The $1,000 cold email alternative that's breaking B2B sales 💸

Everything you need to know about the "pay-per-pitch" trend

Last week, Yotpo’s CEO dropped a bomb that got the entire B2B startup world talking:

“We’ll pay you $1,000 to introduce us to our target customers”

No catch. No complicated terms. Just straight-up cash for warm intros 🤯

The post went viral, but here’s what most people missed: This isn’t just another growth hack… It’s part of a bigger trend happening in B2B sales.

Let’s call it the “Pay-Per-Pitch” movement.

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💡 The marketing idea

Instead of burning money on LinkedIn ads and mass outreach — pay your prospects (or their network) directly for their attention. 🔑

I’ve also seen people use Pitchfire, a service that allows prospects to set a price for their time & attention (see email below). Pitchfire also puts them in a “marketplace” of prospects. Want to pitch a CMO? That’ll be $50, please.

It’s all part of the bigger pay-per-pitch approach.

Let’s do some quick math:

• Average LinkedIn ad spend: $15-50 per click

• Typical SDR cost: $8,000+/month

• Cold email success rate: 1%

Now compare that to:

• Yotpo’s method: $1,000 for a guaranteed intro

• Pitchfire’s method: $50-250 for a confirmed meeting

• Success rate: Nearly 100% (they already agreed to talk!)

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🧠 Why this is brilliant

“Pay-per-pitch” works because:

1. 💰 Money talks (literally). When you pay for someone’s time, they show up engaged.

2. 🍀 It’s transparent AF. No hidden agendas or fake LinkedIn connection requests.

3. 🤝 Trust builds instantly (you put skin in the game).

Crazy? Maybe. But in a world where attention is currency → paying to play might just be the smartest move in sales in 2024.

The only downside I can think of is ‘fake prospects’: People who will never consider buying and will just do it for the money. But even then, you’re getting valuable intel (about their role and team) during the call. Not a bad consolation prize.

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❌ But wait... isn't this bribery?

Not quite. There’s a BIG difference between a “pay-per-pitch” arrangement and bribing someone with airpods or an Amazon gift card.

With pay-per-pitch, you’re not buying a guaranteed outcome. You’re simply compensating someone for their time and attention — no strings attached.

It’s a fair value exchange. Think of it like paying a consultant for their time and expertise. The money simply gets you in the room, what happens next is totally up to you and your pitch.

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⚡️ 3 ways to do this today

(Save this 💾)

1. 🌐 The Network Bounty

   • Make a list of your dream customers

   • Post LinkedIn offering $500-1000 for intros

   • Tag people in your network to help

2. 💌 The Direct Approach

   • DM prospects: “I’ll pay $100 for 30 minutes of your time”

   • If they say yes, use Calendly + PayPal

   • Keep it transparent and professional

3. 🐣 The Marketplace Play

   • Join B2B meeting marketplaces like Pitchfire

   • Browse decision-makers ready for pitches

   • Pay their stated rate for guaranteed time

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🔥 This is just the beginning

We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in B2B sales:

• ❌ From: Spray and pray with ads

• ✅ To: Pay to play with ultra-targeted direct compensation

The companies that get this right now will have a massive advantage. While others keep burning cash on dying channels, early adopters are already building direct relationships with decision-makers.

Think about it: In 5 years, we might look back and laugh at how we used to spam thousands of people hoping for one meeting.

The future of B2B sales isn’t about who can spend the most on ads. It’s about who's willing to put their money where their mouth is.

🎯 TL;DR — Instead of wasting money on ads hoping to reach prospects, pay prospects directly to hear your pitch. It’s more efficient, more transparent, and…actually works.

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I’m curious — comment below:

1. What’s the highest amount you’d pay for 30 minutes with your dream prospect?

2. And if someone offered you that same $$ amount to hear their pitch, would you actually say yes?

See you next week ✌️

Tom

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Shoutout to my friend Amitay Boneh for the inspiration for this marketing idea!