Pitching It Up, with Emma Thomson

In this episode of the Chief Meta Chicks podcast, host Nickie Gibson interviews Emma Thomson, founder of Pitch It Up, a cricket training aid designed for children. Emma shares her journey from a 25-year career in healthcare to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and successes she faced in creating a product that fills a gap in the market. The conversation covers the importance of market research, product development, brand awareness, and the financial aspects of running a business, particularly for female entrepreneurs. In this conversation they discuss the intricacies of navigating the startup landscape, particularly for women entrepreneurs. They explore the importance of securing the right investment, building support networks, and the challenges faced in the entrepreneurial journey. Emma shares her experiences with her cricket training aid business, highlighting significant growth, emotional connections with her product, and the importance of research and community support. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

• Emma Thomson transitioned from healthcare to entrepreneurship
• Pitch It Up was born from a personal need as a cricket mum
• Market research was crucial in developing the product
• The product caters to children aged 4 to 12 and beyond
• Initial success was driven by word-of-mouth and public interest
• Social media was a learning curve for Emma as a new business owner
• Emma bootstrapped her business, maintaining full ownership
• Financial management is key for sustainable growth
• Support for female entrepreneurs is vital in accessing funding
• Networking and seeking help can open new opportunities. Founders often focus too much on investment rather than the business
• It's crucial to find the right investor who adds value beyond money
• Early revenue generation is key to confirming product-market fit
• Diluting equity too early can jeopardize a founder's control over their business
• Women often lack confidence and fear asking for help
• Building a strong support network is essential for success
• The founder journey is a continuous learning experience
• Research is vital before entering new markets
• Celebrating milestones can provide emotional motivation
• Enjoying the business journey is crucial for long-term success.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emma Thomson and Pitch It Up

02:33 The Journey of Pitch It Up's Creation

08:24 Market Research and Product Development

14:30 Product Launch and Initial Success

17:48 Building Brand Awareness and Marketing Strategies

20:31 Funding and Financial Management Insights

23:33 Support for Female Entrepreneurs and Banking Insights

27:08 The Importance of Support Networks

31:17 Growth and Market Adaptation

36:05 Celebrating Milestones and Emotional Connections

40:25 Challenges in the Entrepreneurial Journey

45:15 Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

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