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Podcast

Podcast Launch Case Study – PTC 344

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When you go through a podcast launch, there are pitfalls to avoid. Creating a strategy for your show early is a critical piece to ensure your podcast helps attract your ideal clients and drives your business.

On this episode, I want to take you through a launch case study to help you discover a few things you might tighten up with your show.

PODCAST LAUNCH

If you do not have a podcast yet, you could launch in a weekend. I am holding a 3-day workshop that will get your podcast launched in a weekend.

During this workshop, you will discover how to build a solid podcast that will attract your ideal listeners. You won’t just learn how to record, edit and publish your podcast. I will take your hand and walk you through it during this workshop.

You will learn how to properly conduct interviews that will benefit you. We will create your marketing strategy to grow your audience. By the end of the weekend, you will refine your personality to create engaging entertainment that will attract your ideal clients.

If you would like to launch your podcast in 3 days, enroll at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/start.

This 3-day workshop happens Friday through Sunday, July 16th through the 18th. You will publish your podcast by the end of the workshop.

STRATEGY

Your podcast can be a powerful tool when you are trying to attract your ideal clients. You need to decide how your podcast fits into your plan.

I like to start with the end in mind.

Let’s say you are a coach looking to attract clients. How might your podcast bring those potential clients into the top of your funnel.

Well, you need to decide what your funnel looks like before you can answer that questions.

How do you enroll clients? You could use a webinar. Strategy or discovery calls is an option. Clients could discover you by seeing you on a summit or stage. They might hear you on another podcast.

Once those potential clients discover you, where do they go for more information? This is where you send them to your lead magnet or directly to your podcast.

I like sending people to a lead magnet first. Let’s capture their information so we can invite them to listen to the podcast.

If you invite them to your podcast while giving an interview on another show, you get one opportunity to invite. If you invite them to grab your lead magnet, you can then use your e-mail to invite them to listen many times.

Once they begin listening to your podcast, they begin to know what you are all about. They can decide if they like how you teach and what you have to offer. Your podcast is all about building report with your listeners.

On your show, you can offer listeners more help and opportunities to get what you have to offer. When the time is right for them, they can sign up to work with you as a coach and become a client.

This is the sort of process you need to develop if you want to use your podcast to grow your business. Start with the end in mind and determine how your podcast fits into that strategy.

PODCAST LAUNCH CASE STUDY

Sadie came to me to launch her podcast “Meathead Test Kitchen” with her co-host Sausha. They wanted to create a show around their healthy eating and workout products.

Demonstrating your products, courses and books is a great way to make money with your podcast. This is like a weekly webinar, but your prospects actually subscribe to it.

How great is that? Your listeners ask for it every week! Give them a sample of your stuff. Then, tell them where to buy it.

This is like a long infomercial for your stuff without the slimy feel. You are offering help and showing your ideal clients how to get more.

Do you have a book or course you could demonstrate on your show? Your own little home shopping network … and your ideal clients are subscribing.

This is what Sadie and Sausha do on the Meathead Test Kitchen podcast. Sadie followed my Podcast Fast Blueprint to launch her show in 30 days. Now, they demonstrate products and direct people to their website to buy them. Some of these products are their own products. Some are affiliate products.

On this episode, we talk to Sadie about her launch experience, how she is growing her show and using it to build her business. Enjoy.

PODCAST LAUNCH WORKSHOP

If you do not have a podcast yet, you could launch in a weekend. Join us for a 3-day workshop that will get your podcast launched in a weekend.

During this workshop, you will discover how to build a solid podcast that will attract your ideal listeners. You won’t just learn how to record, edit and publish your podcast. I will take your hand and walk you through it during this workshop.

You will learn how to properly conduct interviews that will benefit you. We will create your marketing strategy to grow your audience. By the end of the weekend, you will refine your personality to create engaging entertainment that will attract your ideal clients.

If you would like to launch your podcast in 3 days, enroll at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/start.

This 3-day workshop happens Friday through Sunday, July 16th through the 18th. You will publish your podcast by the end of the workshop.

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/start. Join us for the 3-day workshop and get your podcast launched in a weekend.

Podcast

6 Steps To Start A Podcast – PTC 338

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If you want to start a podcast, don’t make it harder than it needs to be. Follow these 6 steps and you can launch a podcast in 30 days.

The first thing you need to remember is patients.

FISH

Download numbers are is like a fishing stories. The fish in the story is always bigger than the actual fish.

Many podcasters twist the numbers and inflate their stats to make their downloads look better.

A podcaster might say, “I am getting 3,000 downloads.” That could be true.

It could also be true that our podcaster is doing a daily show that gets 100 downloads with each episode. When added together, the show had 3,000 downloads total last month.

The statistic is true, yet a bit misleading.

Here is the truth. The median number of downloads for an episode is 121.

Yes, not 1,210. One hundred twenty one.

First, a math refresher before the details. To calculate the median, you stack up all of the numbers smallest to largest. The one right in the middle is the median number.

This means 50% are higher and 50% are lower than the median number. It is the middle.

“The Feed” is the official podcast of podcast audio host Libsyn. Each month on the show, VP of Podcast Relations for Libsyn Rob Walch presents the actual numbers.

This data is based on active shows hosted on Libsyn released in the month of March 2021. Downloads are measured to the end of April 2021.

For the month of March 2021, according to Rob, the median number of downloads for an episode of an active podcast on Libsyn is 121 downloads.

This means if your podcast is getting 121 downloads, you are doing better than half of actively published podcasts on Libsyn.

For perspective, only 6.2% of the active shows are getting over 5,000 downloads during that period.

Getting 1,000 per episode would put you in the top 20%.

2,800 downloads would make you better than 90% of the active podcasts.

Only 5% of active shows get more than 6,600 downloads per episode.

Next time you compare yourself to another show, keep these numbers in mind.

6 STEPS TO START A PODCAST

There are 6 steps to launch your podcast. Those are purpose, program, platform, produce, promote, and profit.

Let’s take each of these one by one.

PURPOSE

Define your why. Without a strong why, it will be difficult to find the motivation to produce every week.

PROGRAM

Define your topic. Make sure it is something you can talk about for hours on end.

PLATFORM

What will be the structure of your podcast? You can choose interview, solo show, multiple hosts, magazine style or a variety of these. Then, develop a show clock.

PRODUCE

Record your show. Use Audacity (free) or Hindenburg (paid). Record your interviews with Zoom. Edit the audio, and export it as an .mp3. Post it on your audio host and website for your potential clients to enjoy.

PROMOTE

Don’t believe if you build it they will come. It doesn’t happen that way. Tell everyone about it. Find ways to get in front of new listeners.

PROFIT

Build a system to monetize your podcast. Use your podcast to build authority and relationships. Send your listeners to your e-mail list and nurture the relationship even further. Be sure you have something to sell.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The other important piece you need is an accountability partner. You’ve been wanting to start a podcast, but haven’t pulled the trigger.

Anne joined me in my Podcast Fast Blueprint program. She said she wanted to start a podcast for a long time. She just never pulled the trigger.

After going through the program and launching her show in 30 days, she finally accomplished her goal.

She said the program was so helpful. Anne just needed someone pushing her to get it across the line.

That is the power of accountability. Sometimes we have a desire to do something. We just need that accountability partner to help push us to get it done.

That’s what Podcast Fast Blueprint can do for you. Are you ready to launch your show? Would you like to see if Podcast Fast Blueprint makes sense for you?

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.

Podcast

What You Need To Launch A Podcast – PTC 329

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Launching a podcast doesn’t need to be difficult. Many gurus make you think it takes a lot of technical knowledge and magic powder. Today, I am going to show you how easy it can be to launch your podcast.

Even if you have a podcast, you’ll find some tips here today that will make it even easier for you to succeed.

CHALLENGES

Let’s start with the challenges. There are 3 big challenges that coaches face as they try to build their podcast and audience.

– The first is making it more complicated than it needs to be.

– They don’t have a roadmap

– They don’t know where to start

Let’s take these one at a time.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Don’t make it complicated. You don’t need to be a tech guru to create a podcast.

