You have found a topic that you love. It is a subject you can talk about for days on end. Where do you find the confidence to put it out there for the world to see … and judge … maybe love … and probably critique? Confidence is elusive. I want to help you find it today.
Can I tell you how pumped up about podcasting I have been lately? I have been talking with a ton of podcasters over the past few weeks. Some haven’t launched yet. Others have just started. I have talked with podcasters who have been doing it for years.
IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
One common theme that continues to come up is confidence. The Impostor Syndrome. Who am I to have a podcast? Who will ever listen to me?
I was on a call with a doctor the other day. He has been practicing for years and is just getting ready to start a show. He is a little active on social media. However, he doesn’t see the engagement he would like to see to have the confidence to launch.
Doc is starting to hit that point where we all wonder if the work is worth it.
He said, “Will I prematurely quit or double down the efforts and work through the process to success. The passion is the gas in the tank. I need to find that again.”
That is critical. Just like I told him. Surround yourself with people who will inspire you and rekindle your passion. That is what these conversations have been doing for me. I love helping people find their passion.
Will anyone care about your passion as much as you do?
WHO WILL LISTEN?
I was talking with Jeff this week. He has a passion for music and music history. However, he has a desk job. He is struggling with a way to make his passion for music the subject of his podcast and the basis for a new business.
Jeff has the same fear. He told me, “Who is going to listen? Who cares what I have to say? Will they get value from what I discuss?”
Does that sound familiar?
As we talked, we developed the idea of creating a show that highlights the amazing music landmarks around the country, like Graceland and the Hollywood Bowl. We could then develop a way to create a business to serve people who wanted to experience more.
You have it in you to create what you love.
Will it be scary? Absolutely. Can you find the confidence to launch it? Absolutely.
YOUR CONFIDENCE
Surround yourself with people who can support you who are also going through the same things you are going through.
I have a free webinar coming up on Saturday, April 25 that will help you with all of this. You can get details at PodcastTalentCoach.com/whynow.
We will talk about why now is the perfect time to launch. We will also discuss the 7 ways you can use a podcast to attract your ideal clients, how easy it can be and how you can find people to connect with that can support you.
There are around one million podcasts out now. However, there are only about half a million that are active. If you don’t find the confidence and support you need, it becomes a tough journey. It doesn’t have to be that difficult.
Whatever your passion, you can create a powerful podcast with it.
POSITIVE CHANGES
Shelley F. Knight is a once upon a time nurse, clinical hypnotherapist and writer. She provides an eclectic blend of clinical and spiritual expertise in her specialist subjects of Positive Psychology, Spirituality, and End of Life.
Shelley is the author of Positive Changes: A Self-Kick Book, and is a freelance writer for international magazines.
When she was launching the podcast, she fought impostor syndrome. The little voice in her head was asking the same questions we all hear. Who will listen to me. She even has a published book and still fought the voice.
I had a chance to talk with Shelley about her journey, and I want to bring that to you today to help you on your journey.
HER JOURNEY
In this discussion, you will learn how Shelley went from a clinical hypnotherapist to a podcaster. She talks about why a podcast is better than a book and what she gets out of a podcast that she doesn’t get from her writing.
We also get into how she overcame the impostor syndrome, what her production process looks like and how she found someone to help her produce the show.
I hope this discussion helps you find your confidence to embrace the topic that you love in order to create the podcast of your dreams.
A big thanks to Shelley F. Knight for being part of the show. The link to her site is right here:
Come be part of the free webinar I am offering coming up on Saturday, April 25. We will talk about why now is the perfect time to launch.
We will also discuss the 7 ways you can use a podcast to attract your ideal clients, how easy it can be to produce your show on a consistent basis and how you can find people to connect with that can support you.
Sometimes we forget what we didn’t know when we started. We think everyone knows what we know and we are not confident. The little voice in our head makes us doubt we have anything of value to share or the authority to do so. It all holds us back from launching our podcast or episode.
You always have a superpower to someone.
SHE STOPPED
One of my clients has launched her show. She is over a dozen episodes in, but is now doubting her ability. She isn’t confident. Have you been in that position?
She spent years as a marketing professional. She transitioned into a stay-at-home mom, but still wanted to use her knowledge in marketing and nurturing client relationships. Her knowledge is great, but she fears judgement.
The podcast is witty, creative and resourceful. She shares great information and product knowledge in every episode. It is clear by listening to the show that she truly loves what she does. Feedback from friends and listeners has been very positive.
Recently, she has started to hear that little voice in her head. What if her former co-workers start to judge her? The voice is asking, “Who do you think you are trying to teach others about marketing?”
So, she stopped.
We worked together to define her ideal target listener. The one person that needs her help the most. Then, made that person her purpose. Everything she creates on the podcast, everything she does will be for that one individual.
GREATER THAN CRITICS
What others think, the other judgements, mean nothing. The “why” behind the show is to help that one ideal listener solve her problems. The show has a purpose greater than the critics.
Here is the funny thing. The critics probably don’t even exist. Our podcast means so much more to us than to anyone else. As much as we would like to think others are watching everything we do, the reality is most are not paying attention. Those people have more important things to do that evaluate our podcast and work.
BE CONFIDENT
Be confident and move forward. You have great things to offer the world.
Think about your niche. Think back to when you began. Remember when you didn’t know where to start?
There were definitions you didn’t know. The steps in the journey were probably confusing. You probably asked more than a few times, “How do you do that?”
There are many people in your niche right at that point in their journey. Help them grow to where you are now.
IDEAL CLIENTS
Imagine being able to have a conversation with your ideal client on a weekly basis. Envision having a way to allow your prospects to get to know you and what you are all about. That is what a podcast can do for you.
Each week you are able to build a trusting relationship with your tribe. Your podcast allows you to demonstrate your authority and connect with your customers and clients.
Your podcast will help your ideal listener during every episode. You provide value with each episode to position you and your business as the thought leader in the industry.
