Tag Archives: motivation

Why You Podcast – PTC 354

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Understanding why you create your podcast is critical to your success. Without a powerful why, it becomes very difficult to do the work necessary to reach your goals.

There are two big reasons you need a powerful why. Today, I want to help you find that.

Before we begin, I would love to know what you are struggling with. Can you take 3 minutes and tell me about your podcast journey? You will find it at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/feedback.

I am working to make sure this podcast gives you the content you need to reach your goals. There are challenges you are facing and hurdles you are trying to overcome. This podcast is designed to help you with that. But, I need to know where those struggles are.

A workshop is also in the works where I will take your hand and walk you through every step of the way to your goals. I just need to know about your dreams.

If you could answer 9 quick questions to ensure you are getting the content you need, head to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/feedback. It will help shape the content you get each and every week. It would also mean the world to me.

EXTERNAL

There are two big reasons you need a powerful why. One is external and one is internal.

Simon Sinek wrote an incredible book called “Start With Why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action.” It is one of my favorite business books, and I highly recommend it.

In the book, Sinek says, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”

Everybody wants to get behind a great cause or person or champion or underdog. It is all about the why.

This podcast exists, because I love coaching. Coaching of all sorts.

My first coaching opportunity came when I was in high school. I coached youth bowlers.

My dad started me bowling when I was littler than I can remember. Probably 5- or 6-years-old.

I was so young when I started that the bowling center didn’t have shoes that fit me. I bowled in my socks.

When I was 12, I started bowling competitively in leagues and tournaments. In my freshman year of high school, my dad and I won a national tournament.

That is when I became a youth coach. Coaches in my league trained me to help young bowlers get into the sport. It was great. I loved seeing the excitement on their faces when they would succeed. That set me on the path to coaching.

It also set me on the path to being on the bowling team in college. But that is a different story.

Since those bowling days, I’ve coached our fraternity floor hockey team. I began coaching radio talent in 1995 with my first radio program director job.

The local hockey organization asked me to be a high school hockey coach when my son hadn’t turned one yet. He is now playing for a 20-and-under team in Minnesota.

MY PODCAST WHY

In 2009, I began listening to podcasts. The creativity and diversity with the format was captivating. I loved it.

The more I listened, the more I realized that these hosts could benefit so much by learning a few of the things we used everyday in radio. How to attract an audience, how to create marketing campaigns, and ways to create fans were just a few of the ideas.

That’s when I took my decades of radio experience, the passion I have for coaching and all I learned earning my masters of business administration and wrapped it into one.

I love coaching. Seeing podcasters succeed drives me everyday. When a podcaster discovers something that takes their podcast to a whole new level, I get incredibly energized. It’s magic.

That is my external why. People see that passion and they come to work with me.

What is your external why? Do your listeners see that on your show? Can they feel that in the products or services you offer?

Your audience will come for your why. What you do simply supports that why.

INTERNAL

My son playing in Minnesota brings me to my internal why. It is the second piece to your why puzzle.

My son is a senior in high school. This past weekend, we took him to Minnesota and dropped him off with his billet family.

Kids that play junior hockey tend to live with families that help and support the team. He and another player live with a wonderful family so they can both play hockey.

We chat with them quite often. It’s not the same as being there full time, but it is close. My wife and I will drive up to see the home opener in a few weeks.

And that’s why I do this. I can load up the laptop and drive to Minnesota anytime I’d like to see him play. The location freedom is important to me.

Being able to see my son in Minnesota or my daugther who is attending college out East whenever we would like is the reason why I created this business.

They say enjoy the time your kids are at home, because the time flies by. I always knew that was true. I didn’t realize how true until I pulled away from the college campus dropping off my daughter last fall. Leaving my son at his billet’s house brought it all back again.

That is why I love what I do. It allows me to live the life that I love. I get to coach people and lead them to their success. At the same time, I can do it anywhere, anytime while spending that time with the ones that mean the world to me.

In his book, Simon Sinek says, “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.”

Where is your passion? Why do you do what you do?

YOUR WHY

Many people say they want to own their own business, because they want to call the shots or vacation whenever they want.

Is that really your why? Is it the control over the work or is it something deeper?

Why do you want the freedom? Could there be something more important that you will achieve by experiencing success with this journey?