Start by recording your episode in audio software. Then, edit it. Editing a podcast is like editing a word document. Highlight and delete. If you need help here, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/editing.

Next, export the file as an .mp3. This is just like saving a document as a .pdf. Click “file” and “export”. Some audio software has an export button that makes it really easy.

You then upload your file to your audio host, such as Libsyn. This is just like uploading a photo to Facebook. Your audio host stores your audio. You can get a free month by using the code PTC at www.Libsyn.com.

Embed the audio player and episode on your website. Just copy and paste the code.

Finally, be sure your show is linked to Apple Podcasts and the others. This involves coping the address from your audio host and pasting it on the platform. You only need to do this once.

That’s it. You have a podcast.

Now, producing your podcast is just one of the 6 parts. Most gurus will teach you maybe 2 parts. You need all 6 for a successful podcast. I’ll show you those in a bit.

SPENDING MONEY

You also don’t need to spend a ton of money to podcast.

The #1 mistake most people make when they are launching is spending way too much on equipment and making it more complicated than is necessary. You don’t need a professional studio.

Start with a few inexpensive pieces of gear. You probably already have a computer available.

You need a decent USB microphone that you can plug right into your computer. That will cost you about $75.

You need some headphones. You probably already have a pair of earbuds laying around your home.

Get some editing software. You can get Audacity for free on the internet or use Garage Band on your Mac. I really like Hindenburg Journalist. That will cost you about $100.

If you are going to do interviews, you can record those using free resources like Zoom, Skype or something similar.

Can you spend more? Sure, but why? Don’t complicate it with a mixer and bunch of cables. Don’t go spend $300 on a mic. Just get started.

ROADMAP

Next, many podcasters don’t have a roadmap for success.

One secret most gurus don’t tell you is that getting listeners isn’t enough. You need to develop a plan to keep them listening.

Many podcast gurus teach you how to create a podcast. Record your interview. Convert it to an .mp3. Upload it to your host. You have a podcast. Now what?

Some may even teach you how to get a few listeners. But, that is where most people teaching podcast stop.

The problem is … if you keep putting water in a bucket with holes in the bottom, it becomes very difficult to increase the amount of water in the bucket.

The same is true with your podcast. If you keep adding listeners, but they don’t stick around, your audience and authority won’t grow.

If you want to use a podcast to grow your business and authority, you need to build it on a solid foundation and strategy.

STRATEGY

Earlier I told you there were 6 steps to a successful podcast. 

My Podcast Fast Blueprint teaches you all 6 steps. Those steps are Purpose, Program, Platform, Produce, Promote and Profit.

Producing your show is only one piece.

Your purpose is your why. Without a solid why, you won’t stick with it. Creating a podcast every week will soon seem like a chore.

Find your inspiration with a strong why.

Your program is your niche. This is what you will talk about. It better be something you love and can talk about for hours. This makes creating content so much easier.

Your platform is the format of your show. Will your show be solo, interview, magazine, documentary, two-person or some other format?

We’ve talked about producing. Record, edit, export, post.

Promote is all about attracting your listeners. This is how you bring fans to your show and keep them listening.

Finally, profit from your efforts. Money doesn’t fall from the sky. You need to build an audience and have a strategy.

Six steps. It doesn’t need to be any harder than that.

WHERE TO START

The third challenge many would-be podcasters face is that they don’t know where to start. Let me show you.

What would it mean to your business if you had an easy way to connect to the big fish that were your ideal clients? You could serve them and help them by inviting them on your show and nurture the relationship. Another powerful way to attract your ideal clients.

Let’s talk about using a podcast to drive your business. You have been trying to find unique ways to reach your potential clients. Over the last few minutes we’ve been together, I hope you have written down a few ideas how you might incorporate a podcast into your marketing plan.

How great would it be to be able to talk directly to your ideal client every week and have them request it? They actually subscribe to hear you demonstrate your authority in the space.

You have the steps that can help you. By now, you know how I communicate. You know how I teach. Let’s figure out what you are doing right and find ways to do more of that.

Here’s what I know. If you want another level of success in your business, you’re gonna need help. There’s no way to get different results by doing the same thing. There’s no way you’re gonna get to another level on your own. You need help, and I’d like to be that help.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

That’s why I am so excited to offer you this opportunity to get into my Podcast Fast Blueprint launch program. This will help you get your podcast launched in 30 days or less.

Launching a podcast is much easier than you think if you know the roadmap. It takes a lot less time than you can imagine. And, it is much more effective than other content methods at attracting and creating powerful relationships with your ideal clients. 

So, let me offer you some help. What would it mean if you were able to get in front of your ideal clients each and every week? Not only that, but your ideal clients actually subscribe and ask to hear from you every week?

This is like a weekly webinar with a built-in audience. What would that do to your coaching business? That is the power of a podcast.

How quickly could you grow your influence and authority in your niche if you were talking to and teaching your potential clients each and every week? That is the power of a podcast.

How would you like me to help you launch a podcast of your own in 30 days? I will walk you through the process step-by-step.

I have a coaching program where I will walk your through the entire process. You will have your podcast launched in 30 days if you do the work consistently. No guessing. I will lay it out for you. You simply need to take the action.

It is called the Podcast Fast Blueprint. And classes are getting ready to start. I’d love to have you join us.

WHAT YOU GET

The coaching includes six weekly group calls with me to teach you the process, to ensure you are taking the right steps and to get all of your questions answered.

This program will give you access to the Podcast Fast Blueprint online portal that will include the recorded calls and plenty of resources that will show you the steps and walk you through the podcast launch checklist. We will record video of the calls and put them inside of the member area, so you can access them again when you need them.

You will also be able to download audio recording of the calls, so you can take them with you and listen on your time. This is just like a private podcast of the teachings. Listen to them whenever you’d like at your convenience.

On top of the 6 weekly calls, you will get the step-by-step Podcast Fast Blueprint to build a successful podcast that not only demonstrates your authority, but attracts clients as well. This process is laid out in the Podcast Talent Coach worksheets that took me 30 years in radio and podcasting to learn, develop and perfect.

This formula is inside of the Podcast Fast Blueprint modules that walk you through creating your content and connecting to your ideal clients. You will learn all of the things necessary to launch in 30 days and start attracting clients.

You will also get lifetime access to our closed group where you can share ideas, get additional support and ask any other questions you might have. Most importantly, you get a system you can follow to launch in 30 days.

In order to ensure you get the attention you need and deserve, I will also give you a personal one-on-one call at the end of the program to develop your audience growth plan after you have launched.

THE VALUE

Total value of this program is thousands and thousand of dollars. But your tuition isn’t nearly that.

People usually pay $1,500 for just the process itself without the recordings, support group, and all of the other components. You won’t pay that either.

You can get full details at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/start. I’m not giving the price here, because it could change at any time. This podcast will be around for years. You can see the current structure, bonuses, and price and find the enrollment link at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/Start.

If you don’t have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you through the entire process to launching your podcast in 30 days or less, you owe it to yourself to check this out. Stop suffering through the trial and error. Stop beating yourself up with “someday”. Make that “someday” today.

Of course there is a guarantee. In fact, there are two guarantee. First, if you take action and do the work, and you are not launched in 30 days, I will coach you for free until you have your podcast launched.

And, I’ll give you a 30-day money back guarantee. If you get into it and within the first 30 days you realize this isn’t for you, I’ll give you your money back with no questions. What do you have to lose?

WHAT WOULD IT MEAN?

Just think, what would it mean to your business if you could get in front of your clients each and every week? Not only that, but your ideal clients actually subscribe and ask to hear from you every week? This is like a weekly webinar with subscribers and a built-in audience.

What would that do to your influence and authority? Podcasting could double in the next 5 years. 90 million people in the U.S. alone have listened to a podcast in the past month, and it is only getting bigger. Now is the time to start.

Come check out the program and get enrolled. Make today your day. Visit www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/Start.

