promotion?

Whether you are a podcast host or guest, in this episode I'm answering these questions and looking at how you can use social media in a way that feels natural and complements your podcasting strategy.

My guest, Andréa Jones, is a social media strategist for passion-led coaches and experts who want to make a difference in the world with their message.

She guides her clients and students from being stuck to becoming strategic, passion-led powerhouses with her straightforward approach to social media: "Take one little step each day. Build social media savvy over time." As she says in our conversation, Social comes first, Media comes later - so let your audience get to know who you are initially.

Listen in as Andréa explains how to create a robust social media strategy for your podcast that works with your personality while meeting your promotional goals. 

Topics covered include:

• Why the idea that successful social media marketers are connecting online all day every day is a misconception that can prevent business leaders and solopreneurs from developing a social media strategy
• Why time spent connecting on other people's platforms is a better measure of social media activity than the number of posts you create
• Recent social media  trends that Andréa and her team have identified
• Why you don't need to be everywhere all the time - it's ok to lean into your preferred platform
• Andréa's tips for getting people to make the jump from social media to listening to your podcast - whether you're a guest or the host
• How to share your personal brand when you don't want to be on social all the time - and how you can set boundaries 

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/social-media-strategy-for-podcasters

When you're pitching for a podcast guest opportunity, you might not think that you're in sales mode. But the basic building blocks of pitching are the same, no matter WHO or WHAT you are pitching. In pitches and sales, you have to know your audience, do your preparation, personalize the communication, and be authentic.

My guest today is someone who disrupts the way that Direct Sellers and MLMers (multi-level marketers) show up online. Colleen Nichols is the creator of @noshamesalesgame, one of the most popular Instagram accounts for network marketers. She is also the founder and CEO of Direct Sales Growth Community, the community and training platform for the modern-day network marketer.

Colleen has achieved her success while still being a human online - incorporating her personality into everything she does. And as you'll hear, it's the same when you're pitching for podcast guest appearances - the best way for you to stand out is by being yourself.

Topics covered include:

• Why Colleen's success in Direct Sales came about because she showed up authentically online
• The things Colleen saw in the Multi-level Marketing (MLM) industry that led to the launch of the @noshamesalesgame Instagram profile and the Direct Sales Growth Community
• The vanilla copy-and-paste reach-outs that Colleen has seen in the MLM space, and how this relates to podcast pitches
• Why being human on the internet doesn't necessarily mean that you need to have a big personality
• Colleen's belief that when you release the need to sell, the sales come faster - so pitch yourself as the human first

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/anti-hey-girl-colleen-nichols

We've likely heard of sales funnels, but did you know there are podcast sales funnels, too? Candidly, if you have a podcast and are using it to grow a business, it should have some elements of an effective funnel in place. Lately, though, I've seen an interesting twist on how hosts are using podcasts, which includes them hosting interviews so they can invite 'guests' on who they would love to work with. Basically, they're using the show as a way to get time with someone who would otherwise not spend 30 minutes talking to them.

I don't have any issue with using this as a strategy. In fact, I've advocated for some podcasters using it. What I DO have an issue with is using your show as a way to funnel people closer to working with you and not truly being interested in showcasing their expertise or story for your audience.

And, I have an issue with it because I was recently stuck in a podcast sales funnel. Luckily, I managed to escape and am sharing all the ins and outs of my experience with you.

In this episode, I show you how to recognize when you've stumbled into a podcast sales funnel. I also explain how to evaluate if the guest visibility opportunity is still a good use of your time.

Topics covered include:

• My recent experiences with podcast sales funnels and how I managed to escape them
• Why the audience is of little or no importance if a podcast host's primary goal is to convert guests into clients
• The red flags to be on the lookout for if you think you're in a podcast sales funnel
• How to tell if the visibility opportunity on offer is still worth your time

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/escape-podcast-sales-funnel

For the final part of this mini-series about paid podcast interviews, after talking about the practicalities and legalities, I wanted to speak to someone who had actually paid a significant podcast appearance fee to guest on a big show.

I've known Alex Sanfilippo in the podcasting space for a number of years, and I knew he had guested on John Lee Dumas' Entrepreneurs on Fire podcast. And I KNOW that EOFire charges a $3,500 appearance fee per interview. So I asked. And he said yes!

Alex Sanfilippo is the CEO and founder of PodPros, a software company focused specifically on the podcasting industry. He is also a podcast host of Podcasting Made Simple and a lead educator in podcasting.

Together we talk about why he decided to pay the podcast appearance fee, and what the whole interview process was like - from pitching to interview to the impact on his business. We also talked about what happens when a podcast interview is viewed as a transaction, rather than part of a mutually-beneficial relationship - does it change the value of the information being presented?

There's also a special offer for Go Pitch Yourself listeners if you want to try out PodMatch, Alex's software that automatically matches ideal podcast hosts and guests for interviews. Get 10% off through my affiliate link.