Calling the shots isn’t a why strong enough to make you put in the crazy hours it takes to make a business a success. Vacation whenever you’d like won’t inspire you to do the work necessary to grow when you only have 28 downloads. Or 36. Or 52.

There are never enough downloads. When you hit 100, you’ll want 1,000. After 1,000, you will set your sights on 5,000. There isn’t a finish line.

Inspiration comes from something deeper. It is your son playing hockey 6 hours away from home. A true why comes from your daughter alone trying to find her way at college 1,200 miles away and you can’t hug her. Inspiration comes from your mom in a hospital bed 3 states away and you want the freedom to be there anytime you want.

What’s your why? What’s your real why?

Find that and you’re ready to start your journey toward success.

STRUGGLES

If you could answer 9 quick questions to ensure you are getting the content you need, head to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/feedback. It will help shape the content you get each and every week. It would also mean the world to me.

Also, come back next week. We’ll talk about the workshop to help you reach your goals. I’m putting the finishing touches on it this week. It’s exciting. I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

In the meantime, if you don’t have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

Overcome Frustration and Overwhelm – Episode 245

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Have you ever hit that wall when nothing seems to go your way? Overwhelm and frustration attack the best of us. Here are five ways to battle it.

Things slowed down for me over the summer. I had been cranking out the content. My clients had been making progress.

Suddenly, I just felt like I was in a rut.

After a spring that brought some of my best months yet, I hit that wall. My strategy calls were lighter than normal over the summer. My joy started feeling like work. The voice in my head got a little louder.

Those were some long weeks.

It had been a while since I had a call with my mastermind group. Summer had made the scheduling a little difficult.

I finally got on a call with the team. When I laid out the frustration for them, the group really helped me find my passion again.

We revisited the work I had done over the years. We talked about the success I have had. This was just a bump.

When I had the dream reignited by my mastermind team, I scheduled a call with my coach. I described the scenario for him.

By the end of the call, we had an action plan in place to get things rolling again. We figured out the next logical steps to take to help me make some progress.

I was back up and running.

By looking back over that journey, I realized there are five things you can do to battle the overwhelm and frustration.

BALANCE

Find balance in your life. When you spend all of your time on one thing, boredom and burnout will set in.

Keep your mind inspired by balancing all areas of your life. This includes money, health, relationships, faith, social, career and personal development.

Avoid burnout.

SPREAD IT OUT

When you try to do all of the work at one time or in one setting, overwhelm sets in. There are too many things to accomplish and not enough time.

Spread the work across the week. Get a little done each day to avoid drowning in the tide of tasks. Reach benchmarks. Making progress each day will help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

VARIETY

We sometimes experience frustration when we try to do the same thing over and over expecting a different result. It is often used as the definition of insanity.

Try a different approach to maintain variety in your work. There are multiple ways to reach the same goal. Get creative. Variety is a great antidote for frustration.

BABY STEPS

When you feel overwhelmed, break the task into little parts. Find the little wins.

By accomplishing little things along the way, you’ll get inspired by the victories.

Set smaller goals that you can measure. When you reach each goal, cross it off and celebrate the win.

GET INSPIRED

Fight the frustration with some inspiration. Get around people who can inspire you. Find those who can help you remember your superpower and victories of the past.

You can do this by attending gatherings. Join a mastermind. Recruit an accountability partner. Hire a coach like I did.

Sometimes using more than one can be a bigger help. I use all four to help keep me inspired. I find when I neglect these areas, the frustration and overwhelm returns. Others who care about me help me get back on track.

 

Do you need help with your podcast? Take advantage of my free podcast strategy session. Find details at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/coaching.

 

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

What Are You Struggling With Most? – Part 1 – Episode 191

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What Are You Struggling With Most? – Part 1 – Episode 191

Struggle
Copyright: ruigsantos / 123RF Stock Photo

I recently asked my tribe about the one thing they are struggling with most. This week, we are going to answer the questions and help you get over a few hurdles.

First, thanks to Andre Lewis for having me on his “Start To Finish Podcasting” Episode 16. We talked about interviewing. Find Andre at www.StartToFinishPodcasting.com.

Dave Jackson recently had me on an episode of the “The School of Podcasting” to discuss ego. Check it out at SchoolOfPodcasting.com.

