This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil
Episode 300: How To Pitch Yourself (And Get A Yes)
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Introduction and Milestone Celebration
Nicole Kalil opens the 300th episode of This Is Woman's Work with heartfelt gratitude and excitement. Reflecting on the podcast's remarkable growth—from 7,000 downloads in the first year to over 2 million downloads in the current year—Nicole emphasizes that this success was achieved without celebrity status or a pre-existing large following. Instead, it was built “the old-fashioned way with lots of sweat equity, a lot of mistakes, a lot of learning and growing” (01:11).
Notable Quote:
“I’m not a celebrity, I’m not an influencer, I’m not a household name… we grew this the old fashioned way.” – Nicole Kalil (01:11)
Nicole celebrates the podcast ranking in the top 0.5% of all podcasts globally and highlights the invaluable support from listeners who engaged through reviews and social media interactions. She acknowledges the diverse and inspiring guests who have contributed to the podcast’s rich content over the past 300 episodes.
Lessons Learned in Podcasting
Nicole candidly shares some of the humorous and challenging moments from her podcasting journey. These anecdotes serve as valuable lessons for aspiring podcasters and professionals alike.
Key Lessons:
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Perfectionism vs. Progress:
- Example: The first episode took 11 full recordings and numerous partial attempts, often ending with frustration and profanity.
- Lesson: “Stop being a perfectionist and just ask a few fricking questions before wasting days of my life.” (05:30)
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Navigating Advertiser Interactions:
- Example: Nicole was initially clueless about CPM rates when approached by an advertiser but managed to secure a fair rate through quick learning.
- Lesson: “Sometimes you just have to jump and build your parachute on the way down.” (09:45)
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Handling Technical Glitches:
- Example: Episodes with poor audio quality caused Nicole to panic, fearing loss of listeners and sponsors.
- Lesson: “Making mountains out of molehills helps no one in podcasting or in life.” (15:22)
Notable Quote:
“Listners are going to unsubscribe in droves, sponsors would abandon ship… must be time to become a cheesemonger.” – Nicole Kalil (15:22)
Main Topic: How To Pitch Yourself (And Get A Yes)
Nicole delves into the core topic of the episode: effectively pitching oneself to secure podcast guest spots—and by extension, applying these strategies to various professional opportunities.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Purpose
Understanding the "why" behind your pitch is crucial. Nicole advises listeners to define what they hope to achieve and how their participation will benefit both themselves and the podcast audience.
Key Questions:
- Why do you want to be a guest on a podcast?
- What’s in it for you, the host, and the listeners?
- What would success look like?
Notable Quote:
“If you’re confused, everyone else will be too. Hosts have no interest in helping you figure out your shit.” – Nicole Kalil (06:15)
Step 2: Research Before Reaching Out
Nicole emphasizes the importance of researching podcasts before pitching. She categorizes podcasts into three groups to tailor pitching strategies effectively:
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Practice Podcasts:
- Newer shows with smaller audiences.
- Ideal for honing your message and gaining experience.
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Peer Podcasts:
- Shows with a similar reach and audience.
- Best for brand growth and attracting relevant followers.
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A-List Podcasts:
- High-profile shows that are more competitive.
- Require strategic preparation and relationship building.
Notable Insight:
“No matter what you’re pitching for, you need a few different categories and a few different approaches.” – Nicole Kalil (12:30)
Step 3: Craft a Pitch that Makes it Hard to Say No
A compelling pitch should include several key components to capture the host’s interest:
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Compelling Subject Line:
- Avoid generic lines like “Podcast Guest Inquiry.”
- Example: “Why Women Need to Ditch the Word Balance – Podcast Guest Idea.”
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Clear Statement of Value:
- Define what listeners will gain.
- Propose unique or fresh perspectives to stand out.
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Social Proof:
- Include links to your website, previous podcast appearances, and social media.
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Promotion Plan:
- Outline how you will promote the episode (e.g., email lists, social media).
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Clear Call to Action:
- Specify next steps without asking for additional meetings.
- Example: “Do you have a process for guest applications or do you need any further information?”
Notable Quote:
“Make your topic stand out in some way. Don’t pitch something that’s vague in general.” – Nicole Kalil (17:05)
Nicole provides vivid examples of successful pitches, highlighting the importance of being unique and relevant. She advises against leading with overused topics and instead encourages offering distinctive angles or personal stories.
Step 4: Follow Up Without Being Annoying
Following up is essential but must be done thoughtfully:
- Timing: Wait 10-14 days after the initial pitch before following up.
- Persistence: If there’s no response, don’t assume it’s a rejection. Continue engaging by leaving reviews or connecting on social media.
- Respect Boundaries: Avoid following up too soon or excessively, which can be off-putting.
Notable Quote:
“If you ask to jump on a call prior to the recording, you’re basically telling that host that you’re not used to being on bigger podcasts.” – Nicole Kalil (24:30)
Additional Insights and Tips
Nicole reinforces that podcast pitching is a transferable skill applicable to various professional scenarios, such as job interviews, business promotions, and personal branding. She offers a free Podcast Pitch Checklist available on her website (nicolekalil.com), providing listeners with actionable resources to enhance their pitching strategies.
Notable Quote:
“Your voice is your superpower and there’s someone out there who needs to hear what only you can say.” – Nicole Kalil (28:45)
Conclusion and Call to Action
Nicole concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to apply the four-step pitching process to secure podcast guest spots and other opportunities. She highlights the importance of intention, strategy, and respect for the pitching process. Additionally, she reminds listeners to download the free Podcast Pitch Checklist for further guidance.
Final Thoughts:
“Here’s to your voice being heard. Here’s to pitching yourself, because that has always been and will always be woman’s work.” – Nicole Kalil (30:00)
Nicole thanks her audience for their support over the 300 episodes and reiterates the podcast’s mission to redefine “woman’s work” by empowering women to pursue what feels authentic and right for them.
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Podcast Pitch Checklist: Available at nicolekalil.com/podcast
- Top 10 Episodes: Accessible on the website for newcomers and those looking to explore specific topics.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and actionable advice from episode 300 of This Is Woman's Work. Whether you’re aiming to pitch yourself to a podcast or seeking to enhance your professional communication skills, Nicole Kalil’s guidance offers valuable strategies to achieve success.