The surge in crowdfunding campaigns is mounting. It is no doubt that it has become a popular way for startups to obtain the funding they need, validate their product idea and get their project off the ground. What startups might not initially see...

Through my own experience moving from the corporate world into launching a business, I have learned that marketing skills and know-how are especially important in building your brand and gaining customers. Part of this process is pitching to journalists. It's a struggle to get it right.

At its core, crowdfunding is a way to collectively disrupt the status quo and solve a problem. The process puts decision making into the hands of potential customers, asking them to become part of a founding community of supporters and brand ambassadors.