The podcast can also help you connect with other leaders in your niche.
HOW TO IGNORE
There are a few steps to help you be confident, keep the critics at bay and focus on your mission.
Know your why
Determine what you know that most people who were in your spot a few years ago do not know. What is your superpower?
Define your ideal target listener, including their wants, needs, fears and struggles.
Brainstorm 25 topics that you can teach them about your journey to help them overcome their struggles.
Focus on your ideal target listener while recording every episode.
Don’t read your reviews and turn off the comments. Focus on your why.
Imagine what you could accomplish if you couldn’t fail.
When was the last time you had to speak in front of a large crowd? The sweaty palms. The butterflies in your stomach. The racing heartbeat.
Studies show that one of the most common fears is the fear of public speaking.
The act of speaking probably isn’t the real fear. When you examine it more closely, the true fear would be the fear of failure. We don’t fear speaking. We fear making a fool of ourselves.
If we knew it wasn’t possible to look dumb, imagine how powerful your speaking could be.
Fear of failure holds us back from so many incredible experiences and possibilities. You could do so much if you just attempted more adventures.
SKIING
As my two kids were growing up, I wanted to teach them to ski. Each time I would ask if they would like to go learn, they would just say, “nah”.
My daughter was in high school and wanted to take a father/daughter trip one year over Easter break. We talked about going skiing. She decided it was time to give it a shot.
We made it a two-day trip, just to make sure it was something she enjoyed. After a quick, half-day lesson, she picked it up like a champ.
We went to the top in the afternoon and took our time coming down. By the end of the day, I couldn’t keep up with her. She was having the time of her life.
SKIING AGAIN
The next winter, my son decided it was time he give it a try. He had heard my daughter talk about it so much he thought he might be missing out.
When we arrived at the slopes, we got his rental gear and made our way out to base of the hill. We had about 30 minutes before his lesson was to begin.
Simon was a bit nervous. He had been playing hockey for ten years, but had never been on skis. This was a big step.
We found a bit of a hill. It was about a 20 yard stretch from one lift to the other. We started by learning how to snowplow and stop. 20 minutes later, Simon had great balance and was stopping with ease.
This gave him just enough confidence to take on the lessons.
After a 3-hour lesson and some lunch, we were ready to head up the hill and give it a real try. Simon wasn’t ready for the big hills, but was ready to see what was next.
We took that run nice and easy. Building a little more confidence.
By the end of the day, he was taking a few risks and picking up some speed. He was having a blast.
The magic came when he forgot about failing and just had fun. Falling is part of the game. It happens. Get up, dust yourself off and give it another whirl.
On your podcast, you may try a few things that don’t work. That’s ok. Get up, dust yourself off and give it another whirl.
THREE STEPS
There are three steps to overcoming your fear and making progress.
Be brave. Try to push your boundaries on each episode.
Take baby steps. Just a little past your comfort zone will help you grow.
Find someone who can encourage you and pick you back up when you fall.
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.
I hear that complaint quite often. Many people do not like the sound of their own voice. It is quite common.
It is also quite natural to dislike the sound of you own voice when hearing a recorded version of it. When you talk, the bones in your head vibrate adding to the qualities you naturally hear. When you hear a recording of your voice, those vibrations are absent causing your voice to sound different to you.
The natural bone vibrations also make you do some unnecessary acrobatics with your voice when using headphones. The bone vibrations combined with the enclosed nature of your headphones cause you to hear the big announcer voice in a much different way the listener hears it. You tend to speak in ways you don’t normally speak in everyday conversation.
The thing we fear most is not death but humiliation.
Listeners can tell in the first few words if you are excited and in the zone.
Your inner critic never congratulates you.
There are seven steps you can take to make your voice sound more natural and get you on the path to enjoying the sound of your voice.
1. Notes, not script
The sentence structure you use when you write is much different than the structure you use when you speak. You use different words. Your sentence structure will be different. The flow of the written word simply differs greatly from the spoken word.
As you are speaking, use notes instead of a full script. You will sound much more comfortable when speaking from the heart rather than speaking from the script. The flow and structure of your sentences will be much more natural.
Make note of the important points to include in your podcast. Hit those points within your show without reading it word for word.
2. Talk to one person
You will sound much more natural when you speak to one person rather than a group of people. When I am listening to your podcast, I want to feel like you are talking to me. If you include a call to action in your podcast, you want me to act upon that request. If you are talking to a group of people, I can easily think someone else will take action and I can do nothing.
If you are speaking directly to me, we will begin to develop a friendship. I will begin to feel like I know you. I will also feel like you care about me personally. Your delivery will sound much more conversational and less like a lecture when you speak to one person. This will help you become more comfortable with your own voice.
3. One ear headphone
Your voice will sound different to you when you listen to your voice through headphones. The enclosed space of the headphones amplifies your voice. The sound of your voice is also changed by the audio processing. The bones in your head vibrate differently when using headphones.
To help you sound more natural, remove one ear of your headphones. With only one cup on your ear, you are able to hear your voice more naturally with the free ear. You will also hear your voice in the context of the ambient room noise rather than through the vacuum of the headphones.
4. Turn your headphones down
If you are wearing only one cup of your headphones, turning the volume down will also help you sound more natural. With a lower headphone volume, you will better hear your natural voice. You won’t be fooled by the dominance of the headphone sound.
Use your headphones to make sure you hear the other audio included in your podcast. Make sure you can hear your music bed, intro, guest and other audio. However, make sure your headphones are not giving you a false image of your voice.
5. Don’t get sing-songy
Speak naturally. Do not attempt to sound like other announcers you have heard. Be yourself.
When you speak like an announcer, you begin to stretch and emphasize words unnaturally. Your speech begins to unnaturally bounce. When you listen to your recorded voice, you may sound like a puky disc jockey or used car salesman on a bad television commercial. Both lack warmth. They are hard to believe. You will sound less natural with you use the announcer voice.
