Welcome back to the Building Better Developers podcast recap! This season, Building Better Businesses is all about practical ways to improve your entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, “Pitch Party: Pitching Your Business,” hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche unpack what it means to pitch your business — and how to do it effectively.
Whether you’re refining your elevator pitch or creating a full pitch event, this episode explains why authentic conversations are the heart of successful business growth.
Why Pitching Your Business Is About Connection, Not Just Sales
“It’s not about what you do. It’s about who you help.” — Rob Broadhead
Rob starts by challenging the traditional idea of pitching your business as a sales tactic. Instead, consider it a way to start meaningful conversations with potential customers or partners.
He introduces the idea of “pitch parties” — events where business owners talk about their ideas, challenges, and solutions in a relaxed, supportive setting. These can take many forms:
- Podcasts or blogs where you interview customers
- Casual local meetups focused on shared business problems
- Online communities or webinars with a Q&A structure
The key to pitching your business successfully? Create an environment where the customer’s voice leads the discussion.
How Pitch Parties Help When Pitching Your Business
“Don’t pitch at people. Talk with them.” — Michael Meloche
Michael shares how co-working spaces, local business groups, and chambers of commerce can be excellent venues for pitching your business. These settings give you access to other entrepreneurs and decision-makers in your area — the exact people you want to reach.
He suggests hosting mini “TED Talks” where you:
- Identify the problem you solve
- Explain who it impacts
- Share how your business addresses it
Use these talks to get live feedback from your audience and sharpen your message. Remember, listening is just as essential as speaking when pitching your business.
⚡️ Callout: Lead With Value First
When pitching your business, offer value before making the ask. You might:
- Give away a free consultation or website review
- Share a downloadable checklist
- Offer access to an invite-only community or beta
These acts of generosity build trust and credibility — the foundation of any successful pitch.
Master the Art of Reading the Room
“People buy from those they know, trust, and like.” — Rob Broadhead
A central theme in this episode is social awareness. Pitching your business in the wrong setting — like barging into a networking event with a hard sell — can do more harm than good.
Rob and Michael emphasize the importance of:
- Building rapport first
- Becoming part of a community
- Listening before presenting your solution
Online spaces are no different. Become a helpful and trusted voice before promoting your product in forums or on social media.
Challenge: Design Your Pitching Event
This week’s challenge is to brainstorm your pitch party. Whether it’s a roundtable, online panel, or a casual coffee chat, think about how you can create a space where business owners discuss real problems — and where you can naturally pitch your business as a solution.
Consider:
- Who your ideal audience is
- What problems they’re facing
- How you can bring them together for a low-pressure conversation
Even if your first event is small or informal, it’s a great way to practice pitching your business and refining your messaging.
Final Thoughts on Pitching Your Business
Pitching your business isn’t just about persuasion but also about building relationships. Rob and Michael remind us that the most potent pitch happens when you’re genuinely interested in solving someone’s problem, not just selling a product.
Whether meeting people at a local mixer or hosting your business-building event, remember to listen first and pitch second. The feedback you receive could be the insight that unlocks your next level of growth.
📬 Got your pitch strategy?
We want to hear it! Please email us at [email protected] or connect on X @Developreneur. Let’s keep building better businesses — and better pitches — together.