Thoughts On Speed Pitching

If you’re unfamiliar, here’s the drill: Over Zoom, eight PRs each get a five-minute slot with a journo to pitch whatever they want. You get our focused attention; we – ideally – get story inspo. There’s no obligation to feature what’s been pitched, but PR follow-ups are encouraged with an expectation on the journo to either develop an idea or decline it.

I recently participated for a second time, and the results are cropping up in my work this week. Among other bits, I’ve got a dermatologist speaking on the benefits of collagen supplements for eczema sufferers, updates for a CBD guide, and a review of an advanced facial treatment pending.

I’ve found that the most effective pitchers bring more than one idea. This is tricky given the time frame, but a quick-fire approach is fine. They also strike while the iron’s hot when following up. With countless other conversations going on, it’s worth catching us while we’re still in the zone.

That said, patience is also appreciated with any planned coverage. Often features get pushed back when other exciting things happen (mega heat waves, for instance).

And even if little comes of the pitch, I recommend you keep in touch. Beyond a one-off opportunity, it’s a foot in the door with someone and the title(s) they work for. Given how hard it is to get IRL meetings with press nowadays, it’s an alternative way in.

I’ve just signed up for my third speed pitching session – the theme being, gulp, Christmas.

We Capricorns are nothing if not organised.