When you join today, you will get instant access to the entire content in the portal. Plus, you will get all of the templates and documents you need to launch your podcast.

THE MODULES

You can start studying today. You can begin in module one by defining your show focus and developing your ideal client.

Each step has homework that you will submit in the private group for feedback.

As we go through this journey, you will begin creating your podcast step-by-step one step at a time. Module 2 will show you how to structure you show, prepare for each episode and how to interview.

Then, module 3 will teach you improve your show and process.

Module 4 shows you how to use your content to attract your clients and so on. You will have your podcast launched in 30 days.

We will begin the live calls soon. So, right now when you take action and join the program, you can get started and be on the path to launch your show in 30 days.

You’ve been saying, “One day I’ll launch my podcast.” One day is just a pipe dream unless you set a deadline and take action.

Here is your chance to launch your show in 30 days. Join the program to today and make today your “one day”.

Make a big impact in your business and in your life. Begin growing your authority and demonstrating your expertise.

Get enrolled at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/Start.

I am excited to work with you. Be sure to take advantage of the exclusive offer today and check out the bonuses.

Let’s get you launched in the next 30 days. I can’t wait to help you launch. Get the details at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/start.

I’ll see you in the program.

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

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

Don’t Wait For Perfect – PTC311

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Let’s look back over the past 12 months. What are you working on that isn’t quite yet launched? Don’t wait for perfect. Ship it.

Some of my greatest accomplishments happened when I was pushed along before I felt I was 100% ready. I wasn’t perfect, but I started.

TRY IT

It was August 1994. I was working at the big rock radio station in my hometown. The gig was only overnights. But, it was full-time and in the big city.

That night, we were having our annual birthday bash for the station. This was a big concert to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the station.

This particular concert featured REO Speedwagon, Starship and Cheap Trick. Three bands that were a bit past their prime, but still big staples on album rock radio.

At this point, I had been in radio for about 6 years. I have been to plenty of concerts. However, this was our show. And it was at the 8,000-seat arena in town.

Starship had just got off the stage. REO was the only band left to play. That’s when the program director said, “Let’s go. We’re going to welcome the crowd and introduce the band.”

Now, I have never had the desire to be on stage. I’ve never wanted to be a public speaker. In fact, speaking in front of a crowd made me incredibly nervous like it does with most people.

My boss grabs the entire on-air staff, about 12 of us, and we head on stage. The crowd sees us and goes crazy.

The morning show takes the mic and says hi. Another roar from the crowd. They thank the rockers for coming out on that particular night to help us celebrate. Another cheer.

THE BIG CHEER

That’s when it happened.

The morning guys begin to introduce the entire staff. One by one, they go down the line pointing out the DJ and getting a cheer from the crowd.

My show is on the radio right before them. They have kind of taken me under their wing.

As they get to me, they give me a little longer intro with some brotherly kind of love and the crowd gives me a cheer a bigger than I expected.

That felt good. My butterflies went away. My chest puffed up just a bit.

That’s when I realized what I had been missing. There is a point where my anxiousness turned into exhilaration.

Where I had once feared speaking to a crowd, I learned that it might just be something I would come to love.

Sure, the butterflies are still there before I step out. But, it is more like the butterflies you experience right before you get to the top of the rollercoaster hill. You know what is on the other side, but it’s still a little scary.

Suddenly you’re in the middle of it absorbing it all. Taking it all in. You just need to get over the top of the hill.

This year, give something a try that you’ve been avoiding due to fear. You won’t know you love it until you try.

So few people are willing to push past the top of the hill. You can discover a whole new world if you just push yourself to try something new.

JUMP

Next, jump.

It was April 2013. I was just launching Podcast Talent Coach. The show was still a blog and not yet a podcast.

I was writing for New Media Expo. They were using my posts on their website as part of their podcasting section.

The whole business was still coming together. The gurus all made it sound so easy. Create all of these multiple streams of income and you’d be rich before you knew it.

Unfortunately, I didn’t know much about the tech. I was a radio guy. I knew content. Figuring out an RSS feed and a funnel and a shopping cart was all a little beyond my reach.

My blog posts contained my e-mail address and an offer for coaching. I didn’t yet know what that coaching would look like. I just knew I could help people shape their content and create stronger shows.

Then one day I received an e-mail.

Ken reached out and told me his wife found my blog. Ken was on the radio and needed help improving his show.

He and I agreed to jump on a Skype call and devise a plan. We chatted for about 90 minutes. At the end, we had a plan to help him reach his goals.

The next day, I e-mailed Ken an agreement recapping what I would provide and what he would pay. He sent me that first payment as a money order. We started coaching.

Was it perfect? Was the funnel optimized? Heck no. I didn’t even know what a funnel was at this point.

We just made an agreement, he paid me and we got started.

Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Jump. Perfect is a pipe dream.

THE SHARKS

Finally, get started.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Collaborate. It was an amazing event where I made a ton of great connections.

Two weeks before Collaborate, the organizers were recruiting people to participate in Shark Attack.

During this part of the event, five people will make their pitch to a group of high level, online marketers with the hopes of getting those marketers to promote them to their list.

Shark Attack is an opportunity to really get to the next level and play big time.

Now, I was nowhere ready to apply for Shark Attack. My funnel wasn’t perfect. The Audience Explosion Blueprint didn’t have mounds of data to support the conversion numbers. I hadn’t done really big JV launches in the past.

Why would these big players ever want to promote me?

As I was talking with my coach, we discussed where I was and where I wanted to go. We chatted about the last webinar I did and how it converted.

She finally said, “Erik, you’re ready. Go for it.”

I said, “Are you sure?” Then I brought up all of the excuses. My funnel, my data, my history.

She assured me that all of that would be fine. It would never be perfect. I just needed to start.

At 11pm the night before the deadline, I prepared my pitch and shot the audition video. I hit the submit button and went to bed.

Two days later there was a prep call for the event. On this call, the organizers get everybody ready to network and connect. To get the event to run well, they explain everything you need to know to get the most out of the event.

During this call, the 5 participants for Shark Attack are announced.

THE WINNERS ARE …

When they got to the list of five participants, I heard my name called. I would be pitching to the sharks.

We had no idea who they would be. We only knew we would have two minutes to make our pitch and get the sharks interested in promoting our programs.

There was now less than four days to refine and perfect my pitch and figure out how to get these people to promote me. I would be pitching as hundreds of other online marketers watched. The sharks would then have 15 minutes to ask me questions and pick apart my idea.

When the day came for Shark Attack, the sharks turned out to be Jeanna Gabellini, Rob Goyette, Debbie Allen, Alex Mandossian, Michelle Schubnel, and Alex Moscow. All very big players in online marketing.

Names of the participants were drawn in random order. As the first few went, it was just as you would expect. Questions came quickly. Plans weren’t quite refined. Lots of inquiries about the numbers. It was rough.

MY TURN

Name after name was called. It quickly became obvious that I would be last. After the first four went through the process, it was my turn to make the pitch.

I wasn’t sure if waiting was more difficult or if going last actually benefitted my by seeing the others go first. The feedback they received helped me refine my pitch just a touch.

It was finally time. I made my two minute pitch and asked for the partnership. Immediately, Debbie Allen said, “I’m in.”

We were off to a good start. Then, Alex Mandossian chimed in. He told me he didn’t understand the promise I was making or what my clients would receive.

All of a sudden, the sharks were arguing amongst themselves. Michelle thought it was perfectly clear. Jeanna wasn’t quite convinced. Moscow really liked the idea. Rob doesn’t like podcasting, but thought his audience would be a fit.

It all came in a flurry. I answered questions as fast and as best as I could.

That fifteen minutes passed quickly. It was exhilarating. It was also a lot of pressure.

At the end of it all, four said they were in. The other two said they would be willing to have another conversation.

Wow! I went into this unsure of my ability and feeling unprepared. If it hadn’t been for my coach pushing me to try it anyway, I would have missed out. I wouldn’t have these incredible opportunities sitting in front of me ready to make 2021 an amazing year for me.