Speak conversationally. Use a natural pace. Don’t use unnecessary emphasis on words. Speak as if you are on the telephone. These steps will help your voice sound more natural.
6. Perform
Put yourself in the right frame of mind with visions. People can hear your smile. You need to get there before the recording begins.
Work from pictures. All communication is visual. Envision in your mind a specific time and place that makes you happy. Actually describe it out loud. This will change your state of mind.
There is a philosophy in acting that the performance begins before you break the wings. That means actors get into character before they actually step onto stage. They take steps to get in the right frame of mind before the performance begins.
Do the same for your podcast. Get there before you hit record.
7. Review your show
The best way to become a more natural speaker is to review your show often.
When you listen to your show on a regular basis, you will become much more accustomed to hearing your voice in a recorded setting. You dislike your voice, because you are not used to hearing it outside of your own head. The more you hear your voice, the more natural it will sound.
It is possible to overcome the dislike of your own voice. You simply have to take steps to conquer it. It will take time to begin liking the sound of your voice. Be patient.
Remove some of the annoying qualities of your speech. Use notes, speak to one person and get rid of the sing-songy pattern. Polish up the product first.
Next, adjust the way your record. Use only one cup of your headphones. Turn the volume down a bit to hear your voice in its natural setting. Make minor adjustments until you get comfortable.
Finally, review your show. When listening to your own voice becomes habit, your recorded voice will sound much more natural to you. Review your show often.
Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We all fear that no one will have any interest in our art. We fear that we will be discovered as a fraud by the true professionals. We all have that little voice in our head creating that self-doubt. I want you to understand that your self-doubt and fears are not so different from everyone else.
Does that happen to you? Do you get a little nervous when you get ready to publish an episode? What happens if I check my stats and it says zero?
Yep, we’ve all been there.
Fear and self-doubt happens to the best of every industry and niche.
THE AUTHOR’S FEAR
John is an author. He wasn’t always an author. He was an attorney and served in the state House of Representatives for ten years before he turned to writing full time.
Reading fiction was always a big part of John’s life. He discovered the classics in high school. He would eventually go on to collect first editions.
As he was starting to get the hunger for being a writer, John would visit his local bookstore. He would look at all of the best sellers and huge authors and think, “Who wants to hear from me.”
It took John three years to write his first book as he was practicing law in Mississippi. As he shopped it around, the book was rejected by 28 publishers. John finally found a small publisher that agreed to release a small run of the book.
The publisher printed a small run of 5,000 copies of that first book. As John tells it, the publisher didn’t have the funds to promote the book. So, he bought 1,000 copies of the novel himself and sold them out of his trunk all around Mississippi.
John also began writing his second novel as soon as the first was published.
The first book wasn’t selling. It book selling terms, it failed. No one bought the book. John did all he could trying to sell the 1,000 copies he had in his garage.
The second novel was published by Doubleday, which was a much larger publisher. When Hollywood released the film version of that book starring Tom Cruise, John’s original publisher decided to release the paperback version of the first.
Both books suddenly became best sellers, and John gained widespread popularity as an author.
After 10 years practicing law, John Grisham was now a best selling author. With the success of “A Time To Kill” and his second novel “The Firm“, John gave up his law career to become a full-time author.
His books have now sold over 275 million copies worldwide.
It all started with Grisham asking himself, “Who wants to hear from me?” Then, he paid no attention to the answer and wrote anyway.
Here is a best selling writer of legal thrillers who has written 38 books. Many of his books have made the New York Times best sellers list. He is arguable one of the most successful authors of our time.
Grisham would never have started if he didn’t find the confidence to overcome the impostor syndrome. He had to push past that voice in his head and write anyway.
Here is the secret … once you push yourself to take the first step, release the first work, you begin to gain a little confidence. It is enough confidence to keep you pushing forward to release the next piece. However, that little voice will always be there.
Whether you are an author, podcaster or other artist, chances are you create your art alone in a room. We are all on the introverted side.
The magic secret is that introverts become extroverts when he gets behind the mic.
Does that happen to you? When you hit the record button, do you find a little more confidence each time?
We can be whomever we’d like behind the mic. Be as confident as you’d like.
Belief. Bragadoccio. Ego. Confidence. Expert. Anything you would like. Just make sure it is a healthy level.
Over time, your self-doubt will fade as confidence creeps into your everyday life. The introvert will remain. There will be times when you just want to sneak away by yourself for awhile. The introvert will just rule your life less and less as time passes.
It happens to all of us. We bury ourselves in our art, so we are not forced to deal with other people. “I’d love to go out this weekend, but I need to work on my book/podcast/art.”
The next thing you know, you are being invited to be interviewed, speak to groups, and coach others. The extroverted you begins to come out.
When John Grisham was writing that first novel, his wife was providing support and encouragement. He wrote the first chapter and gave it to his wife to read. She didn’t even know he was writing a book.
After Mrs. Grisham read the chapter, she told John, “I’d like to read more.” That simple sentence encouraged him to push forward and write additional chapters.
FIND YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT
We all need encouragement. We need that voice of reason to offset the self-doubt and little voice in our heads that says, “Who would ever want to hear from you?”
Find someone who is close to you. That person needs to have your best interest at heart and care enough to tell you the truth, even when it hurts a bit.
If you need someone like that to help you accomplish your goals, someone that can encourage you and hold you accountable, consider a coach. If you want to overcome your self-doubt, a coach can be a tremendous resource.
Where do you start? How do you convince yourself that you have what it takes? How do you develop your confidence to launch?
There is a great quote from famous basketball coach Bobby Knight that says, “The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.Everyone wants to win but not everyone wants to prepare to win.”
Many podcasters want to win. Then the little voice in their head holds them back. Is that you? Do you have the desire to get your message out to the world, but lack the confidence to actually follow through with it?
That impostor syndrome creeps in quite often. I think it is human nature.
