Are you finding it challenging to get your content in front of the right audience? You have valuable insights to share, but figuring out how to get noticed and grow your audience can be overwhelming. Let’s delve into the art of pitching yourself for collaborations that can elevate your reach and connect you with your ideal clients.
Collaborations can help you build connections, showcase your expertise, and expand your reach. I’ll share my three biggest no-nos when it comes to pitching and collaborating, helping you approach these opportunities with confidence to get those resounding “yes” responses.
#1 It’s not all about you
As much as I love celebrating your successes, making your pitch solely about you is a big no in my eyes. No one cares if your goal is to appear on 100 podcasts or if you’ve won countless awards. When you focus on yourself, it shows that you’re only looking to check a box and gain as much as possible for yourself. This approach isn’t collaboration; it’s self-promotion.
Instead, flip the script. Make your pitch about how you can serve your collaboration partner’s audience. How are you adding value together? How are you helping them serve their ideal clients more effectively? Shifting your focus to mutual benefit and audience value can transform your pitch from a hard sell to an irresistible offer.
#2 Don’t assume you’re the right fit
Assuming you’re the right fit without doing your homework is akin to expecting your coffee to be ready when you walk into a café just because you’re a regular customer. Confidence is great, but presumption isn’t attractive. Doing your due diligence is crucial. Understand the audience of your potential collaborator and create a genuine connection before the ask.
Be prepared for a possible “no” or “not right now” response but know that building this genuine connection can significantly increase your chances of getting a positive response.
#3 Avoid being overly generic or using obvious templates
Using a generic template can be an immediate turnoff for potential collaboration partners. If you can’t be bothered to personalise your pitch, why should they take the time to consider it? The amount of preparation, research, editing, and promoting that goes into creating content means that a personalised touch can make your pitch stand out.
Listen to their podcast, watch their videos, and understand their audience to find something personal or relevant to mention. This indicates that you’re invested in making the collaboration successful. If you’re using an assistant or an agency to pitch, ensure they understand the importance of personal touches and genuine connections.
6 steps to win collaborations
- Prepare
Before you even think about pitching, prepare yourself. Understand your goals—why are you doing this, and what are you hoping to achieve? Align your pitching efforts with your content, marketing, or overall business goals. Know the value you bring to a collaboration and gather your collateral like bios, images, and speaker profiles.
- Research
Create a system to collate your research—whether that’s a spreadsheet, a Notion table, or an Asana project. Research your target collaborative partners, their audience, and recent projects. Engage with their content genuinely through social media comments or podcast reviews.
- Connect
Content marketing is based on human connection and not just transactions. Follow potential collaborators on social media, comment on their posts, leave podcast reviews, and genuinely engage with their content. This authentic connection lays a solid groundwork for your pitch.
- Pitch
Craft a pitch that references their recent episodes, social media posts, or any personal interest they’ve shared. Tailor your proposal to show how you align with their brand and add value. Avoid pitching topics they’ve already covered and always keep it personal and relevant.
- After Acceptance
Once your pitch is accepted, ensure clear communication and goal setting. Formalise the partnership with contracts if necessary. Define roles, responsibilities, and expectations upfront to avoid any misunderstandings.
6. Post-Collaboration
Measure the success of the collaboration against your objectives. Update your speaker profile, website, and social media with your latest collaborative efforts. Most importantly, ask for testimonials to build your credibility and use these on your platforms for future pitches.
Collaborations are a powerful tool for business growth, offering personal and professional benefits. The relationships you build and the confidence you gain by putting yourself out there are invaluable. We are not meant to do business alone—shared success amplifies benefits for all involved.
If you found these insights helpful, share this with a friend who might benefit. You never know, they might just want to collaborate with you!
By embracing these strategies and approaching your pitches with genuine intent and respect for your potential partners, you’ll create meaningful and successful collaborations that help both you and your collaborators thrive.
- If you’d like to see collaboration in action, then you could:
- Check out my guest podcast playlist on Spotify
- Join Dr Destini Copp’s Planning Prep Kit Bundle
- Join Kate Doster’s All Treats, No Tricks Bundle
- Attend Angela Henderson’s Women in Business Conference
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