Sure, it’s scary. Sure, you don’t feel like you’re ready. It will always be scary. It will always feel like it could be better and more ready.

If you want to make big things happen in the next year, acknowledge the fear. Then, do it anyway. Take the first step.

THE NEXT STEP

Are you ready to make 2021 an incredible year? Now is the time to get started.

You won’t know you love it until you try.

Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Jump.

Acknowledge the fear. Then, do it anyway.

I have told you about my Audience Explosion Blueprint. You can get an incredible deal right now for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The two biggest shopping days of the year are coming. If you want to explode your audience over the next year, you can get in now with this deal.

Since it is available for a limited time, and since this podcast will be around for a very long time, I have posted the deal on the website. If the deal is still good, you will find it at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/BlackFriday.

Rocky grew his audience by 100% by going through the program. If you want to play big in 2021, get in on this now. Even if you don’t have a podcast yet, this will make even more sense for you.

Check it out at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/BlackFriday.

 

Whatever you do, make 2021 big. Get started. Use these three tips to reach your goals and live your dreams.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

The Power of Podcast Partners – PTC 306

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Whether you are looking to grow your audience or build a business around your podcast, there are few things as powerful as podcast partners.

Partners create a win-win situation where both sides benefit. You simply need to walk into the relationship seeking to help the other side win. Find the right people and you will be reaching your goals faster than ever.

COLLABORATE

I’m excited to once again be part of the legendary, virtual, live event called COLLABORATE. It is happening once again!

Get the full details and register at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/collaborate.

You’re going to love this event. It is a cutting-edge, results-oriented experience. It was created by the amazing team at JV Insider Circle (JVIC), who also brought you the annual JV Experience (JVX) Summit, which is the world’s #1 joint venture summit.

In order to design the ultimate event, the JVIC team analyzed mountains of feedback and gigabytes of successful collaborative partnerships generated among attendees from their many past events, both live and virtual.

The result is COLLABORATE. It is an event with everything the revered JVX Summit has to offer, but supercharged!

See full event details, read the many testimonials and register at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/collaborate.

3-DAY EVENT

During this 3-day live online event you will connect with hundreds of top coaches, entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, program leaders & owners of podcasts, radio shows, and other live or virtual events, who are all interested in promoting your podcast, products & programs. This is where you find real podcast partners.

You will have the opportunity to join the many Networking Circles and meet industry leaders & influencers from around the world. These are 20 minute breakout session with about 8 experts where you introduce yourself and see if you are a good fit.

If networking events make you uncomfortable, there is no worry. Iman Aghay will teach you exactly how to introduce yourself and how to describe what would make a good partner for you.

Your pitch is 2 minutes and you refine it in each circle of 8 people. There is no pressure. You don’t need to awkwardly walk up to anyone to strike up a conversation. It is all right there is a small Zoom meeting.

I met about 120 people at my first Collaborate. Of those, 40 were potential partners who fit what I do. At the last one, I was much more particular with whom I wanted to partner. I still found 20.

As you can tell, I am a huge fan of this event. That is why I have attended multiple times and became an affiliate. It did amazing things for my growth.

How powerful would that be for you?

During the event, you will get feedback and hone your pitches in front of small groups and live coaches. This will help you ensure your message is on target.

You will learn valuable knowledge and proven practical tools from guest speakers during the event. This is just a small part of the 3 days. You spend most of the time networking with others in a way that is step-by-step for you.

Get one-on-one coaching help to find more collaborating partners to promote your podcast, products & programs. You get 2 coaching sessions to ensure your partner pitch is fine-tuned.

GET IN NOW

You get it all for $47. Where else can you get this kind of powerful event where you can meet so many potential partners? Don’t miss this epic supercharged event!

Get registered at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/Collaborate.

Let’s talk about what collaboration can do for you.

PODCAST PARTNERS POWER

We already talked about how you can help each other. Find new potential partners and ask, “How can I support you?” Ask often enough and you will create some incredible relationships.

Create a calendar to properly promote each of you partners. Before you begin filling your calendar with partners, lay in your own promotions. Know exactly when you want to attract clients or launch your courses. Block out that time on the calendar. Then, fill it with partners.

There four big ways podcast partners can help you reach your goals.

PODCAST PARTNERS PROMOTE

  • Interview swaps
  • Promo swaps
  • Newsletter swaps
  • Facebook Live swaps
  • Social shares

PROMOTE PRODUCT, SERVICE, COURSE

  • Launch
  • Mentions
  • Highlights
  • Bonus offer

CONTRIBUTOR

  • Course contributor
  • Episode contributor
  • Email content

COLLABORATION

  • Connections
  • Ideas
  • Inspiration

FIND PODCAST PARTNERS

Come join me at COLLABORATE. You’re going to love this event. It is truly a results-oriented experience. If you want to supercharge your relationships and find podcast partners, this will be the best $47 you spend all year.

During this 3-day live online event you will connect with hundreds of top coaches, entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, program leaders & owners of podcasts, radio shows, and other live or virtual events, who are all interested in promoting your podcast, products & programs. This is where you find real podcast partners.

Get the details at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/collaborate. I’ll see you there.

 

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

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

Revisit – How To Start A Podcast – PTC294

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This week I am traveling. I got caught with only my laptop. Which got me thinking … what do you need to start a podcast? Follow these 6 easy steps and learn how to start a podcast.

WHY NOW?

I have been chatting with many coaches and online entrepreneurs over the past few months. So many of them mention that they are starting a podcast in a month or two.

Perfectionism is the one thing that holds so many people back from starting anything. Dan Miller of “48 Days To The Work You Love” often says, “If you wait for all of the stoplights to turn green before you go, you will never get started.”

Things will never be perfect. Start. Launch. Learn. Refine. Improve. Continue.

NOBODY STARTS AT THE TOP

That is the only way you will achieve big things. Very few people start at the top.

Over the next few weekends, my son is attending a few team tryouts. He is a 16-year-old ice hockey goaltender. He is trying out for teams comprised of 16- to 20-year-olds. I’m proud of the way he is showing up and competing.

We understand it is a long shot that he will make one of these teams. However, he is learning so much about what it takes to be the best at this level.

You can do the same. But, only if you start. Take action and start the journey.

If you want one of the best podcasts in your niche, get started.

If you want a successful online business or coaching practice, get started.

SOME FREE TRAINING

This weekend, I was listening to a training by my coach. He said, “If your first effort fails, you don’t want to fail in front of a crowd of thousands. Get started with what you have.”

When you start your podcast, be happy that the audience is small. This is the best arena for learning. Episode 50 will be much better than episode 1. But, only if you actually start and record episode 1.

If you haven’t launched your show yet, I am holding a free, online training on Saturday, August 1. It is called “How To Launch A Podcast In 30 Days To Attract Your Ideal Clients.” If you would like to attend from the comfort of your home, you can get the details at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/launchtraining.

During this free training, you will discover:

1- The 3 Ps necessary for every successful podcast

2- How to use a podcast to attract your ideal clients

3- A step-by-step process to launch your show in 30 days

A year ago, I recorded an episode that teaches you the 6 steps to get your podcast up and running in 30 days. Stop waiting for perfection and start.

If I can record an episode in my car with a pair of earbuds, you can use whatever you have at home. Just get started.

Today, I want to revisit that episode. It was originally released last September. This will help you get started.

If you would like my help getting started, be sure to get registered for the free training at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/launchtraining.

Enjoy the episode and thanks for being here.

– – –

START A PODCAST

It seems so overwhelming. Launching a podcast looks so technical and confusing. What do you need to start a podcast?

It really is much easier than it appears. You can truly have a show up and running in four weeks.

When I was launching my podcast, I had been in radio for a couple decades. I knew how to create a great show.

What I didn’t know was how to get it on the internet, on Apple Podcasts and out to the world. I knew how to create an .mp3, but how do I make that .mp3 an actual podcast?

I watched a ton of YouTube videos. It felt like the more I watched, the more confused I became. It seemed everyone had their opinions without a real “right” answer. I had almost too many options. Which were the best?