I recently sent a quick, 5-question survey to my tribe. The survey is designed to ensure I am delivering the content every week that you can use for your show. The survey helps ensure I am delivering and serving you each week.
If you would like to take 3 minutes to complete the survey, you can find it here.:
Three of the five questions are yes/no questions. It is truly a 3-minute survey. And, it is completely anonymous.
I HAVE NO VALUE
The first question on the survey is, “With regard to your podcast, what are you struggling with most?”
The answers to that question spanned the podcasting spectrum from traffic to monetization to workflow and everything in between.
One of the answer really struck me. The respondent said, “Confidence – do I REALLY have anything valuable to share?”
Wow, what an answer. There is obviously some passion there. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have the desire to launch a podcast in the first place.
I want you to remember this. You can learn technique. You can’t learn passion.
If you have the passion, you can learn how to produce and promote a podcast to gain an audience. If you have a passion for something, there is a great chance others have the same passion.
Dave Jackson just interviewed a podcaster on the School of Podcasting who has a podcast designed to put you to sleep. The guy intentionally rambles so you can fall asleep to his show. It is reported that he gets about 2.3 MILLION downloads per month.
If he can produce a podcast designed to put you sleep, you can surely share your passion. I can teach you the nuts and bolts. It is up to you to bring the passion.
A COACH CAN HELP
On PodcastTalentCoach.com, I offer coaching services. To ensure you and I are a fit to work together, I offer a free strategy and planning review first. This helps us determine that you see the benefit of my coaching and I know you are willing to learn. We put a plan in place and then decide if we want to move forward.
The final question on the survey is, “If you have yet to take advantage of the free, no obligation review of your show with Podcast Talent Coach, what is holding you back from the opportunity?”
To that question, somebody replied, “The show is hopeless – I don’t want to spend money because I really have n0 talent.”
There is another example of the impostor syndrome creeping in. The talent to produce a podcast can usually be taught. You don’t need a big voice and huge sense of humor. You simply need the passion to share your love of your niche.
PODCAST ABOUT YOUR PASSION
I know that sounds like logical, common sense. I know you probably think only a crazy person would ever put the time and effort into a podcast on a topic about which they do not care. It’s not as crazy as it sounds.
Podcasters and broadcasters alike will often discuss topics they think interests their audience. These may be topics in which the podcaster may have a slight interest, but not a passion. They tell themselves, “I must discuss this. It is what the audience expects.”
It creates a problem when you are only generally interested in a topic and you’re only discussing it because you think the audience will be interested. As you discuss, you will sound generally interested. It is tough to fake interest for any length of time. Your listeners will notice. When you aren’t interested, they aren’t interested.
Find that topic that stirs your passion. When you are passionate, your audience will hear your enthusiasm come through the speakers. Your enthusiasm will be contagious. Your passion will stir their interest.
I’m sure you’ve seen a professor who had the ability to make a dry subject interesting. Maybe it was your trigonometry teacher. They were passionate about the subject and created an interest with you. There may not have been a passion in you for trig. But, there was some interest.
Interest works from speaker to audience. It won’t work from audience to speaker. For true audience engagement, podcast about your passion.
BATTLE THE IMPOSTOR
If you have ever fought the impostor syndrome, being more prepared will help you win that battle. Being prepared for your show will give you focus, make your show more entertaining, and create stronger relationships with your listeners. Most importantly, it will give you confidence to overcome impostor syndrome. You will be able to build that belief in yourself.
The impostor syndrome, or impostor phenomenon, is the psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments. Despite external evidence that proves they are deserving and successful, those that suffer from impostor syndrome do not feel they deserve the success.
These people believe their success came about not because of skill or expertise, but more because of luck or manipulation. Students sometimes face this phenomenon in college when they tell themselves they really don’t belong in such an esteemed university and others may soon discover the fraud.
It is common for us all to experience the impostor syndrome to some extent. The phenomenon is roughly the opposite of your ego. Your ego is telling you that you are the best around and people should admire everything you’ve done.
Your internal impostor is then telling you that you have no authority to be doing this. You are a fake and a fraud with no credibility. The only reason you are in this position according to your internal impostor is because nobody has yet discovered the truth.
Both your ego and impostor exist within you. Learning how to manage both is a challenge. Take steps to build confidence within yourself. Understand that others fight the same battle. You are not alone.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
You have every right to create a great podcast. You have just as much right as the next podcaster. There is only one expert at your opinion. That expert is you.
Nobody knows more about your beliefs and opinion than you do. Develop confidence in yourself. You have great content and a unique opinion. Believe in yourself. You’ll be great. Prepare for it.
Being well prepared for your show and having the confidence to stick to the plan will help you win that battle against you internal impostor.
Do you need help with your podcast? Check out my coaching services. Let’s see what we can do.
Have you ever struggled with your confidence to launch or record an episode of your podcast? Have you worried that you were just pretending to know what you’re doing? That someone might find out that you didn’t really belong amongst the podcast professionals? That’s the Impostor Syndrome creeping in.
I’ve been there. I was at that point when I started in broadcasting. I continue to fight it today.
Proper preparation will help you feel more confident in your content. You can find a free show prep sheet online at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com. This will help you set a solid foundation.
MY BATTLE WITH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
I learned the value of preparation by fighting my own battle against the Impostor Syndrome.
Impostor Syndrome is defined as a concept describing high-achieving individuals who are marked by an inability to internalize their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. Despite external evidence of their competence, those exhibiting the syndrome remain convinced that they are frauds and do not deserve the success they have achieved.
While in college getting my degree in architecture, I became a party DJ to make some extra cash. Music had always been a big part of my life. I had been a musician since I was 11. However, I had wanted to be an architect since 6th grade. Getting my architecture degree was never in question.
Around my junior year of architecture school, I started becoming disenchanted with the field. It was then that I picked up a part time summer job at a radio station where my brother worked. Just to make some extra cash. The drafting firm where I had been working recently closed its doors as the owner went to work for a larger, manufacturing company.
