Pitching needs to be added to a curriculum somewhere because...yikes. Let's talk what not to do.

1. SPEAK and greet the person BY NAME. "Hi there" and "hey" are not at all appropriate and never will be. Additionally, refer to them by whatever name they use professionally. For example, my name is Krystal. It is attached to everything I've done. I don't know who Krys is.

2. DON'T ASK FOR ANYTHING. If you deem me as a contact appropriate for a future something, build the relationship slowly (cheat code: and ahead of time). Your first communication should never include an ask. I'll go far as to say the first three times. No one likes feeling used.

3. RESEARCH. You should never have to ask the basics. How I got started, transitioning from radio to TV, leaving a job, what to do when you're stuck + more can be found in countless interviews. I even have a podcast detailing the same. You ask, I assume you're lazy.

True story: I responded to a DM and once the "how" questions started, I responded with my usual: "...a quick Google search or a deep dive on my socials can point you in the right direction." The young lady then asked ME to send HER links to MY interviews. Even provided her email.

Laziness breeds contempt. Social media breeds laziness. Access breeds laziness. Not here. Not never. Not ever.

3a. Part of research is knowing if the person you're reaching out to is actually the CORRECT point of contact. For the last four years I've held the same position, it's in every social media bio and included in every interview. I STILL get pitched about putting someone on TV.

3b. ACCEPT + MOVE ON. If my answer isn't what you wanted, trying to persuade me does nothing for you. After telling someone I don't share my colleague's contact information, she pushed me to consult w. them about the matter. I. Don't. Share. My. Colleague's. Contact. Information.

4. READ THE ROOM. I was asked if I could be shadowed and while it's always admirable -- shadowed? During a pandemic? It's another reason why research is important. Season 7 of the show I work on is remote and has been for the last three months. If you weren't aware of that...

5. SAY THANK YOU. Believe it or not after I respond I typically don't receive a thank you at all. I never used to say anything but now I make it known and reply with a "you're welcome." Ignoring does nothing and only encourages the behavior to continue.