6 STEPS TO START A PODCAST

Here are six easy steps to follow to get your podcast up and running. Don’t overthink it. Done is much better than working for perfection.

1. Logo & graphics

Canva

Fiverr

99 Designs

2. Website

WordPress

Hosting

3. Microphone

AudioTechnica ATR2100

Samson Q2U

4. Recording software

Audacity

Hindenburg

5. ID3 tags

An ID3 tag is a data container within an MP3 audio file stored in a prescribed format. The information is used by software like audio players and podcast catchers. For songs, this data usually contains the artist name, song title, year and genre of the audio file. For podcasts, it contains show name, show title, host name, website, and artwork.

ID3 Editor at PA-Software.com

6. Hosting account

Libsyn

Blubrry

JUST START

Hook up your gear. Record your show. Add ID3 tags. Upload it to your podcast host. Post it on your website.

This just gets your podcast out to the world. However, it doesn’t ensure you have great content.

To connect with your audience, you need to define your listener, lay out your mission, develop a show clock and more. You can get my podcast launch checklist at http://podcasttalentcoach.com/podcastlaunch.

Create great content. Spend most of your time promoting your show.

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.

Podcast

Find The Confidence For Your Topic – PTC278

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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.

I would love to help you through this. You can find the confidence. Get details at PodcastTalentCoach.com/whynow.

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.

She is now host of Positive Changes: A Self-Kick Podcast and went through these same issues.

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:

http://shelleyfknight.com

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.

You can get details at PodcastTalentCoach.com/whynow.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

Building Podcast Authority With Cindy J. – PTC277

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I had the opportunity to do a Facebook Live the other day with Cindy J. The Visibility Wiz. We talked about podcasting and why now is a great time to begin building your authority in your space using a podcast.

In this interview, we discussed a few different things regarding podcasting and building an online business.

We talked about why now is the right time to have a podcast. We also discussed why podcasting is a great way to demonstrate your authority and be a leader.

It is a crazy time in the world right now as we battle the coronavirus. We talked about how to address the state of society on your show.

I am part of Cindy J’s Business Success Giveaway. This is an opportunity for you to get over 40 free gifts to help you build a business around your podcast.

You can get 40+ free gifts here: (deadline is April 17, 2020)

www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/40Gifts

In the giveaway, I have three tremendous, free resources for you. Here are the descriptions of those free gifts.

 

21 Simple Steps To Create A Powerful And Profitable Podcast In Less Than 30 Days

Are you ready to launch your podcast?

Get a 21-step checklist to launch your podcast, plus a step-by-step video to walk you through it. Get started creating your podcast today.

This is everything you need to go from idea to published.

Have your podcast published in 4 weeks. By following these easy steps, you’ll be publishing your podcast in no time.

 

7 Ways To Attract Your Ideal Clients By Using A Podcast

Your podcast allows you a great opportunity to demonstrate your authority while talking about a topic that you love. If you structure the focus of your show properly, your podcast can be an amazing tool to drive your business and generate revenue.

Here are 7 ways to attract your ideal clients by using a podcast along with a case study to show you how it can be done.

 

Grow Your Coaching Business By Avoiding The 6 Pitfalls Why Podcasts Don’t Make Money

You have tried to grow your coaching business and make money with your podcast, but nothing seems to be working. You have searched the internet and see many with the same question.

The gurus make it sound so easy. Launch a podcast, create a course, sell it to your audience and vacation in the Bahamas while working your four-hour workweek. What else could there be?

There are a few reasons you are not making money with your podcast. Your audience size probably isn’t one of those reasons.

This quick course will teach you how to avoid the 6 pitfalls that prevent most podcasters from making money with their show. Learn how to avoid the trouble and use your podcast to demonstrate your authority and grow your coaching business.

 

Jump in to get the 40+ free gifts. The giveaway ends on Friday, April 17, 2020. Get in before they are gone.

Here is the link:

http://podcasttalentcoach.com/40gifts

Now is a great time to build your authority with a podcast. Get started today.

You can find Cindy J The Visibility Wiz at CindyJHolbrook.com. Her podcast can be found at www.BizSuccessIn15.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.

Podcast

Your Episode Launch Checklist – PTC268

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When it comes to creating engagement with your podcast, it all starts with the proper preparation. Before you even start recording the episode, you need to determine what you hope to accomplish. This can be accomplished with an episode launch checklist that will help you reach those goals.

The most important piece of your planning is what you will do with the material. How will you make it interesting and unique? Determine where your content will go and how it will create engagement.

12 QUESTIONS

There are twelve questions you should answer before you begin recording.

1. Why is it relevant?

2. How will they care?

3. What is the source?

4. How does source lend credibility?

My example: Steve Goldstein – Amplifi Media

5. What is intriguing?

6. What emotion will it stir?

7. In what context will it be set?

8. Where will the story go? What details will you use?

9. What will they remember?

10. Where will the conversation go next?

11. How will you market it?

12. Write the intriguing intro.

Answer these 12 questions before you record and launch the episode. It will help you reach your goals and create engagement.

I would be honored to help you shape your content. You can get a free strategy session with me at PodcastTalentCoach.com/coaching.

CLEAR CALL-TO-ACTION

The most important part is deciding exactly what you want your audience to do. Then, make sure it is clear to those listening to the show. You should ask them to do only one thing. Don’t make the call-to-action confusing by asking them to do too many things.

If you want to create more engagement with your audience, define what you would like them to do. Be specific, make it easy and ask them to take action.

Don’t let one of the questions hold you back. If you get stuck on one or two, skip it and move to the next. The more questions you answer, the stronger your content will be.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

Be Confident To Launch – PTC259

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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.

  1. Know your why
  2. Determine what you know that most people who were in your spot a few years ago do not know. What is your superpower?
  3. Define your ideal target listener, including their wants, needs, fears and struggles.
  4. Brainstorm 25 topics that you can teach them about your journey to help them overcome their struggles.
  5. Focus on your ideal target listener while recording every episode.
  6. Don’t read your reviews and turn off the comments. Focus on your why.

YOUR CHECKLIST

If you have yet to launch a podcast, you can find my 21 Point Podcast Launch Checklist at PodcastTalentCoach.com/podcastlaunch.

 

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.

Podcast

What Do You Need To Start A Podcast – Episode 248

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It seems so overwhelming. Launching and starting a podcast looks so technical and confusing. What do you need to start a podcast?

START A PODCAST IN 4 WEEKS

It really is much easier than it appears. You can truly have a show up and running in four weeks.

When I was launching my podcast, I had been in radio for a couple decades. I knew how to create a great show.

What I didn’t know was how to get it on the internet, on Apple Podcasts and out to the world. I knew how to create an .mp3, but how do I make that .mp3 an actual podcast?

I watched a ton of YouTube videos. It felt like the more I watched, the more confused I became. It seemed everyone had their opinions without a real “right” answer. I had almost too many options. Which were the best?

6 STEPS TO LAUNCH

Here are six easy steps to follow to get your podcast up and running. Don’t overthink it. Done is much better than working for perfection.

1. Logo & graphics

Canva

Fiverr

99 Designs

2. Website

WordPress

Hosting

3. Microphone

AudioTechnica ATR2100

Samson Q2U

4. Recording software

Audacity

Hindenburg

5. ID3 tags

An ID3 tag is a data container within an MP3 audio file stored in a prescribed format. The information is used by software like audio players and podcast catchers. For songs, this data usually contains the artist name, song title, year and genre of the audio file. For podcasts, it contains show name, show title, host name, website, and artwork.

ID3 Editor at PA-Software.com.

6. Hosting account

Libsyn

Blubrry

 

Hook up your gear. Record your show. Add ID3 tags. Upload it to your podcast host. Post it on your website.

This just gets your podcast out to the world. However, it doesn’t ensure you have great content.

To connect with your audience, you need to define your listener, lay out your mission, develop a show clock and more. You can get my podcast launch checklist to start a podcast at http://podcasttalentcoach.com/podcastlaunch.