Topics covered include:

• Alex's background in aerospace and how he started a podcast interviewing successful entrepreneurs, in order to learn how to become one himself
• Alex's experience of appearing on John Lee Dumas' Entrepreneurs on Fire podcast, including why he chose to pay the $3,500 podcast appearance fee, and the impact it had on his business
• Why he talks to the people he coaches about the value of appearing on smaller, niche podcasts, over big shows
• The various products that Alex has created under the umbrella of his PodPros brand
• Details of the special offer I got for Go Pitch Yourself listeners to try out PodMatch, Alex's service that matches podcast guests with hosts and vice versa - get 10% off through my affiliate link

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/podcast-appearance-fee

Are there podcast laws? If so, who writes them? And what do they regulate? In this episode, I chat with the Podcast Lawyer about what podcast laws exist, which ones don't, and how to navigate the legal implications of podcast guesting and hosting.

Why now? Well, on the previous episode of Go Pitch Yourself, I talked about the pay-to-play phenomenon where podcast hosts are charging their guests. Are there laws governing this type of relationship?  And are hosts required to disclose that relationship?  
Not to fear, Gordon Firemark is here to answer all of these questions, and more.

Gordon has practiced media, entertainment, and business law since 1992 and is often referred to as The Podcast Lawyer™. He helps creatives, artists, entrepreneurs, and others achieve the dream of getting their messages out and making a meaningful impact with their craft.

A podcaster himself, he's been producing and hosting the Entertainment Law Update podcast since 2009 and recently launched the Fuzzy Lawgic podcast with Elsie Escobar, where they navigate the legal, social, and ethical questions facing creators today.

Together we talk about disclosure guidelines, contracts to have in place when podcasting, and other legal considerations for hosts and guests.

Topics covered include:

• Gordon's background in entertainment law and why he saw that the rules were different when podcasts started to emerge
• What Gordon has seen and is seeing with regards to podcast guests having to 'pay to play'
• The audience's need for transparency when podcast guesting slides into paid advertising
• Things that hosts should bear in mind when beginning a podcast, and how these can help you to avoid 'podfade'
• Do hosts and guests need a podcast prenup when arranging guest appearances? 

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/podcast-laws

How much would you pay for a podcast interview with your DREAM podcast host? We've been seeing more and more individuals paying for their guest interviews on a podcast. And the prices we've seen have ranged between $35 to $10,000, for a single interview.

So today's question is, paying for podcast interviews: yay or nay?

Not only that, but is it worth it? What information do you need to gather before you say yes or no? Plus we talk about what happened when we bit the bullet and paid the fee for a client to appear as a guest on a podcast.

Topics covered include:

• How this practice is working, and the kind of prices we see
• The Podwize Group's standard response, and the questions you should be asking
• How to judge an opportunity to determine if paying for podcast interviews is actually worth paying for
• Our experiences of paying for podcast advertising in comparison to paying for podcast interviews or guest appearances
• What's coming up in the next episode of Go Pitch Yourself

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/paying-for-podcast-interviews

Podcasting for business is a bit different than podcasting for entertainment or passion. Sure, you can be passionate about podcasting for business, but the role your show serves and the goals you set are likely to be very different than when you're creating an entertainment show and focused on growing your downloads.

So, how do you position your show when your podcast is an extension of your business? You're in luck, friend. I invited Megan Dougherty, co-founder of One Stone Creative podcast production company, to talk about just that. Megan and I chat through the four roles to consider when podcasting for business, both as a podcast host and as a podcast guest. Whichever role you're in, this episode is sure to shed some light on how to align your podcast goals with your business goals. 

Topics covered include:

• The four roles podcasts can play in a business
• How podcast guesting can support those four roles
• When do you need to 'stand out' when podcasting for business?  
• The biggest contributors to podfade that Megan sees in her business
• The one platform you MUST be on for podcast growth (where Megan is a total Debbie Downer… joking - it's just a platform I don't want to use) 

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/podcasting-for-business

It’s time to answer your questions about pitching a podcast. Each quarter, I will take a group of questions on the topic of podcast guesting and answer them on an episode. In this first episode, I’m covering topics ranging from the pitching timeline and how to pitch a podcast to what actions you can take if your interview doesn’t go live… or, worse, the host ghosts you.

The timeline between pitching a podcast and guesting on a show varies, depending on several factors. But, in general, there will be gaps for pitching, following up, getting a yes, getting it scheduled, recording, publishing, and seeing the impact of your appearance. When it comes to how to prepare for your interview, you don’t have to listen to any of the existing episodes if you don’t want to. But I recommend familiarizing yourself with the host’s other content, how they get paid, the podcast description, and a few other factors.

Unless you’re already direct messaging with a podcast host, I recommend sending your podcast pitch to their email or guest application form if they have one. Sometimes, podcast hosts only want to interview guests with their own podcasts for an interview swap. This doesn’t mean you can’t pitch yourself – you bring other value than a reciprocal podcast interview. 

Finally, I talk about when to follow up about your podcast pitch, how long to wait before your interview goes live, and what to do if the podcast host ghosts you.

If you have a question that you’d love for me to tackle before Q2’s call, be sure to email me at angie@thepodwizegroup.com with the subject line Q2 Q+A OR leave an audio message that we can use to liven up the call at Speakpipe.com/gpy. 

