The Confidence to Pitch Yourself

Let’s talk about something that makes a lot of people nervous—pitching yourself. Whether it’s for a speaking opportunity, a podcast, a feature, or even a collaboration, putting yourself out there can feel scary. I get it. There’s that little voice that says, “Who am I to ask for this?” or “What if they say no?” But here’s the truth I’ve learned: the people who get opportunities aren’t always the most qualified. They’re often the ones brave enough to ask.

The first step to building confidence when pitching yourself is believing that what you bring to the table has value. You don’t have to have it all figured out or have the perfect resume. You just need to know your story, your perspective, and what makes your approach unique. The experiences that shaped you, the lessons you’ve learned, and the things you’re passionate about—that’s what people connect with.

The second step is getting clear on what you’re asking for. Are you pitching yourself for a panel? A podcast guest spot? A feature in a local magazine? The clearer you are, the easier it is for someone to say yes. When you reach out, make it personal and specific. Mention why you admire what they’re doing, how your story connects, and what value you can offer their audience.

Next, take the pressure off perfection. You don’t need to sound overly polished or use fancy language. Speak from the heart. Most people respond to authenticity more than a perfectly worded email. I’ve sent plenty of messages that weren’t fancy at all but opened the door because they were real.

Something else I had to learn is that rejection isn’t personal. Sometimes it’s timing, sometimes it’s fit, and sometimes people just miss the message. That doesn’t mean your story doesn’t matter. Keep going. Every “no” gets you closer to a “yes,” and every pitch builds your confidence for the next one.

Also, don’t wait for someone to discover you. Visibility isn’t luck—it’s intention. Opportunities come to people who show up consistently and let others know what they do. Post your wins, talk about your work, and celebrate your growth. The more you share, the easier it becomes for people to see you as someone they want to feature or collaborate with.

Lastly, remember that confidence isn’t something you wait to feel before you take action. It’s something that grows because you take action. You build it every time you hit send, show up to an event, or share your story publicly. You earn it by doing the thing that scares you.

If you’ve been sitting on an opportunity or waiting for the perfect moment to pitch yourself, this is your sign to go for it. The right people will see your heart, your purpose, and your effort. You never know what could happen when you decide to stop waiting and start asking.