Create great content. Spend most of your time promoting your show.

 

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.

Podcast

How Much Prep Is Too Much? Podcast Struggles – Episode 196

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How Much Prep Is Too Much? Podcast Struggles – Episode 196

Podcast Struggles with Prep
Copyright: ximagination / 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, including tips to deal with show prep, relaunching your podcast, growing your audience and more.

RELAUNCH

What 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.

Have a great day!

– Dan

The Coffee Couch

 

EKJ:

What part of starting is giving you a headache, Dan? If we got together in a coaching session, this is where we would start. If we can determine where the aggravation lies, we could work our way around that piece.

Podcasting is a lot of work. You need to create your subject and notes. You need to record the show. Edit the show and create the show notes. Post the episode to your media host. Create the post on your website. Then, you need to attract the audience.

Each step comes with its own unique headaches. You are also starting at ground zero, which looks like a true uphill battle.

Let’s assume you enjoy the process of creating a podcast, but dread the fact that you have no audience. Starting from scratch and building it up again feels like a lot of work.

The first thing we need to do is accept the fact that it doesn’t just seem like it is a lot of work. It is a lot of work.

It isn’t the destination, it is the journey. You don’t want to be the dog that catches the car. Enjoy the run.

Remember when you launched the first time around? Remember the excitement when you got your first few downloads? Do you remember how it felt with you hit the 100 download mark? How about when you received your first e-mail from a listener or comment on an episode?

Here is your chance to experience that excitement all over again. But this time, you have experience from the first time around. You won’t experience the frustration trying to figure things out for the first time.

More joy. Less frustration. Get started and enjoy the journey.

 

IMPOSTER SYNDROME

I think my biggest concern is Imposter Syndrome and then closing the deal on scheduling an interview. I took so much time in planning and pod-crastination that potential guests (50) may have forgotten that they agreed to a chat. I took too much time to learn the technology. You and I chatted on your show about my beginning process MORE THAN A YEAR AGO!

MY QUESTION: How much Show Prep is TOO MUCH PREP?

Being totally nervous about asking for interviews, I wanted to answer EVERY POSSIBLE question and objection, upfront. I prepared a SUPER-detailed show prep sheet to send to potential guests.

– David Freeman

 

EKJ:

50 guests!?! David, let’s get rolling. Start recording.

I completely understand the Impostor Syndrome. The unknown of getting started is the scariest part.

“What if I mess up the interview?” “What if I come off as an amateur?” “What if people find out I don’t know what I’m doing?”

You know more than you realize.

Your interview is simply going to be a conversation. Walk into the interview being curious and you’ll be just fine.

When he interviewed authors, Larry King said that he would not read their book in advance, so that he would not know more about the book than his audience. He was simply curious and asked great questions.

It is just like a cocktail party. Know enough about the person to start a conversation and go from there.

What is the goal of the interview? You want the person on your show for some reason. How will your audience benefit from this conversation?

Once you know that, you will understand which questions are important. You will use your target listener as a filter for your questions and let it roll.

Get over your fear of starting by taking the first step. Make it a small, easy step. Get a mic and a computer. Install Skype.

Once you have that done, schedule and record an interview. Make this someone lower on the list. This will be a test run to make sure all goes well. Knowing this will take the pressure off of you to make it a home run. We are just looking for a little success.

When show prep is becoming an excuse for not launching, it is too much prep.

When you are asking for an interview, what is the worst that could happen. They might say, “Sorry, David. I don’t have time right now.” If that happens, move on to the next.

A decline is never a judgement on you or your character. The interview just doesn’t make sense for them right now.

If you position your request from your guest’s point of view and explain how it benefits them, that is about all you can do. They either say yes or no. Don’t be embarrassed about asking.

Some will be flattered that you asked. If you have done your homework and know what is important to your potential guest, very few will be offended if you ask. If they are offended, that individual is probably not somebody you want on your show anyway. Move on.

With regard to the show prep sheet you send your guest, make it easy. Nobody wants to volunteer to be on your show and then spend 2 hours filling out forms and doing homework before the interview begins. Cover the important subjects, like time, room noise, profanity and expectations. Then, get rolling.

You cannot possibly predict every scenario that might happen during the interview. So, stop trying. You won’t know how warm the water is until you jump in. Give it a try.

 

RELATIONSHIP SUCCESS

You had a longer segment on sharing content or teaming up with other podcasts on a previous episode. I focused a lot of effort on that, and like you advised, I didn’t fear losing my listeners to these other friendly shows.

The plan didn’t work at first, but then we found the right partner. They engage on our Facebook and share our content and we do the same for them. Not only did our average downloads jump 25% overnight, but we made some great friends at the same time.

We are currently planning a joint episode and we are both hoping it will be a success. This is a great strategy to gather new listeners. And if you are fun, engaging and creative, these new listeners will stick around.

– Andy Gonzales

 

EKJ:

I love when a plan comes together.

In Episode 176, we talked about various ways to grow your audience by 10x. One of the suggestions is connection.

You need to reach out to others in your space. You need to increase your circle of influence. You need to take some chances and make some noise.

So many podcasters see the pie as limited. If you get more pie, I must get less. They act like there is only so much pie to go around.

Podcasting is more like fire or ideas. If I have fire and I give you some of that fire, you gain and I lose nothing. If I have knowledge and I share that with you, it is the same situation. You gain and I lose nothing.

Just because someone listens to your podcast, that doesn’t mean they cannot enjoy another. There are 168 hours in the week. You are probably awake for 112 of those hours. If you release on 60-minute podcast a week, there are 111 more hours to enjoy other shows.

Find great partners and help each other. As Andy says, you need to find the right partner.

If partnering with someone in your direct niche still makes you a bit uncomfortable, find someone who might make a great compliment to your content. Look for a podcaster who offers something that goes hand-in-hand with your stuff.

Dave Jackson and I are a good example. We are both podcast coaches and consultants. However, Dave’s expertise is teaching the technical side of podcasting. My expertise is content and personality. We overlap here and there. But, we also compliment the strengths of each other as well.

If you do a podcast on coaching baseball, find a podcaster who has a show on playing baseball. If you do a business-to-business podcast, find someone who is business-to-consumer. If you are small business marketing, find someone who is small business accounting. There are a million possibilities. Help each other.

Here are some tips to grow your audience.

 

TEN TIPS TO GROW

  1. Reach out to super-fans and begin the interaction.
  2. Help people meet and create community.
  3. Host events to create community.
  4. Get interviewed on other shows. Make it easy for hosts to find you.
  5. Give. Leave feedback for other shows. Ask great questions on other shows.
  6. Promotion is the exploitation of great opportunities. Find great opportunities.
  7. Buy a contest insurance policy.
  8. Collect birthdates in your database and call listeners on their birthday.
  9. Create a lead magnet for every episode.
  10. Find people who can help you and invest in yourself. Mastermind, coach, peers.

 

You can get my entire list of 52 ways to create engagement with your show here:

 

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.

Podcast

My Tools To Make Money With My Podcast – Episode 184

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My Tools To Make Money With My Podcast – Episode 184

Make Money With Your Podcast
Copyright: szefei / 123RF Stock Photo

How do I make money with my podcast? I get asked this quite a bit. Many podcasters want to make money to at least pay for the expense of podcasting.

I thought you could get some great help if we reviewed the tools I use with my podcasting and in my business. This includes the tools I use to create my podcast, website and newsletter. We will also review the resources I use to learn, create products and generate revenue.

This list includes affiliate links. Please understand I would never recommend anything I didn’t already use and love. I have been using most of these resources for years. That is why I feel confident recommending them to you. You can find affiliate links to and discounts for most of these in the resource section online at PodcastTalentCoach.com.

I want to give you a quick overview of my gear. Then, we will get into making money with your show.