Topics covered include:

• The timeline for podcast pitching and guesting

• How many episodes you need to listen to prepare for the interview

• Where to send a podcast pitch

• How to approach a pitch if you don’t host your own podcast

• When to follow up on your podcast pitch

• What to do if your interview doesn’t go live

• What to do if the podcast host ghosts you

If this episode resonated with you, I would LOVE to connect with you on LinkedIn (@angietrueblood). Send me a connect request with a message letting me know what you think of these pitching tips and how you’ll apply them to the next podcast you pitch.

The Podwize Group’s resources mentioned in this episode:

• Learn more about the different levels of The Podwize Group’s services -  including our Concierge Pitching Service and Jumpstart Intensive

• Connect with Angie on LinkedIn

• Follow The Podwize Group on Instagram

• EP. 53 | Following Up: Why, When And How
  

Podcasts mentioned in this episode:

• Podcast Guesting Strategies To Establish Thought Leadership – with Angie Trueblood and April Beach (Episode 273)

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• N/A

Now it’s time for you to get out there and Go Pitch Yourself! Be well and be visible, my friend!

Follow & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you following the podcast? If not, I’d love for you to do that today so you don’t miss ANY episodes. Click here to follow via Apple Podcasts!

And, if you are SUPER pumped about the show, I would be so thankful if you would pop over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review. Crazy enough, reviews help other folks find my podcast and they help me get a real sense of what you love about the show. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Much love, friend.

Podcast advertising is one of the best ways to monetize your podcast. As the Podwize Group continues to grow, I believe that helping our listeners monetize their own podcast revenue is an important step in the growth and accessibility of their show.

Heather Osgood is a podcast advertising expert. For over twenty years, she’s been selling advertising through radio, print, trade show booths, and now podcast advertising where she’s created a successful system for attracting advertisers. She’s taken all her trade secrets on how to monetize your podcast with advertisers, developed The Podcast Moneymaker Course, and has joined me in this episode to share some of her hottest tips.

In our conversation, Heather provides a high-level view of the podcast advertising space. You don’t have to have a podcast with millions of listeners to monetize it and connect your listeners with something very beneficial to them. We discuss the difference between podcast ads and sponsorship, and Heather explains when and how to use each different type of advertising method. Finally, when working with advertisers, it’s vital to build a mutually beneficial relationship, including what type of information advertisers look for, how many downloads your episodes need to have, and what actually makes a good pitch.

 Topics covered include:

• The difference between podcast ads and sponsorship
• The three different types of podcast ads (embedded, dynamic insertion, programmatic)
• When to use ads, what they involve, and the types of ad dollars they generate
• How to choose a hosting platform with monetization in mind
• How to monetize your podcast as you’re growing it

If this episode resonated with you, I would LOVE to connect with you on LinkedIn (@angietrueblood). Send me a connect request with a message letting me know what you’ve learned about the reality of podcast advertising and what your next steps are for your own podcast.

The Podwize Group’s resources mentioned in this episode:

• Learn more about the different levels of The Podwize Group’s services - including our Concierge Pitching Service and Jumpstart Intensive
• Connect with Angie on LinkedIn
• Follow The Podwize Group on Instagram

Podcasts mentioned in this episode:

• Teach the Geek by Neil Thompson

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Podcast Moneymaker’s Course
• Visit Heather’s Website
• Visit True Native Media’s Website
• Podcast Advertising Playbook
• Podcast Advertising on LinkedIn

Now it’s time for you to get out there and Go Pitch Yourself! Be well and be visible, my Friend!

Follow & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you following the podcast? If not, I’d love for you to do that today so you don’t miss ANY episodes. Click here to follow via Apple Podcasts!

And, if you are SUPER pumped about the show, I would be so thankful if you would pop over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review. Crazy enough, reviews help other folks find my podcast and they help me get a real sense of what you love about the show. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Much love, friend.

Ep. 90 | Turn Podcast Listeners into Action Takers

In this episode, we’re digging into how you can turn podcast listeners into action takers after they hear you as a guest on someone else’s podcast. I mean…that IS the goal right? Not just getting in front of new audiences, but also having them take action and follow you back to your digital home. I’m diving into the 3 parts of the interview - the intro, middle and the end-and sharing what you can do during each to increase the chances that listeners will take action. 

Topics covered include:

• The type of prep work should you do before you record that increases the chances that listeners will turn podcast listeners into action takers
• How to position your bio so that it creates curiosity and interest
• The importance of planting seeds and sharing stories throughout the interview
• What type of (and how many) calls-to-action should you offer at the end of an interview?
• How to guide listeners to take action EVEN WHEN the host doesn’t ask you 

If this episode resonated with you, I would LOVE to connect with you on LinkedIn (@angietrueblood). Send me a connect request with a message letting me know which strategy to turn podcast listeners into action takers is the one that you’re most excited about trying out on your next interview. 

• Learn more about the different levels of The Podwize Group’s services -  including our Concierge Pitching Service and Jumpstart Intensive
• Connect with Angie on LinkedIn
• Ep. 88, Go Pitch Yourself with Melissa Morris: Streamlining Operations and Offers

• Sales Maven podcast with Angie: ‘How to be a Super Connector’  

Now it’s time for you to get out there and Go Pitch Yourself! Be well and be visible, my friend!

