1. Listen to the Podcast or Watch the Show
This seems self-explanatory, but I’m always surprised to hear the number of guests who do not research a podcast or show before pitching the host to be a guest on it. Rather when they pitch (and I know this from those who pitch me to be a guest on Janette’s TV and Janette’s TV Podcast), they ask what the format of my podcast and show is, or what kind of show it is, etc.
If you’re accepted to be a guest on any podcast or show, you’re being promoted by that podcast and show and put in front of their audience. That’s an honor! So, do yourself a favor, and take the time to watch or listen to the other kinds of guests the host has had on, what kinds of guest they feature, topics they cover, what the host’s interview style is, what questions they normally ask, and how you might be able to differentiate yourself.
2. Offer a Hook or Angle
Consider your pitch. What’s your unique value proposition? Why does this host even want to have you on their podcast/show, using a precious 30 minutes to an hour of their life talking to you?
If you’re lucky, the host will have invited you to appear on their show. In this case, the host will likely have an idea of what they want you to cover and how it will affect their audience.
If, on the other hand, you’re out there hustlin’ and bustlin’, pitching yourself for a podcast/show appearance (as most entrepreneurs and professionals are), you’ll need to make what you are uniquely qualified to do very clear.
In your pitch letter, try to offer this in two sentences or less, something like this:
I am looking forward to explaining the power that virtual assistants can have on growing a business and getting out of your own way. I’m excited to share some ideas about how your audience can find, hire, and train a VA quickly and efficiently… without losing their minds.
Not only will this impress your host, but it will help them develop questions that you can effectively answer. No one wants to be stumped on a podcast/show interview!