If you would like some great, FREE tools to get your revenue started, I have an amazing, FREE online training course for you online at PodcastTalentCoach.com. Plus, you get two of my best two of my best resource guides, “16 ways to make money with a free podcast” and “75 ways to drive engagement with your podcast”. Get them now online here:

FREE REVENUE GENERATING TOOLS

 

COACHING RESOURCE

This overall list doesn’t include much technical information, such as mixers, processors and software. I leave that to Dave Jackson at the School of Podcasting. He is the tech expert that helps me. If you are looking for help setting up the studio, Dave is your guy. He leads off my resources.

 

TECHNICAL TOOLS

A few technical tools from my studio include my mic, my mac and a few web tools.

My studio mic is an ElectroVoice RE20. This runs about $450. It is a high quality mic. This mic is probably much more than a beginning podcaster needs. However, if you are serious about podcasting, this is a great mic.

My backup mic is an Audio-Technica ATR-2100. It s a great USB mic for about $60.

For editing, I use Adobe Audition in the studio. I will occasionally use Garage Band for quick projects or when I’m traveling. Dave Jackson recently turned me on to Hindenburg Journalist. I am considering that option. Audacity is also a great tool. Daniel J. Lewis is very knowledgeable with this platform if you are looking for input.

I use a Mac Book Pro 13″ for the flexibility. It cost me $1,200.

My mp3s are tagged with ID3 Editor from PA Software. The price tag was $15.

I host my audio with Libsyn. It runs $20/month.

My URLs were purchased through GoDaddy. The price really depends on the URL. You can usually find a deal. After the initial deal, I pay about $45/year.

I have a website on Homestead and one on Host Gator with WordPress. Homestead is a stand alone site builder. Host Gator just hosts my WordPress site. Homestead is $20/month. HostGator is $135/year, just over $11/month. They each have various plans. WordPress is free.

On my website, I use Paypal for my transactions. Most of my providers accept it. Plus, they have a card option for my customers. I like this because most of my customers are familiar with it.

Aweber is my newsletter provider. The subscription is $19/month at the time of this writing. I looked at Mail Chimp. Both are very similar services if you have a list under 5,000.

Canva.com is a decent resource for creating graphics. I use it primarily as an editing tool. They have a decent photo library. Most photos are about $1/photo. However, most of my photos come from 123RF.com. I find those photos to be a little better than the Canva photos.

My workbook was self-published through Create Space, an Amazon company. You simply upload a .pdf. It is fairly simple to use. Not very expensive. They also sell the workbook through Amazon and converted it to Kindle. That made things super easy for me.

I am in the process of creating a membership portal through WishList Member. It was $297 when I purchased it. They have solid training videos. I am not yet complete with this one.

 

LEARNING TOOLS

Dan Miller and 48Days.com is where it all started. He has great tools to help you find your passion and the work you love.

Internet Business Mastery is a great podcast and course that has helped me refine my business focus. Jeremy & Jason have been there and done it.

Audible.com has turned my car into a mobile classroom. I am usually listening to a couple books a month on top of the podcasts. You can get a free book when you use my affiliate link on the resources page.

I cannot say enough about Dave Jackson and the School of Podcasting. If you want to learn the technical nuts and bolts, check out his course, membership and training tools.

 

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Now that you have your gear set, let’s talk about making money with your show. Don’t forget to get the free training online at PodcastTalentCoach.com.

To make money with your podcast, you need something to sell. When I’m coaching clients, we review goals. Many will say, “I’d like to make money with my podcast.” When I ask, “What do you have to sell?”, they say, “Nothing.”

Nothing to sell equals no revenue. A few ads in your show will not generate enough revenue to make a difference. You need to create a product. Then, let your podcast promote that product while helping and entertaining your audience.

The best thing about a digital product is that you do the work once and then sell it over and over again.

When I was struggling to launch a product, I had no idea what my audience wanted. So many gurus say, “Figure out what your audience wants and then make it for them.”

That sounds so easy. But, how do you figure that out?

A Seed Launch is the perfect place to start.

The Seed Launch is part of Jeff Walker’s Product Launch Formula. The Seed Launch is one of my favorite parts of the PLF course. I’ve watched that module multiple times and learn something new each time.

I love the Seed Launch and want to share it with you. If you embrace this, you will find the product creation and launch process so much easier to understand.

Jeff teaches you exactly how to figure out what your audience wants. With the Seed Launch, your listeners tell you what they need as you create the product. It is brilliant.

Let’s walk through it.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to make money is with the Seed Launch. You start with no list or product and you get paid to create your product. Tell me that doesn’t sound great.

If you are just starting out or want to test a new idea, a Seed Launch works very well.

When you are building your online revenue stream you need to take small, incremental steps. Those small steps add up to huge results. You start building your list with your opt in. Promote that opt-in on your podcast and through your e-mail. You let that opt-in teach people about your product. Finally, you execute your product launch. These are the baby steps to revenue.

With the Seed Launch, you don’t need a huge list or a product.

This is an interactive process. The Seed Launch helps build relationships. It helps get feedback and case studies that you can use with even bigger launches. Each launch builds on the last.

Most of us are not trained teachers or trainers. We don’t instinctively know how to teach correctly or appropriately. The Seed Launch will help you refine those skills as well.

When creating your product and teaching, be careful of the Curse of Knowledge. You forgot what you didn’t know when you were staring out. You forgot what it was like to not know the basics.

You’re likely an expert in the subject matter of your product. As an expert, it is very hard to remember what it was like as a beginner. Now, you do it without thinking. Like riding a bike. If you have ever taught a child to ride a bike, you know what it is like to try to remember the basics.

The Seed Launch helps you avoid the Curse of Knowledge. It is interactive with webinars or teleseminars.

That’s what makes the Seed Launch a fantastic way to create and launch a product. Your fans tell you exactly what they don’t know and need to learn.

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

So, how does the Seed Launch work?

With the Seed Launch, you create an outline for your course. You then get a group of people to join you as you conduct a series of webinars.

Through the surveys you perform before and after each call, you’ll find out what they really want to know, where the gaps are, and what you need to revisit or teach better. They tell you exactly what you need to teach, which helps you build a product your audience wants and needs.

As you conduct the webinar series, you record all of the calls. By the end, you have a product that your audience has helped you create. It is exactly what they want, because they told you during the process. You have answered all of their questions, because they asked. The Seed Launch helps you determine the market need while avoiding the curse of knowledge.

Keep in mind, the Seed Launch is not just for beginners. If you have a business but want to launch a new product, this is a fantastic way to get started. It prevents procrastination, because you get paid and are forced to create the product.

The Seed Launch brings in money, creates a great product, and leads to new learning.

 

GET PEOPLE INTERESTED

“But I don’t have a list.” How do you get people in the webinars when you don’t have a big e-mail list?

We all started at zero. You are not alone. The best things about the Seed Launch is that you don’t need a big list. You only need a small group to help you with the creation of your product. You need enough that you can create some community and receive valuable input.

Where can we find those people?

Think about your circle of influence within your expertise. Do you have a group of people you know who might be interested in your knowledge? How about your e-mail contacts. Look at your Facebook friends and your Twitter followers. Your podcast audience is a great pool of people. These are all solid ways to get people interested in your webinar series.

If you can get 20 people on your webinar each paying your $100 to be there, you are earning $2,000 to create your product. How great is that?

When you are done with the webinar series, you have a great product to sell over and over again using the other forms of launches that Jeff teaches. You can use the Internal Launch, JV Launch and Quick Launch.

Jeff Walker teaches all of these in Product Launch Formula. He is getting ready to release PLF and kick off the training. Do you want to learn more? Do you want to see how this can propel your revenue?

The free video series Jeff releases to promote PLF is training Jeff calls the “Second Best Training” on the internet just after the PLF course itself. I own PLF and have watched his free video series three times AFTER I made the purchase. It is a great business resource.

If you want access to course, sign up at PodcastTalentCoach.com. You will learn a great deal with regard to making money with your podcast.

Just for signing up, I’ll send you two of my best resource guides, “16 ways to make money with a free podcast” and “75 ways to drive engagement with your podcast”.

Sign up online at PodcastTalentCoach.com. Hurry. Jeff’s free training begins on February 8th.

 

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.