Are you following the podcast? If not, I’d love for you to do that today so you don’t miss ANY episodes. Click here to follow via Apple Podcasts!

And, if you are SUPER pumped about the show, I would be so thankful if you would pop over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review. Crazy enough, reviews help other folks find my podcast and they help me get a real sense of what you love about the show. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Much love, friend.

Special thanks to Daniel Romeros at drpodcasts.com for editing this episode.  

As The Podwize Group develops, I'm always looking for ways to capture and convey the impact that podcast guesting can and often does have on business owners. So when I got a message from a Podwize Co-Op member saying that she could attribute $25,000 of revenue to a single podcast guest appearance, you know I'm going to want to talk to her!

Andrea Liebross is a life and business coach who helps female business owners find their own version of success by focusing on mindset and systems. She has her own podcast, Time to Level Up, but in 2022 she decided to focus on raising her profile through podcast guest opportunities when she noticed the success that guests on her own show were having.

In our conversation, she lays out the work that went into achieving her visibility goals. And I'm pleased to say that this work mirrors a lot of what we've talked about on the podcast recently. Andrea explains how being specific about the topics and shows she pitched, concentrating on building relationships with podcast hosts, and getting the right help when she needed it was key to her success.

Topics covered include:

• What Andrea does and her experience of podcast guesting before she joined the Podwize Co-Op
• The validation that comes when a podcast host selects you to appear in front of their audience
• How Andrea and her team experimented with her pitching workflow, and what worked for them
• The impact that Andrea attributes to her 28 visibility opportunities in 2022
• The offers that she uses in her call-to-action and how she tracks the audience's response
• Why podcast guesting is a human form of marketing

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/25k-podcast-interview

Growing a business is not typically a linear path, for sure. But, as we test and experiment new offers and services, we run the risk of overcomplicating our operations which ultimately might lead to burnout. I had a bout of burnout during the middle of 2022 until I hired Melissa Morris from Agency Authority to help us organize some of our backend operations. What I didn't see coming from our work together was my recognition that I was running two completely different business models.

The Agency Authority is a project management and operations consultancy for agency owners. And as its founder, Melissa helps business leaders maximize their teams, increase their productivity, and grow their profits, all without sacrificing client satisfaction, the bottom line, or their own sanity.

Melissa's external view of the way we were doing business uncovered a foundational misstep that we'd made as we evolved, one that we're correcting as we move into 2023. As Melissa says, burnout is an operational issue. And a business that is profitable while keeping the business owner out of burnout is one that is streamlined and efficient

As you'll also hear on today's episode, marketing and pitching for podcast guest opportunities should also include processes that are streamlined and efficient. Without those in place, you'll likely never see the impact of your actions and will give up fairly quickly.

So as we approach year's end, if you're struggling with pitching, perhaps some of Melissa's wisdom and my expertise will save you from burnout too.

Topics covered include:

• How Melissa works with businesses to make them more efficient, and what her first impressions of the Podwize Group were when she started working with us
• Why operations work is so much more than getting a new business app
• The ways that operations and efficiencies apply to marketing in general, and podcast hosting and guesting in particular
• Melissa's experiences of pitching for podcast appearances, and the impact it has had on her business
• The future of the Podwize Group and our focus from 2023 onwards!

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/streamlining-operations

If you're using podcasting as your main visibility mechanism, how do you know when the amount of content you're creating for your own audience is stopping you from getting in front of new audiences?

Thinking about this question recently (and being a math geek on the quiet) led me to come up with a simple metric.

The Interview-to-Episode Ratio = # of guest interviews DIVIDED BY the # of episodes published on your own show in a given time period

This simple metric offers a comparison of the time spent getting in front of new audiences with the time spent producing content for an existing audience. Tracking the number retroactively offers you a snapshot of how you've spent your time, while estimating it for upcoming months allows you time and space to course correct if you feel the number is skewed too far in one direction.

And, although this metric seems skewed towards podcasters, it can be easily applied to any business-focused content creation.

Topics covered include:

• The 'Podcast Host Math Problem Of The Day' that I shared on LinkedIn
• The simple (so simple!) Interview-to-Episode Ratio formula that will show you where you're concentrating your time and energy
• How to track your activities against your revenue
• Using this metric to identify other elements that could be affecting your growth
• How I can help to fix the impact of your podcast hosting and guesting

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/interview-to-episode

Growing your podcast is every bit as important as producing it. So I love hearing about the different ways that podcast producers help their clients grow their shows. And my guest today has got some really interesting insights.

Adam Adams is the founder of Grow Your Show, where he and his team offer a complete service for podcasters who want to have a top-rated show without all the hard work. He also launched  The Podcast On Podcasting which is ranked as a top show for podcasters, so in this conversation, we dig into all the ways that you can grow your own podcast.

But it's not just a case of spending money on advertising. One of the key parts is having a really clear view of who your listener is. However, you'll need to listen if you want to find out about using "awkward" images to build engagement…!