As my passion for architecture waned, my passion for radio grew. Next thing you know, I’m taking classes in the College of Journalism and becoming the music director of the college radio station.
My music director position at the college station turned into another part time commercial radio job. That position eventually became full time.
Architecture was still part of my life. I was nearly done with my degree and didn’t want to throw it all away at that point. So, I finished my degree in architecture and continued to work in radio. Oddly enough, my only architecture job came at that drafting firm while I was still in high school.
When I began in radio, the impostor syndrome heavily kicked in. I had an architecture background. What right did I have to be on the radio?
Who was I to think I was in a position to be amongst these radio guys who had been doing it for many, many years and had paid their dues.
When I would interview famous musicians, the Impostor Syndrome would really fire up. I’m just a kid out of college with an architecture degree faking my way through radio.
I felt like I was playing dress up and pretending to be one of them. It took me years to get over that and build the confidence to perform on a daily basis.
After doing it for over 25 years, I got to the point where I was programming multiple radio stations at the same time. Some of those station were recognized with national awards from the National Association of Broadcasters.
The stations I was programming ranked #1 quite often. My own show was regularly #1. I built the confidence within myself to deliver content that was compelling and connected with my audience.
IMPOSTOR SYNDROME RETURNS
When I launched my podcast, I quickly went back to the beginning. The imposter syndrome kicked in again.
Who was I to think I could build a successful podcast amongst these greats that had been doing it for years? Dave Jackson at the School of Podcasting has been podcasting since 2005. I’m just starting. How can I possibly think I belong in the same arena as Dave?
Then, I started thinking about my story. I had been here before. My knowledge and experience sets me apart from a lot of podcasters. Even podcasters who had been producing content for years. That helped me shake the impostor syndrome and publish my content.
MY NEXT BATTLE
Recently, I ran into that little voice again. I was in a discussion with my mastermind about the next step we each needed to take to move forward. What was the “next thing”?
As we were talking it through, I finally came to the conclusion that the voice was holding me back. What if I put all this work into creating a course or book or workshop and nobody came? The group helped me once again recognize my experience and knowledge.
An episode of “DailyVee” with Gary Vaynerchuk today did the same thing for me. Gary said, “Going 0-for-5 is better than going 0-for-0. At least you’re learning something.” That made total sense to me.
HELP FOR YOU
Ignore the voice and move forward. Regardless of the outcome, you’ll learn something and be able to do it better next time.
That’s what I want to help you do. I want to be that cheerleader for you if you don’t have the history that I have to overcome that little voice inside your head doubting your ability. You can do it. You belong. You have just as much authority on your opinion as anyone. Let’s get it out to the world.
It is fairly simple to set up a mic, mixer and laptop. Heck, you don’t even need a mixer. Plug straight into your computer.
Load up some software and record some audio. Setting up a website with WordPress, creating a Libsyn account and posting a show isn’t very complicated.
Even if you are not very technically savvy, there are great people like Dave Jackson and the School of Podcasting that can help you with every step along the way. He even has a great step-by-step checklist. You’ll have a podcast launched in a few weeks.
Creating the platform is only the first step. Creating great content is up to you. Your content isn’t something you can outsource. You need to find the confidence to put your thoughts and feelings out into the world.
HOW YOU CAN STAT A PODCAST
How do I suggest you bootstrap to begin? Make it simple. Get an inexpensive microphone, like a $60 ATR-2100. Plug directly into your computer with the USB cable. If you’re adventuresome, pick up an inexpensive mixer like a $99 Yamaha 4-channel. I just purchase an 8-channel mixer at a pawn shop for $65.
Get a free WordPress site. Create a Libsyn account for $15 a month. You’ll need a computer and some free Audacity software. If you already have a laptop, you’re up and running for under $100. Again, Dave Jackson has a whole list of recommendations for you at www.SchoolOfPodcasting.com. I leave the technical stuff up to him.
So, how do you define your niche? Will anybody really care?
It is easy for the impostor syndrome to sneak in here. Your internal impostor will tell you nobody cares about that topic. Your niche is too small and nobody will come. You’ll be talking to yourself.
Fight it. Your niche size doesn’t matter as much as the passion of the niche community. If you have a group of people that you are passionate about, and they are loyal to a particular subject, run with it.
The more narrowly you target your niche the better. If you are interested in fishing, pick a small niche. If you love fly fishing, but create your show around fishing in general, you will find it tough to build loyalty. If your show is only on fly fishing, you will primarily attract those interested in fly fishing. The niche is smaller than fishing in general. However, every show will be of interest to your audience.
If your show is “the Fishing Show” and all about fishing, you’ll be hit and miss. One week you talk about fly fishing. The next week you discuss deep sea fishing. Now, your fly fisher friends only get what they seek on occasion. You aren’t catering specifically to them. People will only check our your show now and then. You will find it difficult to build a passionate tribe.
The audience for “The Fishing Show” looks like a bigger audience than “The Fly Fishing Show”. But, it is deceiving. The passion lies in the niche.
Be confident in your topic. You will start slowly. But, it will grow. Stay the course.
PLANNING YOUR PODCAST
How do you get ready? How do you overcome the pre-launch jitters?
Planning your podcast will help relieve a bit of the anxiety. If you know where you’re going, you can stay focused on the goal and fight through the self doubt. Plan your show before you begin.
Let’s discuss the 5 Speech class basics and how they pertain to your show.
1. Lead with a provocative point – capture their attention right at the beginning.
2. Dazzle with details – make the story come to life.
3. Take the first exit – Get out when you have the first opportunity.
4. Don’t repeat yourself and overstay your welcome – In talk radio, it’s called the call circle.
5. Include a call to action – this is the whole reason you’re doing a podcast and creating a tribe.
Have confidence in your content. Fight the impostor syndrome. Do all you can to push forward and get your content out.