 

(These tools can be found on the resource page at PodcastTalentCoach.com. Most links on that page are affiliate links. I may receive a variable commission for any purchase made using those links.)

Podcast

Finding Your Confidence – Episode 168

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Finding Your Confidence – Episode 168

Finding Your Confidence
Copyright: lzflzf / 123RF Stock Photo

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.:

 – – PODCAST TALENT COACH SURVEY – –

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.

Find the link in the coaching section of PodcastTalentCoach.com.

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.

 – – COACHING SERVICES – –

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.

Podcast

How Do I Market My Podcast ? – Episode 114

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How Do I Market My Podcast ? – Episode 114

Answering listener questions

Thank you for allowing me to help you with your podcast. I get a great deal of joy helping podcasters achieve their goals.

A few weeks ago, I asked you for questions and ways I can help you with your show. I received some great questions from you. This week, I want to go through a few with you.

How do you market your show? How can I get to the point of launch? How do I fight the Impostor Syndrome? How do I name my podcast?

I’m struggling with promotion/marketing and spreading the word.
-Greg from the “I Want To Know” podcast

There are many ways to market and promote. Most of it takes time.

I learned a lot about marketing from Paige Nienaber from CPR Promotions. He often refers to this drip style of marketing as dog crap marketing.

Paige lives in Minnesota, where it snows a lot every year. The ground is typically covered with snow from November to March.

Paige also owns a dog. If you are a dog owner, you know all about cleaning the back yard. The dog makes deposits. You clean it up.

Just because there is snow on the ground doesn’t mean the dog doesn’t need to go out to do his business. It just makes it tougher to clean up.

When the snow finally melts in March, you find the results of all the hard work of your dog. It wasn’t done in a few days. It built up slowly over months of productive work by the dog.

The same is true for your marketing. Work on it daily and let the results build over time.

Here are six tips you can use.

1. Know your most frequent listeners by name and use them.
2. Use stories to stand out and be remembered.
3. Host events to create community.
4. Make it easy to share your content.
5. Don’t blow your first impression.
6. Write great show notes with helpful links that your audience can use.

You can find a worksheet of 52 podcast marketing tips at PodcastTalentCoach.com.

I am a beginner, not even live yet, in fact having problems getting from intro, outro, episode and artwork to live. So frustrating, feeling like I am THIS close.
– Corrine

This is a matter of finding the courage to launch. Fight the impostor syndrome. Learn as you go.

If you have your intro, outro, episode notes and artwork, you are ready to go live.

Create a WordPress site and sign up for a Libsyn account. This should put you in a great position to launch.

If it is belief in yourself that is holding you back, take baby steps. Record three episodes telling yourself you won’t really post these. You are just practicing. Get them recorded.

Once you have the episodes recorded, put them on Libsyn and post to your WordPress site to ensure the technology works. Test the links. Listen to the shows. Submit it to iTunes. Just tell yourself you can always change it if necessary.

After you are sure everything works, move on to the next few episodes. Changing those first three episodes is posible. However, it is more work. I think once you get them posted, you will be more excited and interested in working on the next few episodes rather than tinkering with the first three. Move forward in baby steps.

If it is the technology that is holding you back, check out Dave Jackson at the School of Podcasting. He has great tutorials that will help you create a website, set up a Libsyn account and submit your show to iTunes. He also has a great offer where he will set up your site if you order your hosting through him.

Dave always says if you can post on Facebook, you can create a website with WordPress and launch a podcast. Don’t let the intimidation stop you. There are many resources that can help.

I want to launch a show I can be proud of. I quickly get into my own head and get slapped down by the Nobody’s Going to Like This Fairy. Stupid fairy. Any tips for shutting that voice up?
– Greg

I began my broadcasting career when I was 19. It was completely by accident. I was going to college to get my architecture degree. Since I was 12-years-old, I had been tailoring my education to be an architect or engineer.

In college, I had the same fear of public speaking as most people. In our design classes, we had to do presentations in front of a panel of judges. I absolutely hated doing these presentations.

During class, four or five students would present during the hour. It would take about a week to get through the entire class. That was the worst part. The anxiety would build for presentation day only to not get your name called. I would have to live through the anxiety again in anticipation of presenting during the next class.

I never envisioned being a public speaker, radio talent or any other presenter.

My younger brother worked for a radio station at the time. I was home for the weekend doing nothing like most college students. That was when the phone rang. It was the manager of the radio station looking for my brother to fill in during a shift. My brother wasn’t home and I was offered a part-time job.

My career in radio started just running the board for long-form programs. I only talked on the radio between the 30-minute shows. I might give the time or temperature. Otherwise, I would sit around while the show played. Speaking was minimal.

As an elective for my architecture degree, I took a class called “Broadcasting For The Non-Major”. I figured being in a radio station for a part-time job should make this class a little easier. It would also help me learn more about my job.

That class eventually led me to become the music director of the college station.

That position got me a job working overnights at a commercial station. Suddenly, I instantly found myself talking to 10,000 people. I was no longer talking between long-form programs to a handful of old people. This was real radio.

Over time, I started to get comfortable talking on the radio. It took a little time. I eventually got there.

As I started picking up more hours on the air, my boss started to send me out broadcasting live in front of a crowd. I was being sent onstage to introduce concerts in front of 10,000 people. These were no longer people I couldn’t see. They were right in front of me.

It took me years to figure out how to overcome those butterflies I would get each time I stepped in front of a crowd. There were tips and tricks I learned along the way to help me. It was a combination of things I learned over the years that helped me defeat the jitters. Here are a few ways to shake the butterflies out of your system. It could save you years of trial and error.

Preparation is the key idea in the process.

Here are four steps to properly prepare for your show.

1. Overcome Jitters
– Prepare your material
– Rehearse
– Focus on one person – preferably your single target listener you have defined
– Tell yourself you are an expert at your opinion
– Making people either love you or hate you only means you are making people care.

2. Create Great Notes
– Bullet points – don’t script
– Tell stories
– Give examples – play audio
– Determine your open and close, intro and outro for show and each topic … “now it’s time for” is not an appropriate intro

3. Set the Room
– Get the temp correct – be comfortable
– Get some room temp water
– No distractions – phone, family

4. Prepare Your Equipment
– Close other programs
– Prepare your software
– Turn off your phone, close e-mail, close IM
– Test your mic and set your levels
Contact and prepare guests & co-hosts

The places I am struggling with my future podcast is mainly the what to name it. I have ideas for about 3 different podcasts (though I only want to start with one). The main problem is naming them also i.e. website name and so forth. I have an idea about formats but with never having done a podcast, they seem to escape me. I know I won’t be perfect at first and I am okay with that. But at the same time I would like to be somewhat in order. A little more guidance on this would be greatly appreciated.
– Richard

The name of your podcast sets up your brand. It should tell people exactly what they will get from your show. Don’t get cute.

If you name your show “Outside the Lines”, nobody will know if that is a show about paint-by-numbers, football or off roading. “School of Podcasting” is pretty clear. You know what you are going to get.

Take five minutes and brainstorm. Start writing every name you can think of that relates to your niche. There are no bad ideas here. Every idea will lead to another. Don’t critique. Just write as much as you can.

After the five minutes is up, review the list. Highlight the names you like.

These names should be clear about your content. Find names that capture the imagination. Look for names that sound interesting.

Once you have narrowed the list to five to ten names, ask others for their opinion. Explain the criteria of a great name. Have them give you their top three choices.

Read over the five or ten lists of three. Look for the names that get the most mentions.

Now, take action. Pick a name and run with it.

What is the worst that can happen? You get a year into it and need to adjust it. That’s ok. On a podcast the other day, I heard someone say, “If you wait until all of the stoplights turn green before you begin your journey, you’ll never start.”

Just begin. Don’t wait for things to be perfect. That will never happen. Just start.
Thanks for all of the questions. If 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.

Podcast

What Is Holding You Back? – PTC Episode 089

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What Is Holding You Back? – PTC Episode 089

Holding You Back

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.

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.