Topics covered include:

• How Adam got started in business and podcasting, and the services that Grow Your Show offers
• How the Grow Your Show team measures success
• Mine and Adam's experiences with podcast advertising
• The "hook - story - offer" format for creating content, and how this relates to podcasts, advertising, social media… everything!
• How dynamic advertisements can disrupt the flow of your podcast, and why this is so important

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/grow-your-show

Even the most powerful female CEOs can get blocked by the thought of dressing in a way that reflects their success and their style. Too often we wear the clothes we think we should wear, rather than clothes that reflect who we are and allow us to define our own CEO sytle. And as today's guest relates, this isn't superficial. Your clothes play an important role in building your brand as a CEO and thought leader.

Melanie Lippman is an Image Consultant and Personal Branding expert who helps ambitious, high-powered women in male-dominated fields learn to use style to communicate confidence, build connections, and achieve next-level visibility. Combining her Image and Color Consulting degrees from the Fashion Institute of Technology with her past experience working with brands like Marie Claire, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus, Melanie helps women worldwide define their personal brand, making them instantly recognizable, memorable, and viewed as a leader.

I think that the last part - about being viewed as a leader - is super-important. One of my favorite quotes from this interview is, "Who is the person you're aspiring to be, what would they want to feel like, and how would they want to show up?"

For those of us in the visibility and entrepreneurial space, this is an important subject, not only because of the gradual reopening of face-to-face networking events. As anyone involved in podcasting knows, more and more podcasters are using videos of interviews - either as clips on social media or full interviews. And as Melanie relates, how you present yourself and define your CEO style - online, in podcast video interviews, or face-to-face - sets the tone for future business relationships.

Topics covered include:

• My own video interview clothing-and-branding fail!
• What Melanie does with her clients and why it matters
• The differences between styling for showing up in IRL and on video
• Melanie's first steps to take if you feel like you're not embodying a CEO style that feels authentic
• The role that clothes can play in fostering deeper connections

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/ceo-style

In today's episode, I chat through how you can use your podcast interviews as pillar content. If you find yourself creating content for multiple platforms with no overarching theme, tune in to learn how to use your interviews as content you can repurpose in multiple ways.

When planning to use podcast interviews as pillar content, it's important to plan for repurposing before you ever send a podcast pitch. What are the types of pillar content that you want to be known for? Once you know that and the types of audiences that are best suited for those topics, you'll be well on your way to leveraging your podcast interviews as pillar content.

When you decide that your podcast interviews will be the key piece of content that you create, sharing interviews will feel more intentional and likely become more impactful.

Topics covered include:

• Why are podcast guest interviews pillar content?
• How to plan differently when you're going to use interviews as content
• Different ways to repurpose your podcast interviews
• How - and when - to involve the podcast host in your plans
• How evaluating the topics you are asked to talk about can highlight themes you can use for future content sprints

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/podcast-pillar-content

It might not seem like pitching for sponsorship (for a podcast or blog) is similar to pitching to be a guest on a podcast, but that's precisely what this episode is about. Alongside my guest, Jenny Melrose, we talk through our different (but similar) approaches to pitching.

Jenny's specialty is helping bloggers pitch for sponsorships, while mine is pitching business owners to be guests on podcasts. We chat about what's similar and what's different about the work we do, and we also talk about our experiences in blogging and podcast hosting.

Jenny Melrose helps bloggers, influencers, and entrepreneurs build their businesses and make money online in a number of ways. She's the host of the Influencer Entrepreneurs podcast and the author of Influencer Entrepreneurs: The 4-Step Framework to Building Your Audience, Growing Your Business, and Making More Money Online.

There's a lot of crossover in the work that we do. But whether you're pitching to be a podcast guest or pitching for sponsorship, they both involve at least two things - knowing your audience and laying the groundwork for a mutually beneficial business relationship.

Topics covered include:

• How Jenny transitioned from blogging to helping bloggers and influencers learn how to scale their business
• Why Jenny encourages her clients to add a podcast to the channels they already manage, in order to attract sponsors
• Mistakes that she has seen some Business to Business podcasters make when it comes to ads and sponsorships
• How pitching for sponsorship is similar to pitching for podcast appearances - it's all about finding a perfect fit for the audience you're wanting to help
• How podcast guesting has impacted Jenny's business, and how they manage it internally

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/pitching-for-sponsorships

Even though I'd been looking forward to attending She Podcasts Live in October 2022, I have to admit that I was pretty relieved when it was postponed to June 2023. Although I would've gotten a ton of value from attending - as well as spending time with some awesome women from the podcasting space - there is a business (and a personal) cost to attending networking events IRL.

At the same time that She Podcasts was announcing their news, I was deep into our recent 5-in-5 Podcast Pitching Challenge. I realized that we'd doubled the number of attendees compared to the first event - and we'd done it with a minimal marketing push.
How did we manage this? By using the referral networking possibilities of podcast guesting.

In this episode, I talk about the three things that you need to consider to get the most out of your podcast guesting efforts - including getting precise about the shows that you target and how you can make sure that you're the person that hosts think of when someone has a problem in their business that you can solve.