When you plan your show, it makes it easier to stay focused on the goal. Know what you hope to communicate on this episode. Lay out how you plan to communicate that information. Then, define your intro, details and exit. Define your call-to-action and determine where you plan to incorporate it into the show.
Now, all you need to do is record the show and post it for the world to hear. The more work you do ahead of recording, the easier it is to believe in yourself while the show is rolling. Remember, the main reason you are podcasting is because it is fun. Enjoy the process.
TO DO THIS WEEK
This week, plan your show.
Determine the topics for the show.
Lay out your intro, details and conclusion for each topic.
Welcome to Episode 100. With your help, I have been creating this podcast for 100 episodes.
On this episode, I want to do something special.
NEW PATHS
I have never had another person on the show. Up to this point, I have simply been sharing my 25 years of broadcasting knowledge with you.
Today, I have invited a few listeners to join me on the show to share their questions about podcast content and creation.
The response and questions were so great, I had to split the show into two episodes in order to keep it to about 30 minutes each.
A few questions allow us to dive into some new material. A few help us explore a few topics a little deeper. There are even a few twists along the way.
FRIENDS & INSPIRATION
Here are the people who join on this episode and inspire me to do this each week.
Dave Jackson – School of Podcasting
“How do you get used to talking to the wall when doing a solo show?”
(I also do a podcast with Dave called “The Podcast Review Show”. Wanna get reviewed? Click HERE.)
Steve Stewart – Money Plan SOS
“The impostor syndrome seems to be creeping in. How does somebody get into the right mindset where they actually feel like they can bring some value even though they may not be the best in the industry?”
Megumi Takeda – Working on her first episode
“Do you have any advice to help smooth out the moments when interviews come to a dead end line of questions and need to transition into another topic?”
David Freeman – Authors Pay It Forward
“What is the most comfortable level of preparation for a podcast interview?”
Next week, we will hear from a few other listeners with more great questions.
Do you have a question? I would love to help you with your podcast. E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
At New Media Expo 2015, I met many podcasters that were weeks and months away from launching.
“I’m 30 days away from launching.”
“I’m about 90 days from going live with my podcast.”
“I’m still conducting interviews preparing for my launch this summer.”
What is holding you back?
I know what you feel. I was in your shoes when launching my podcast. Planning. Learning. Researching. Trying to get it just right.
Don’t let perfection keep you from launching.
We often let procrastination creep into our lives disguised as “planning” and “researching”. We tell ourselves we will launch right after we complete a few more steps on our “to do” list.
Here is the problem: The “to do” list keeps growing preventing us from launching.
When I was launching, I started with a blog. The blog grew slowly. I finally came to the realization that podcasters would rather listen to podcasts than read.
My podcast planning began.
I started watching videos on podcasting. Podcasts about podcasting filled my iPhone. Newsletter subscriptions hit my e-mail inbox. The NMX virtual ticket was my next purchase. I even bought books about podcasting. I consumed everything I could find.
I kept telling myself I was preparing. Truth is, I was just procrastinating.
Months into my learning and planning stage, Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting reached out. Dave found my blog and wondered why I didn’t have a podcast.
Dave, don’t you understand? I’m planning. I’m researching. I’m learning. Look at all the work I’m doing.
Dave wasn’t buying it. He had seen this movie before and knew how it ended.
During that 90 minute phone call, Dave pushed me. He challenged me. Dave had confidence that I could launch in a week or two. I simply needed to move.
That was the trick.
Start with the first step.
You’ve heard it before. Every journey begins with the first step.
Your first step may not be in the right direction. However, you make corrections as you go. Eventually, you reach your destination.
People often ask me how I can stand and speak in front of 15,000 people. I started with the first step.
Speaking in front of 20 people in speech class was tough enough.
To earn extra money in college, I began working as a wedding DJ. That job forced me to make announcements to groups of people every weekend.
One weekend it hit me.
People simply are not as interested in my speaking success and failure as I am.
If I mess us while speaking, there is a good chance I will be the only one to remember. People don’t care that much.
The same is true with your podcast. If you mess it up, few will notice let alone care.
Dave Jackson always uses a quote from Ryan Parker from FoodCraftsmen.com. “Nobody will punch you in the face.”
Are you letting self doubt keep you from launching? Is the Impostor Syndrome holding you back?
“Why would anyone care what I have to say?”
“What if I fail?”
“What if I make a fool of myself?”
All of the self doubt is natural.
We tend to make more of our mistakes than anyone else.
Don’t let the fears hold you back. Find someone to push you and hold you accountable.
We could surely work together where I can help that happen. You could also just find a friend that will push you to launch. Either way, push yourself to make it happen.
Now is the time to launch. Not 90 days from now. Not 30 days from now. Not after you have 8 episodes in the can.
Launch now.
Record an episode and get it out. Set some deadlines and take some baby steps.
Let’s make it happen. Pick a date and launch.
I would love to help you with your podcast. E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
Self-confidence is a battle we all face. Do you feel like you don’t belong amongst the best in your niche? Do you sometimes wish there was somebody that would give you that little boost of validation? Most recently, I received nearly the same question. How do I become comfortable as a speaker?
We have discussed this topic in the past on the Podcast Talent Coach podcast. In episode 012, I offered tips to become more comfortable with the timber and sound of your voice. This week, I would like to give you a few ideas to use to develop more confidence in your content.
I had a coaching call and received an e-mail in the past couple weeks that included this topic. Both podcasters were unsure of their speaking ability. They felt they may lack authority on their topic.
I had a coaching call with a gentleman who had recently launched a new podcast. His career to this point had involved public speaking and presenting. He was self-conscious of how he sounded on his podcast. He asked if he should get a voice coach.
The second question came in an e-mail.