Let’s answer a few questions this week. What are you struggling with most?

 

PERFECTION

I have problems stumbling with wording when recording and keep going back, deleting and re-recording.

– Tim

Man On The Seat Podcast

www.manontheseat.com

 

EKJ: I was discussing this with a coaching client the other day. Use enough notes to help you remember the important points. Don’t use so many notes that you are reading them.

Avoid striving for perfection. Get 80% of the way there and call it good. It will never be perfect. Nobody is expecting you to be perfect. Get it close and move on.

 

SHOW NOTES

The most headache has to be writing out detailed show notes.

By the way, THANK YOU for the podcasts, the episode on Imposter Syndrome was VERY helpful!

– Jonathan Bloom

WeeklyAwesome.com

Weekly Podcasts To Make Your Week BETTER!

 

Show notes and social media marketing.

The show is finally done (I do a lot of research and planning before recording, and a good amount of time in post production). Ugh … now I have to do show notes, and promote it too? My least favorite part. I’m attempting to spread the work over several days, as you suggested recently on your show.

Thanks for the great talk on the phone recently and for your great podcast.

Thanks & Cheers!

– Brian Vincent Weber

www.bartenderjourney.net

 

EKJ: Great chat, Brian. I hope the bartender podcast and business ideas we discussed take off for you.

Producing the podcast is 20% of the work. Promoting the show is the other 80%.

If a tree falls in the forrest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?

If a podcast is released and no one is there to hear it, is it really released?

You eat an elephant one bite at a time. So, yes. As we discussed in episode 166 “My Podcast Workflow”, break your big task into little parts and spread it out.

If you can afford it, hire someone to do your show notes. There are great virtual assistants and show note specialists that can help you.

How many people are actually coming to your website for show notes? You might consider simply posting the highlights of the show in a paragraph or two along with the links and resources you mention. After that, call it good. Give your listeners what they need without the overkill.

Find ways to promote the show that you enjoy. Are you on Facebook? Promote it there. Find some taste makers who enjoy the show and get them to help spread the word.

Check out episode 176 “How To Grow Your Audience by 10x” and episode 181 “How To Get More Podcast Listeners”. Those should help a bit.

 

MOTIVATION

What’s giving me the most headache is relaunching my podcast after a long time not producing because life took a turn. My gear has been in storage after some life changing events and I’m starting from scratch.

 

– Dan

The Coffee Couch

Danhansen.com

 

I struggle with knowing which content to put out.

– Richard Chelson

 

EKJ: Both of these struggles have to do with passion. I know if doesn’t seem like it on the surface. But, look at the two hurdles.

“The most headache is relaunching my podcast.”

“Knowing which content to put out.”

If you are truly following your passion, starting your podcast, continuing your podcast and coming up with topics should be no problem at all.

If you don’t have a passion about podcasting in general, you need to find another vehicle for your content. Do you enjoy writing more? How about video? Do you enjoy short, live video clips on Facebook?

There are many ways to get your content to your fans. If you don’t enjoy the process of creating a podcast, it will be very difficult to find the motivation to get on the mic every week.

On the other hand, if it is the topic that lacks passion, find a new topic. Again, if you are not extremely passionate about your topic, it will be very difficult to find the motivation to get on the mic every week.

Stop searching for topic that you think your audience will enjoy and chase the topics you love. When you are interested, you become interesting. It will be much more enjoyable to listen to your podcast if we can hear your passion come through the speakers. That only happens when you are talking about your passion.

 

Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.

You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

7 Steps To Push Past The 7-Episode Wall of Podfading – Episode 178

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7 Steps To Push Past The 7-Episode Wall of Podfading – Episode 178

Copyright: maticsandra / 123RF Stock Photo

Many podcasts start only to soon fade away. I’m sure there are many reasons podcasters quit. If you are diligent, you can follow these 7 steps to push past the 7-episode wall of podfading.

Studies show that many podcasters fade around that seventh episode. We all run into that urge to quit. It doesn’t need to be that way.

There are many reasons the urge to quit hits us. Maybe podfading kicks in, because the podcaster didn’t realize how much work it would take. Or they ran out of things to say. Or life got in the way and they couldn’t find the time. Or the fun ran out. There are many, many reasons.