Topics covered include:

• The reasons why I am evaluating the ROI of face-to-face, in-person networking events
• How I was able to double the attendees for our recent 5-in-5 Podcast Pitching Challenge by working with the people already in my network
• The three things you should assess in order to maximize the referral networking opportunities of podcast guesting
• How the way that you interact with a podcast host, pre- and post-interview, can lead to a long-term business relationship
• The different ways that The Podwize Group can help you to meet your long-term visibility goals through podcast guesting

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/referral-networking

If you've caught the podcasting bug through podcast guesting, you've probably daydreamed about launching a show which, over time, eventually gets into the download charts. But have you ever seen someone launch a podcast that comes out of the gates HOT? As in, instantly making the Top 100 in her chosen category?

That's precisely what today's guest did, my friend and Podwize Co-Op member, Jordan Schanda King.

Jordan is a serial entrepreneur, and since first diving into entrepreneurship a decade ago, she's published a book, founded multiple businesses, and built her Easy Scaling agency from scratch in a year. Easy Scaling's team specializes in tech, design, and copywriting, in order to help female business owners to grow without burning out.

Jordan, like many of our clients and Co-Op members, caught the podcasting bug after guesting on a number of shows. And in this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain to show how she uses (and doesn’t use) the Co-Op training, how her podcast launching experience landed her in the Top 100 in Entrepreneurship, and how her team pitches their clients.

Topics covered include:

• How Jordan and Easy Scaling help their clients, and why they wanted to add podcast pitching to their list of services
• The reasons Jordan came to see the authority-building power of podcast guesting
• Why she joined the Podwize Co-Op, and the features of the membership that she finds most valuable
• How Jordan launched her Easy Scaling podcast
• Jordan's advice for anyone pitching for visibility opportunities and/or launching their own podcast, and what she thinks about her experience of being part of the Podwize Co-Op

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/podcast-guesting-leads-to-launching

If you're unsure whether our 5-in-5 Podcast Pitching Challenge is for you, I think you'll love this episode.

My guest today is Taran Conwell, host of the Undomestic Mom podcast. She joined our first 5-in-5 challenge back in March 202, and knocked it out of the park, getting her first "yeses" before the end of the week. 

As we're preparing to rerun the challenge in September, I wanted to bring her back on to talk about her experience. We discuss exactly what the challenge is, how she was able to fit it in around her busy family life, what her big takeaways were, and how she is still using the things she learned in her pitching today. 

If this sounds like something you need, sign up for the FREE 5-in-5 Podcast Pitching Challenge, starting on September 12th. I can't wait to see you there!

Topics covered include:

• How Taran found the 5-in-5 experience, compared to pitching workshops she had attended in the past
• What the energy was like inside the group, and how Taran was able to fit the challenge into her homelife
• How Taran's business has changed since prioritizing guesting and actually landing opportunities 
• The importance of consistency in regards to podcast pitching
• Taran's acceptance rate since taking part in the challenge and the biggest impact outside of podcast guesting appearances

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/5-pitches-in-5-days

Yes, this episode is all about project management for podcast guesting… but wait! Come back! Project management - even though it is certainly not in my wheelhouse - is an essential part of successfully pitching yourself for podcast guest opportunities.

My guest today is Shanice Miller. As well as being a client of the Podwize Group, Shanice is a business productivity consultant, specializing in project management. From small startups to multi-million dollar businesses, she helps clients save hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars, through her passion for identifying and solving inefficiencies. 

In fact, Shanice helps break down the parts of the podcast pitching process in the same way we typically break down the parts of a pitch template. Tune in to hear how you can grow your business, and any internal processes, without having to reinvent the wheel each time by utilizing project management.

Special Bonus!

Shanice is a project management boss but is new to appearing on podcasts. She has kindly allowed us to share a little bit of our pre-interview chat, where I coach her in preparing her call-to-action. I hope you enjoy this peek behind the curtain, and if you like the way we work, book a discovery call with us.

ALSO! Do you want to learn how to pitch effectively AND quickly?

Listen out for details of the return of our 5-in-5 Podcast Pitching Challenge (September 2022).

Topics covered include:

• A real-time workshop in preparing the call-to-action for your podcast guest appearances
• Shanice's expertise in project management and how selling her business illustrated the importance of getting your SOPs in order
• The ways that project management relates to podcast pitching and guesting
• The key pieces of effective project management 
• The difference between templates and Standard Operating Procedures, and how to turn your SOPS into a list of actions that can be moved along, automated, and delegated
• Why you don't need a project management tool

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/project-management-for-podcast-guesting

Content repurposing is a buzzword in business circles these days, likely because we're all running at breakneck speed and don't have the bandwidth to create MORE new content. Enter….content repurposing: using one key piece of content as the cornerstone for various other forms. But, what does content repurposing for podcast hosts and guests look like? Will you be reusing the audio in different ways? Transcribing it? Creating videos?

Deep breath. Lucky for us, we can repurpose content without being a tech whiz or a videographer or spending hours a week recording ourselves.

In today's episode, I chat with my friend and content strategist, Krystal Proffitt, to get the lowdown on how she not only repurposes content, but plans it with an eye toward repurposing.

Krystal is a content strategist, coach, and host of the award-winning show, The Proffitt Podcast. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs start, launch, and market their content.

Not a podcast host? No sweat: your guest interviews are content, too, and can absolutely be used as the basis of your content strategy.

