Pitching as a generalist vs. a specialist

Pitching as a generalist vs. a specialist

When you answer queries, you can present yourself as someone who knows a little about everything, or someone who owns one narrow topic. The choice shapes how often reporters pick you.

1. Generalist — you reply to more queries, casting wide. But you compete with everyone, and your quote sounds like many others.
2. Specialist — you reply to fewer queries, only in your lane. But reporters in that lane start to remember and trust you, and your quotes sound earned.

Think of it like a corner store vs. a bakery. The store sells everything; the bakery is who you call for the perfect cake.

For beginners: pick one narrow topic for your first three months. Fewer pitches, far higher reply rate, and a reputation that compounds.

Try this today: write your specialty in one sentence — "I'm the person reporters call about ___" — and only answer queries that fill that blank.