Who’s Representing You — And How Are They Showing Up?
When you hire someone to represent your business through PR — whether it’s podcast pitching, thought leadership, media outreach, or speaking opportunities — you’re not just outsourcing a task. You’re trusting someone to carry your name, your message, and your reputation into rooms you haven’t yet entered.
That responsibility is bigger than many people realize.
And lately, I’ve been reminded why it matters so much.
A Real Example: Podcast Pitching Gone Wrong
As a podcast host, I see dozens of guest pitches a week. Two common trends have caught my attention — and not in a good way.
The follow-up loop that ignores your response
I’ll receive a pitch and reply with, “This could be a fit — can you send more info?” Then I get three more emails as if I never responded. Why? Because the outreach is being driven by automation, not human engagement.
The mass-pitched “looks like we’re a match” message
I also get messages from PR reps that I can literally see are copy/paste matchmaking: “Looks like we’re a match — want to have me on your show?” These come from firms charging real money, yet treating visibility like a volume game.
In both cases, the client’s name is attached to something sloppy, out of touch, or pushy. That’s not just ineffective. It’s reputationally risky.
Why This Applies Beyond Podcasts
The same issues show up in traditional media pitching, speaking inquiries, and influencer outreach. If someone is acting on your behalf — how they communicate, follow up, and position you shapes how you're perceived.
At Kwedar & Co., we believe:
Representation is a privilege.
Messaging should be strategic, not spray-and-pray.
Your values should be reflected in your visibility.
That’s why our first phase with any client is about building a strategy and message that feel right before we ever reach out on your behalf. We want you to feel confident in how you're being positioned — because when we speak for you, it should sound like something you’d say.
A Question Worth Asking
If someone is pitching you — or pitching for you — ask yourself:
Are they just “getting your name out there”?
Or are they communicating in a way that earns trust and reflects who you really are?
Because representation doesn’t just open doors.
It sets the tone for what happens once you’re invited in.
About The Author
Lauren Kwedar Cockerell is founder and president of Kwedar & Co. She is also the firm’s lead PR and marketing strategist, host of our podcast The Impatient Entrepreneur, and is a frequent podcast guest.
Over the past 20+ years, she has worked with 100s of leaders and organizations to create PR and marketing strategies and tactics that support visions and reach goals.
To connect with Lauren, please send an email above, or book a consultation.