Topics covered include:

• Krystal's background in marketing and blogging, why she transitioned into podcasting, and how her current business grew out of listeners asking for help
• How, when planning out a piece of content (like a podcast episode), Krystal is already thinking about how parts of it can be repurposed for YouTube, Instagram, etc.
• Why Krystal sees her podcast as the most important piece of content she produces
• How to share podcast episodes you've been on, once they go live - and how, by leveraging the opportunity, you're creating a referral network and more opportunities
• The key channels that Krystal focuses on

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/content-repurposing-krystal-proffitt

Why aren't more business owners using podcasts as a business development tool? We often talk about the benefits podcasts bring as content marketing, visibility, and SEO tools. But, at the heart of it and when used effectively, podcasts are an extremely effective and efficient business development tool.

Recently, I recognized that the way we approach podcast guesting and hosting within the Podwize Group, researching strategic partners, reaching out to those potential partners, generating business leads, and getting in front of new audiences: that IS business development.

So in this episode, I dig into four ways we can use podcasts as the business development tool that they really are so you don't miss out on the incredible opportunities they hold.

Topics covered include:

• My definition of Business Development, and why the way The Podwize Group thinks about podcasts fits into this perfectly!
• How the different parts of business development relates to both podcast guesting and hosting
• The four ways that you can use podcasts as a business development tool
• The additional benefits that have come into my business through podcasts

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/podcasts-business-development-tool

We've chatted before about the types of podcast guesting support you can get, but you might be wondering WHEN is the best stage of business to receive the specific types of support.

Well, you're in luck. After recently investing in operations support in my own business, I realized that there were many factors that played into the type of support I needed: my stage in business, our revenue, and my personality. Yes…your personality, strengths, and weaknesses absolutely play a role in which type of help will best help fill the gaps in your business.

Tune in to this episode to hear the stages of support you can get as it pertains to your business and personality.

Topics covered include:

• My own story of recognizing the need for support in my business
• How to know when it's the right time to get podcast guesting support
• What this support can look like, whatever level your business is at
• What could getting support open you up to?

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/podcast-guesting-support

So you're serious about using podcast guest interviews as a key part of your marketing strategy. You enjoy the interview process and you know how to capitalize on the relationships that can follow. But have you ever wondered how to go about actually monetizing podcast interviews and understand what your return on investment (ROI) is?

Danielle Hayden - our first returning guest on the podcast! - had that exact same thought, and set about finding out the answer for herself. And in 2021, her answer was that 30% of her total revenue came directly through podcast guesting.

Danielle, CEO & Co-founder of Kickstart Accounting, is a reformed corporate Chief Financial Officer who is on a mission to help rule-breaking female entrepreneurs understand their numbers so they can gain the confidence needed to create sustainable profits. She also hosts the Entrepreneur Money Stories podcast, a series of real conversations about money mindset, with valuable, action-packed takeaways for the entrepreneur that's building their abundant empire.

Spoiler Alert: you'll be pleased to know that Danielle and her team don't use an all-singing, all-dancing software solution to get this data. A spreadsheet and a series of standard questions are all it takes to understand if you're monetizing your podcast interview efforts!

Topics covered include:

• Details of the Podwize Group's Jumpstart Intensive Package
• A brief reminder of Danielle's work at Kickstart Accounting and why she initially turned to podcast guesting as a marketing strategy
• Why the Call To Action that she used at the end of her podcast interviews changed over time
• How Danielle and her team track the impact that podcast guesting is having on Kickstart's bottom line
• The effect that this knowledge is having on where and how Danielle is being pitched for podcast guest appearances

Full show notes and resources: https://thepodwizegroup.com/monetizing-podcast-interviews

Recently I've been getting asked a lot of questions about podcast networks and databases - are they worth your time or money?

Podcast databases are usually Software As A Service (or SAAS) products that allow you to search, network, and pitch podcast hosts (or guests). So because they keep coming up, and it's likely to be the kind of service that keeps on growing, I decided to take a closer look at them, along with Kim Stewart, our Account Exec here at The Podwize Group.

We chose to review four podcast databases - Podcast Hawk, Podcast Guests, PodMatch, and The Podcast Collaborative. We describe how each works, the different price points, what the user experience is like, and who we think will benefit from using them.

Full disclosure: although there are some definite benefits for this kind of service, I don't think any of them is going to change the way that we go about things at the Podwize Group. However, if you're just getting started guesting on podcasts, these services can give you a real jump-start. And the fact that most of them offer a free membership or a trial period for you to experiment and check out what is offered is a no-brainer to see what they can do for you.

Topics covered include:

• What a podcast database is and isn't
• Why using a Podcast Database can be good for Podcast Guests who don't have the time to research new shows - and how they can help Podcast Hosts to find guests
• Our main issue with all of these services is how do you build meaningful relationships?
• Our reviews of four Podcast Databases - with pros and cons for Podcast Hawk, Podcast Guests, PodMatch, and The Podcast Collaborative
• A reminder of the benefits of appearing on so-called "small" shows - the riches are in the niches!
• The benefits of joining the Podwize Co-Op

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/podcast-databases-networking-sites

This might be one of my shortest - but most actionable - podcast episodes ever!