“So far I have interviewed and recorded 3 people and when editing I’m realizing how much I hate my voice and because of that I feel unsure about putting anything out. Though the desire to podcast and be a liable presence is there is it possible to have a nervous sounding voice and still taken seriously? I don’t know why I sound so timid and unsure because these people I’m interviewing are so far of people I know but as soon as I press that record button my presence seems to change. Do you have any tips? I hope there is still a chance for me. I hope this is just a newbie problem and something that I can eventually overcome.”
We all face the inner critic. We are unsure how we can sound like an authority in our niche. What can we do to develop more confidence in ourselves as we create our content each and every week?
This week, we discuss four steps to become more comfortable & confident with your content.
BE YOURSELF
A great podcast is a great relationship. It is just like creating a great brand. In order to develop that solid relationship, you must be yourself. You can’t fake it.
When you try to be someone or something you are not, you will not sound authentic. Eventually, the truth will come out.
Have you ever met someone you had admired from afar, only to have them do something that didn’t fit with your image of them? Maybe it was a baseball player, or a movie star, or a politician or a musician. You met them with great expectations of an encounter with your hero only to find out they were rude and average. It turned out they were only being who they thought they should be for the public when really they were someone completely different in real life.
Everyone has their flaws. That is what makes them human. Howard Stern has flaws. He makes his flaws part of his show. Domino’s Pizza admitted the errors of their ways with their cheap, low quality pizza. They laid it out for the world to see in their marketing. Your listener will accept your flaws. They will feel like you are “one of them” when you admit your flaws upfront. Don’t be afraid to expose yourself.
When your listener discovers you are something other than the character you portray, the bond of trust will be demolished. Your relationship will be forever damaged.
Build a solid brand. Be yourself.
YOUR STYLE
Create everything you do in your own style. You can only stand out among all other shows when you create your own unique style. You must then make sure everything you do is consistent with that style.
Many new broadcasters try to emulate the style of their hero or mentor. They attempt to imitate the styles they hear from other broadcasters. Unfortunately, copying doesn’t create a unique style. Copying typically creates a watered-down version of some other style. When creating your content, be yourself and find your own style.
Some of the greatest broadcasters didn’t start the ascension to the top until they abandoned the attempts to broadcast in the style they thought others desired and began being true to themselves.
Oprah Winfrey quit trying to be a traditional news anchor. She also quit doing the typical tabloid, daytime talk show. When she began to create the show she always desired, she went to the top of the game.
Howard Stern began as a radio DJ sounding like every other radio DJ. He was playing the records and spouting the lines written by management while going nowhere. When Stern decided he was going to do radio his way, he began to make a name for himself. He also went to the top.
Rush Limbaugh followed a very similar path. He had a cheesy radio name. He followed the format designed by somebody else. Limbaugh made every attempt to fulfill the typical radio DJ stereotype. He also got fired again and again. When he decided to broadcast in his style and true to his beliefs, he began his rise to the top.
Adam Corolla made his climb when he took full control over his style and show. He was climbing the DJ ladder in Los Angeles. Corolla had some decent television work. He then decided to create his own show in his own style via podcast. That began his rise as one of the biggest podcasters in the world.
All of these broadcasters made the decision to stop copying others. They all created shows that were true to their style.
They each also stay true to their style in everything they do. You will never hear Rush sound like Howard. You’ll never mistake something Oprah says as something Adam might say. Being true to their style isn’t something that takes conscious effort. It comes easy to each of them, because it is true to who they are as people.
Be true to yourself. It will make it easy to create everything you do in your style.
MOVE BEYOND INFORMATION
The goal of our podcasts is to create strong relationships with our audiences. We can take those relationships and move our listeners with a call to action. To achieve that strong relationship, we need to move beyond information to engaging entertainment.
Dan Miller, author of “48 Days To The Work You Love” could simply explain how you might find a new job. Instead, Dan instills the belief in his listeners that there is more to work than a paycheck. He stirs emotion describing how you can turn your passion into your career. Dan uses that emotion to turn his job finding information into engaging entertainment.
Financial information is turned into entertainment on “The Dave Ramsey Show” when Dave turns debt into the enemy. He doesn’t simply walk you through the steps to become debt free. Dave helps you find that burning desire to escape the shackles of debt. He makes you envision the possibility of “living like no one else”. His help becomes engaging entertainment. That is the reason his show is extremely popular and he is very wealthy.
Our shows can be powerful when we build relationships and move our listeners with a call to action. Those relationships happen when we move beyond information to engaging entertainment.
REVIEW YOUR SHOW
Review your show on a regular basis. Actually listen like a listener. That is the only way to improve.
Many hosts finish recording a show and think, “That was pretty good. What’s next?” They might recreate parts of the show in their head to determine what might make the show better next time. Usually, there isn’t much time spent actually reviewing a show. There are so many other duties to handle. It’s on to the next thing, which is probably editing, posting, and promoting the show.
In order to make your podcast better, you need to spend quality time listening to the show. Play it back. Grab a pad of paper and write down the parts that jump out at you. Jot down the “oh wow” moments. Take note of the sections that didn’t work exactly as you planned.
You will only find these moments when you listen like a listener. The show will sound much different to you when you listen back than it did as you were recording it. You will hear things you didn’t notice as you were focused on creating the content. Words that you overuse will suddenly become noticeable to you.
Once you have created the lists of good and not-so-good, create two more lists. First, determine how can you create more of the “oh wow” moments on the show. How might you incorporate into the show more of the great content that worked? Second, make a list of ways you can eliminate the parts that weren’t polished enough.
Get on the road to show improvement. Review your show on a regular basis.
To Do This Week
1. Be yourself. Tell a story on your podcast this week that will reveal something about you.
2. Do everything in your own style. Start by defining that style.
3. Move beyond information by defining what is in it for your listener. Stir emotion.
4. Review a past episode while actually listening like a listener.
I’d love to help you with your podcast. E-mail any questions or comments you might have to Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
I’m Erik K. Johnson, founder of Podcast Talent Coach. I help people refine their content to transform their information into engaging entertainment so that they can convert their podcast audience into powerful, profitable relationships.