Maybe the reason they feel like quitting is because podcasting just sounded good at the time.

Whether you are launching your podcast, or you are midstream in creating your content, there are steps you can take to help you fight the urge to quit. These steps will help you break through that 7-episode wall of podfading.

 

[DOWNLOAD THE PODFADING PREVENTION WORKSHEET HERE]

 

  1. Make sure what you think is your passion is truly your passion.
  2. Niche your target, so you know exactly how to filter your content.
  3. Try to brainstorm 50 show topics in 10 minutes.
  4. Create a schedule and break the tasks into parts.
  5. Look at the big picture so episode build seasons or themes.
  6. Work when you feel most creative and productive.
  7. Find an accountability partner.

 

Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.

You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

9 Uncommon Books That Shaped My Podcast – Episode 120

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9 Uncommon Books That Shaped My Podcast – Episode 120

9 UNCOMMON BOOKS

We are all looking for great books and inspiration. In the online business space, the same books are often recommended and discussed. Godin. Ries & Trout. Think & Grow Rich. Those are the must-reads to be in the game.

Lesser known books can often offer powerful information and inspiration. They can also help you stand out from the crowd.

When I started in radio 25 years ago, I would read all I could about radio and business. I read the big books of the industry to keep up with the crowd. Those books were the center of many discussions at industry gatherings.

After I began programming my first radio station in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1995, I quickly realized keeping up with the crowd wasn’t going to put me ahead of the crowd.

To win, we need to think differently. To get ahead, we need to be willing to do what others will not. Find motivation and inspiration where others haven’t looked.

As you are trying to create a podcast that is unique and entertaining, one that will stand out and attract a following, take a chance on a few new ideas. Find a few nuggets that keep your heart pumping. Be a champion for a different way of thinking.

Here are few books that have inspired me. These books are not the typical fare you hear mentioned in every keynote speech. You won’t find these titles at the center of cocktail party discussions … unless you make it so.

However, these books have useful information you can put to work in your podcast and online business today. You can use these ideas to spark your creativity.

Find one book that looks exciting and inspiring to you. Give it a read. Maybe you’ll find your own wonderful spark of an idea.

THE POWER OF CULT BRANDING – HOW 9 MAGNETIC BRANDS TURNED CUSTOMERS INTO LOYAL FOLLOWERS (AND YOURS CAN, TOO!) – BJ Bueno and Matthew Ragas

This book covers the 7 rules of cult branding. As examples, the book explores the success of brands like Star Trek, Oprah Winfrey, Apple, Jimmy Buffett and Linux.

I love this book, because it explains the characteristics of brands that truly stand out from the crowd. These brands have created cult-like followings. The book gets me excited about what is possible.

PLATFORM – GET NOTICED IN A NOISY WORLD – Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt has a successful blog, podcast and membership site. In this book, he explores how to create a leverage your platform.

If you are in online business, this is a great read. I find another takeaway each time I read the book. This work is like a “how to” guide.

BEYOND POWERFUL RADIO – Valerie Gellar

Valerie dives into the characteristics of successful radio. These principles can also be applied to podcasting. From Valerie, I learned to never be boring. She says, “There is no such thing as too long, only too boring.”

THE MILLIONAIRE MESSENGER – MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND A FORTUNE SHARING YOUR ADVICE – Brendon Burchard

This book provides the steps to take to create your business. The process begins with selecting your area of expertise and ends with finding promotional partners and repeating the process.

It is an easy read. The book is the foundation of Brendon’s teachings. His work has really shaped my online approach.

MILLION DOLLAR COACHING – BUILD A WORLD-CLASS PRACTICE BY HELPIING OTHERS SUCCEED – Alan Weiss

If you coach, this book will help you build your process of finding clients.

This book was first recommended by Dan Miller of 48Days.com. Alan provides a great process to finding clients, converting leads and turning your coaching into a real business.

CIGARS, WHISKEY & WINNING – LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT – Al Kaltman

This book is full of great tips on management, overcoming obstacles, focus and competition. The lessons come from the actual events in the life of Ulysses S. Grant. It is an incredibly inspirational read.