The big question I get asked - by podcast listeners, followers on social media, and podcast hosts - is, "How do I find shows to pitch?" More often than not, when looking for where to pitch yourself these people are coming at this question from the wrong angle - they're looking in podcast directories and searching for specific shows.

However, I find that the most useful way to think about this - and the one on which all of my work with clients and in the Podwize Co-Op is based - is, "What are the types of shows I should pitch?"

It's a subtle difference but by asking yourself that question and creating a simple one-line statement - "I pitch to podcasts that speak to *blank* about *blank*" - you can make sure that when you're looking for where to pitch yourself you're reaching out to shows that are speaking to your ideal clients. This approach can also help you to think smarter about your talk topics - because shows that you can bring complementary value to are the ones where you can really shine.

Topics covered include:

• How my recent interview with Kevin Chemidlin inspired the idea of the One-Liner for Pitchable Podcasts or OPP
• The way in which an OPP can help you to identify podcasts that are speaking to your ideal clients
• How using several OPP statements can help to define what you talk about on different shows
• Examples of how I use a number of different OPPs in my own podcast pitching

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/where-to-pitch-yourself

How are you engaging with the podcast hosts that you’d love to pitch? Are you a host who struggles with ‘interacting’ with listeners when you’re not on the mic? If so, this episode on engagement strategies for podcasts is for you.

Kevin Chemdilin has developed a signature approach to growing podcast audiences and… it seems to be working. After growing his first podcast, Philly Who?, to over 100,000 downloads and more than $140k in monetized revenue in 18 months, Kevin took what he learned and started sharing it with other podcasters.

Now, as the host of the Grow the Show podcast, Kevin helps independent podcasters turn their shows into profitable businesses.

And, although Kevin works primarily with podcast hosts, his approach to engagement is incredibly relevant to podcast guests who’d like to connect with hosts in their niche.

Topics covered include:

• Why Kevin went from software development to a full-time podcaster
• What he learned from growing the audience for his local-interest podcast and how this applies to podcasts more generally
• Why having a really narrow idea of the potential audience demographic for a podcast can actually lead to growth
• Details of Kevin's signature approach to growth, Targeted Daily Engagement - how it works and some incredible results
• Coming from the other side, how Targeted Daily Engagement can help podcast guests to connect with potential hosts - with suggestions of how you can approach hosts

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/engagement-strategies-for-podcasts

We all know that social media acts as a key visibility platform player and a core part of your marketing activity - at the very least, you need somewhere to point listeners to at the end of your podcast guest slots. But finding authenticity in marketing can feel complex when it comes to social media. Thinking through each platform you can utilize, TikTok may not be top of your list even though it was one of the top three fastest-growing brands of 2020, alongside Zoom and Peacock.

My guest today was one of the many people who experimented with TikTok that year, and she now uses it as her main marketing channel and visibility platform - alongside podcast guesting and hosting her own show.

Aubree Malick is a mom, former teacher, and host of the Freelancer to CEO podcast. Through her podcast and programs, she helps overworked and underpaid moms and (soon-to-be-former) teachers experience the freedom that comes from designing a freelancing business with the skills they already have. After taking her own leap of faith over three years ago and replacing her teaching income within two months, she became passionate about helping other women start and grow their own businesses to 5K+ months from home

As you'll hear, the key with social media and marketing isn't to simply do ALL THE THINGS (which would be a terrible idea). Rather, you need to show up where you can truly be yourself, provide value for your audience and find authenticity in marketing.

Topics covered include:

• How Aubree was able to transition from teaching into a successful freelance career - and how her podcast helped her to see where her focus should be
• The channels that Aubree initially used to market her coaching programs, and how she found her home on TikTok
• Aubree's first 30 days on TikTok and her first video to go viral!
• The ways that Aubree uses TikTok in her business
• The podcast pitches that stand out for Aubree

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/authenticity-in-marketing-visibility-platform

The word "hustle" has got a bad reputation, particularly in the online business world. But our recent 5-in-5 Podcast Pitching Challenge consisted of short-term hustling, a way to get some high-quality, well-targeted pitches out of the door in a short period of time.

In order to reflect on how the challenge went, I reached out to Podwize Co-Op member Ava Jayne to get her take. And she is the perfect person for the job!

As a recovering procrastinator turned Accountability Assistant, Ava understands that knowing what to do does not always translate into getting it done. Her method of Accountability Assistance provides normally high achievers with a proven system that releases them from the chains of procrastination, the heaviness of overwhelm, and the guilt of not keeping their promises (even to themselves).

Listen in to find out what Ava got out of participating in the short-term hustling challenge.

Missed out this time? Sign up to the waitlist to find out when we'll be launching the next 5-in-5 Challenge, and be the first to know when the Podwize Coop is opening for new members.

Topics covered include:

• Why Accountability Assistance is often required by solopreneurs, and how Ava works with her clients
• The difference between a coach and an assistant
• Why Ava Jayne joined the Podwize Co-Op
• How short-term hustling relates to podcast pitches, why a sprint like the 5-in-5 Challenge is not sustainable, and why even getting a "No" to a pitch can be positive
• Ava's key takeaways from the 5-in-5 Challenge

Full show notes and resources: https://www.thepodwizegroup.com/short-term-hustling-ava-jayne