Have you ever struggled with your confidence to launch or record an episode of your podcast? Have you worried that you were just pretending to know what you’re doing? That someone might find out that you didn’t really belong amongst the podcast professionals?
I’ve been there. I was at that point when I started in broadcasting. While in college getting my degree in architecture, I became a party DJ to make some extra cash. Music had always been a big part of my life. I had been a musician since I was 11. However, I had wanted to be an architect since 6th grade. Getting my architecture degree was never in question.
Around my junior year of architecture school, I started becoming disenchanted with the field. It was then that I picked up a part time summer job at a radio station where my brother worked. Just to make some extra cash. As my passion for architecture waned, my passion for radio grew. Next thing you know, I’m taking classes in the College of Journalism and becoming the music director of the college radio station.
My music director position at the college station turned into another part time commercial radio job. That position eventually became full time.
Architecture was still part of my life. I was nearly done with my degree and didn’t want to throw it all away at that point. So, I finished my degree in architecture and continued to work in radio. Oddly enough, my only architecture job came while I was still in high school.
When I began in radio, the impostor syndrome heavily kicked in. I had an architecture background. What right did I have to be on the radio? Who was I to think I was in a position to be amongst these radio guys who had been doing it for many, many years and had paid their dues. I felt like I was playing dress up and pretending to be one of them. It took me years to get over that and build the confidence to perform on a daily basis.
After doing it for 25 years, I got to the point where I was programming multiple radio stations at the same time. Some of those station were recognized with national awards from the National Association of Broadcasters. The stations ranked #1 quite often. My own show was regularly #1. I built the confidence within myself to deliver content that was compelling and connected with my audience.
When I launched my podcast, I quickly went back to the beginning. The impostor syndrome kicked in again. Who was I to think I could build a successful podcast amongst these greats that had been doing it for years? Dave Jackson at the School of Podcasting has been podcasting since 2005. I’m just starting. How can I possibly think I belong in the same arena as Dave?
Then, I started thinking about my story. I had been here before. That helped me shake the impostor syndrome and put out my content.
That’s what I want to help you do. I want to be that cheerleader for you if you don’t have the history that I have to overcome that little voice inside your head doubting your ability. You can do it. You belong. You have just as much authority on your opinion as anyone. Let’s get it out to the world.
It is fairly simple to set up a mic, mixer and laptop, load up some software and record some audio. Setting up a website with WordPress, creating a Libsyn account and posting a show isn’t very complicated. Even if you are not very technically savvy, there are great people like Dave Jackson and the School of Podcasting that can help you with every step along the way. He even has a great class at www.HowToPodcast.com. You’ll have a podcast launched in 6 weeks.
Creating the platform is only the first step. Creating great content is up to you. Your content isn’t something you can outsource. You need to find the confidence to put your thoughts and feelings out into the world.
How do I bootstrap to begin? Make it simple. Get an inexpensive microphone, like a $60 ATR-2100 or a $99 Blue Yetti. Pick up an inexpensive mixer like a $99 Yamaha 4-channel. Get a free WordPress site. Create a Libsyn account for $15 a month. You’ll need a computer and some free Audacity software. If you already have a laptop, you’re up and running for under $200. Again, Dave Jackson has a whole list of recommendations for you at www.SchoolOfPodcasting.com. I leave the technical stuff up to him.
My goal is to transform your content and beef up your confidence.
So, how do you define your niche? Will anybody really care? It is easy for the impostor syndrome to sneak in here. Your internal impostor will tell you nobody cares about that topic. Your niche is too small and nobody will come. You’ll be talking to yourself.
Fight it. Your niche size doesn’t matter as much as the passion of the niche community. If you have a group of people that are passionate about and loyal to a particular subject, run with it.
The more narrowly you target your niche the better. If you are interested in fishing, pick a small niche. If you love fly fishing, but create your show around fishing in general, you will find it tough to build loyalty. If your show is only on fly fishing, you will primarily attract those interested in fly fishing. The niche is smaller than fishing in general. However, every show will be of interest to your audience.
If your show is “The Fishing Show” and all about fishing, you’ll be hit and miss. One week you talk about fly fishing. The next week you discuss deep sea fishing. Now, you fly fisher friends only get what they seek on occasion. You aren’t catering specifically to them. People will only check our your show now and then. You will find it difficult to build a passionate tribe.
The audience for “The Fishing Show” looks like a bigger audience than “The Fly Fishing Show”. But, it is deceiving. The passion lies in the niche.
Be confident in your topic. You will start slowly. But, it will grow. Stay the course.
How do you get ready? How do you overcome the pre-launch jitters? Planning your podcast will help relieve a bit of the anxiety. If you know where you’re going, you can stay focused on the goal and fight through the self doubt. Plan your show before you begin.
Let’s discuss the 5 Speech class basics and how they pertain to your show.
1. Lead with a provocative point – capture their attention right at the beginning.
2. Dazzle with details – make the story come to life.
3. Take the first exit – Get out when you have the first opportunity.
4. Don’t repeat yourself and overstay your welcome – In talk radio, it’s called the call circle.
5. Include a call to action – this is the whole reason you’re doing a podcast and creating a tribe.
Have confidence in your content. Fight the impostor syndrome. Do all you can to push forward and get your content out.
When you plan your show, it makes it easier to stay focused on the goal. Know what you hope to communicate on this episode. Lay out how you plan to communicate that information. Then, define your intro, details and exit. Define your call-to-action and determine where you plan to incorporate it into the show.
Now, all you need to do is record the show and post it for the world to hear. The more work you do ahead of recording, the easier it is to believe in yourself while the show is rolling. Remember, because it is fun is the main reason you are podcasting. Enjoy the process.
This week, plan your show.
Determine the topics for the show.
Lay out your intro, details and conclusion for each topic.