THE KNACK – HOW STREET-SMART ENTREPRENEURS LEARN TO HANDLE WHATEVER COMES UP – Norm Brodsky and Bo Burlingham

This book discusses why start-ups fail, how to make sales and how to keep customers. Norm created a few businesses in New York City. He was also a contributor to INC. magazine. The lessons in the book come from his real-world experience and not simply theory.

THE E-MYTH REVISITED – WHY MOST SMALL BUSINESSES DON’T WORK AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT – Michael E. Gerber

This is probably the most popular book on this list. For the small business owner, this is a must-read. Learn to work on your business and not simply in your business. The lesson is fundamental for small business success.

CASH IN A FLASH – REAL MONEY IN NO TIME – Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen

This book shows you how to think differently to create quick cash, and then turn that cash into more cash. The lessons require action and courage. The book is creative in its storytelling.

 

I hope these books give you a bit of inspiration as you continue to grow your business. There should be at least one piece to spark some creativity for you.

Let me know what one you use. E-mail me at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.

You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Find Your Motivation – PTC Episode 048

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Find Your Motivation – PTC Episode 048

DSCN0108

Are you like me? There are times when I find it difficult to find the motivation to take myself to the studio and create a great show. Sometimes it is so much easier to stay on the couch and watch some television.

Just like an athlete, we sometimes just need to find a way to get fired up.

This week, I received this e-mail.

 

I have a podcast about fly fishing that has pod faded. Because I am a fly fisher I thought such a podcast would be ideal. But, it became so much work from pre-production, to post-production, to hitting the publish button on iTunes, that I stopped after 10 months.

I enjoyed interviewing the people on the podcast and the preparation, but quickly grew tired of all the other work it took to publish. 4-6 hours for a 1 hour podcast.

My current challenge is that I enjoy doing several recreational things, but I am not “passionate” about any of them. I just enjoy doing them.

Also, I did not have a product or service to sell and still do not. Since this is not a hobby for me, I want to make a good income from this.

I have purchased your book for my Kindle and am reading it now. I am considering consulting with you for an hour or two to move things along faster.

Right now I am re-grouping and figuring out what to do next and your podcast is a great help.

Thanks again for a great podcast.

Name Withheld

 

There are a few issues within this e-mail.

  • How do we find the motivation to fight through the blahs and record consistently?
  • How can we streamline our workflow to make better use of our time?
  • How can we do more of what we love and less of what we dislike?
  • How can we generate some income?

 

Motivation

Like most podcasters, I sometimes fight the blahs. Are you like me? Do you have those days where you could record for hours on end when you have the drive and you’re fired up?

Then, I experience those other days where I just cannot find the motivation to get into the studio. I feel alone. I wonder if anyone is actually listening.

There are a few ways to find the motivation.

Tips:

  • Find the time of day and day of the week that gives you the most energy.
  • Be consistent with the day and time of the week you record – schedule yourself.
  • Record a few episodes in one sitting to batch similar functions.
  • Always work a week or two ahead to ease the pressure to produce.
  • Have a back up episode in the can in case life happens.

 

Streamline the workflow

Tips:

  • Record a few episodes at one sitting. Setting up the gear takes time. Logging in, gathering material, getting to the studio, getting in the right frame of mind all takes time. You can perform the tasks once for multiple episodes when you put it all into one sitting. You could conduct one recording session per month for 6 hours and be done.
  • Minimize your editing by relaxing on the perfectionism.
  • Find the areas that eat up a lot of your time and remove or condense them.

 

Do What You Love

If you hate editing or creating show notes or posting the episode, farm it out. Use virtual assistants or production assistants. Make it easy on yourself.

 

Much of this costs money, so …

 

Generate Income

  •  What do fly fishers need?
  • Find something that is easy for you to create. Develop your product funnel. In this case, it could be location guides, gear guide, gear reseller, instruction tutorials, tours, travel coordinator, make your own flies.
  • Build different tiers for the funnel.
  • Michael Hyatt & Dan Miller did an interview about making $150,000 a year from your platform. Doing a podcast for 10 months creates a solid base. There is surely something in that niche that could be monetized. It simply needs to be uncovered.

 

This week:

  • Find the motivation to fight through the blahs & record consistently
  • Streamline the workflow
  • Do what you love
  • Build your funnel and begin to generate income

 

I’d love to help you with your podcast. E-mail any questions or comments you might have to Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.

You can also find tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.